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Shirley, Goodness & Mercy: A Childhood in Africa
Despite Van Wyk's later becoming involved in the anti-apartheid struggle, this is not a book about racial politics. Instead, it is a delightful account of one boy's special relationship with the relatives, friends and neighbors—often decidedly quirky—who made up his community, and of the important coping role laughter and humor played during the years he spent in bleak, dusty townships. Chris van Wyk has created a truly remarkable record of life in the black community at once informative and vastly entertaining.
315 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 30, 2014
Chris van Wyk's reminiscences of his childhood and youth in apartheid South Africa is an excellent book. He grew up in Riverlea, a working-class so-called Coloured suburb in southern Johannesburg in the 1960s and 1970s. I would have loved to have heard him speak, because I can just imagine telling these stories about family, friends, enemies and the daily rituals that he wrote with such charm and wit. His family was relatively poor and there were six children to feed, but there were lots of family and friends. His mother's mother, grandmother Ruby, took him to buy some Hardy Boys Books even thought she couldn't read herself.
He would make a name for himself as a poet and have his first poetry collection published early in his twenties. His poetry would bring him to the attention of the apartheid police and he would become very involved in the anti-apartheid struggle (although that part of his life is not covered in this book). There are quite a few poems quoted in the book which adds to the enjoyment of reading it.
This book illustrates the resilience of youth growing up in apartheid South Africa, growing awareness of the unequal political status enjoyed by citizens and coming of age in an era of struggle. One of my favourite books of the year.
He would make a name for himself as a poet and have his first poetry collection published early in his twenties. His poetry would bring him to the attention of the apartheid police and he would become very involved in the anti-apartheid struggle (although that part of his life is not covered in this book). There are quite a few poems quoted in the book which adds to the enjoyment of reading it.
This book illustrates the resilience of youth growing up in apartheid South Africa, growing awareness of the unequal political status enjoyed by citizens and coming of age in an era of struggle. One of my favourite books of the year.
September 12, 2014
A memoir of a coloured person's life in apartheid SA. At times funny, at times very sad but always well written. This was not always an easy book to read, as it is a very real reminder of the sins of our fathers.
September 18, 2025
“Shirley, Goodness & Mercy is not a book about racial politics. Instead, it is a delightful account of one’s boy’s special relationship with the relatives, friends and neighbours…and of the important coping role laughter and humour played. This book conveys the persistence of “normality” and “ordinariness” of family and community life with the abnormality of apartheid. It represents the richness of life lived despite apartheid, refusing to solely depict township life in terms of deprivation. They serve as works of cultural and historical retrieval, highlighting the extraordinary resilience of coloured communities.
February 9, 2017
When Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990, I was 5 years old... When he was elected as President in the first democratic elections, I was 9... Twenty years on from his release, I'm afraid I often forget just how harrowing Apartheid was for anyone who didn't have a certain skin colour.
However, Chris van Wyk's book is by no means a "woe-is-me" tale of growing up in the Apartheid era. He injects such humour into his early days that you are drawn into tales about his family and friends, and the dusty township that they call home. I laughed out loud often while reading this book.
Later on, he begins to tell about how angry he felt at being labelled "inferior" - he knew he wasn't and he got involved in the struggle by writing. Much of what he wrote was beautiful poetry (of which "In detention" is possibly one of his best-known).
I like this man a lot. He writes without self-pity - he writes with a lot of pride, and there's very little else that can be more respected in a person than if they are proud of who they are and where they come from. Well worth the read.
However, Chris van Wyk's book is by no means a "woe-is-me" tale of growing up in the Apartheid era. He injects such humour into his early days that you are drawn into tales about his family and friends, and the dusty township that they call home. I laughed out loud often while reading this book.
Later on, he begins to tell about how angry he felt at being labelled "inferior" - he knew he wasn't and he got involved in the struggle by writing. Much of what he wrote was beautiful poetry (of which "In detention" is possibly one of his best-known).
I like this man a lot. He writes without self-pity - he writes with a lot of pride, and there's very little else that can be more respected in a person than if they are proud of who they are and where they come from. Well worth the read.
November 10, 2012
In parts so funny, in parts uncomfortable and sad. A different perspective and insight into the lives of coloured people daily life's during apartheid.
December 28, 2014
There are many novels available in recent years that deal with Apartheid and the struggle. Many autobiographies are available detailing the lives of those closest to the struggle and thankfully, history books and school curriculum have been rewritten to better reflect the truth of those times. However, there are few books that deal with the ordinary man on the street, and fewer yet dealing with those of the minority groups, like the ‘colored’ community.
‘Shirley goodness and mercy’ is a wonderful collection of snippets from the life of Chris van Wyk, a ‘colored’ boy growing up in Riverlea and Coronationville during the thick of the Apartheid years. Van Wyk tells the stories of his childhood in true South African style, with humor interspersed with proudly South African lingo. He brings to life the vibrance of township life, the simplicity of childhood and at times, the depressing normality of a poverty stricken part of the country and culture that very few South Africans really got the chance to see.
One of the lessons that will stick with me include the stories surrounding Chris’s teachers. His memories have reinforced my views that most teachers never realize the astounding impact they have on our children, how a flippant word can affect their entire lives and how one word of encouragement can turn a struggling child into a dreamer, a writer, a poet, or even a President. The same can be said of parents and authority figures in the community.
There were many references, places and traditions that I, as a middle-class white South African could relate to. Some of the things Chris used to eat and do with his parents, I remember doing with mine. One of the things I found particularly interesting, was the way Chris’s parents tried to shelter him from the political goings-on around him in the earlier years. The affection in his family was tangible in his story-telling. I particularly admired the way he reflected back on the discipline his parents meted out to him and his siblings and the obvious respect he continues to have for them. Chris clearly understood that they did the very best they could for him, despite their circumstances.
The role of alcohol in the community and family life was, and judging by the number of liquor stores and shebeens still adorning even the smallest South African outpost, still remains, a huge part of our culture. Chris’s explanations of township life have put this into perspective for me and while I still feel that the tendencies of South African’s to over imbibe are perpetuating many negative behaviors, I now understand that the roots are deeper.
This collection of experiences from the life of a young, ‘colored’ South African poet was eye-opening, funny, sad, rich and vibrant. It should be a part of every South African’s reading list, and for those of you who aren’t native, but would like to learn a little more about the country at the tip of Africa, this is an excellent cultural account.
‘Shirley goodness and mercy’ is a wonderful collection of snippets from the life of Chris van Wyk, a ‘colored’ boy growing up in Riverlea and Coronationville during the thick of the Apartheid years. Van Wyk tells the stories of his childhood in true South African style, with humor interspersed with proudly South African lingo. He brings to life the vibrance of township life, the simplicity of childhood and at times, the depressing normality of a poverty stricken part of the country and culture that very few South Africans really got the chance to see.
One of the lessons that will stick with me include the stories surrounding Chris’s teachers. His memories have reinforced my views that most teachers never realize the astounding impact they have on our children, how a flippant word can affect their entire lives and how one word of encouragement can turn a struggling child into a dreamer, a writer, a poet, or even a President. The same can be said of parents and authority figures in the community.
There were many references, places and traditions that I, as a middle-class white South African could relate to. Some of the things Chris used to eat and do with his parents, I remember doing with mine. One of the things I found particularly interesting, was the way Chris’s parents tried to shelter him from the political goings-on around him in the earlier years. The affection in his family was tangible in his story-telling. I particularly admired the way he reflected back on the discipline his parents meted out to him and his siblings and the obvious respect he continues to have for them. Chris clearly understood that they did the very best they could for him, despite their circumstances.
The role of alcohol in the community and family life was, and judging by the number of liquor stores and shebeens still adorning even the smallest South African outpost, still remains, a huge part of our culture. Chris’s explanations of township life have put this into perspective for me and while I still feel that the tendencies of South African’s to over imbibe are perpetuating many negative behaviors, I now understand that the roots are deeper.
This collection of experiences from the life of a young, ‘colored’ South African poet was eye-opening, funny, sad, rich and vibrant. It should be a part of every South African’s reading list, and for those of you who aren’t native, but would like to learn a little more about the country at the tip of Africa, this is an excellent cultural account.
October 23, 2012
I adored the fact that the author’s love for books and language since childhood came out so strong and that he has the ability to make one remember your own fondest memories of childhood when he relays stories of his.
It was also inevitable that politics would feature somewhere in his memoires as he was a precocious child growing up in Apartheid SA. I highly recommend this book as well as his other one “Eggs to Lay & Chickens To Hatch”
It was also inevitable that politics would feature somewhere in his memoires as he was a precocious child growing up in Apartheid SA. I highly recommend this book as well as his other one “Eggs to Lay & Chickens To Hatch”
April 26, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, funny and sad, easy to read and informative, I would like to read more of his work now.
August 1, 2008
A memoir about growing up coloured in apartheid South Africa. Beautifully written.
June 3, 2023
Chris van Wyk took me on a fulfilling and refreshing journey with each and every story presented here.
Reading this memoir has made me realise how similar our South African childhood experiences are regardless of the era or circumstances we are born in. And some of these stories read like a recollection of my own childhood escapades. Quite nostalgic and relatable.
This is without a doubt storytelling of the highest order infused with humor, education and entertainment. I am left yearning for more.
Reading this memoir has made me realise how similar our South African childhood experiences are regardless of the era or circumstances we are born in. And some of these stories read like a recollection of my own childhood escapades. Quite nostalgic and relatable.
This is without a doubt storytelling of the highest order infused with humor, education and entertainment. I am left yearning for more.
October 12, 2021
My favourite South African Author (May his soul rest in peace).
This is the second time I read this book, and I enjoyed it as much as the first. So much wit and humour, and a deep insight of what it was like growing up in apartheid South Africa.
This is the second time I read this book, and I enjoyed it as much as the first. So much wit and humour, and a deep insight of what it was like growing up in apartheid South Africa.
March 18, 2022
I don’t think that it is appropriate to give a memoir a star rating, but this book is so full of history. My parent’s history and mine. It is also filled with current affairs despite its 2004 publication date.
It was a profound and thought provoking read.
It was a profound and thought provoking read.
October 7, 2018
Chris van Wyk is without a doubt one of my favourite South African writers.
Shirley, Goodness & Mercy is a delicious window into growing up in a coloured township in South Africa.
Chris has that rare talent of using his words to tell such a good story, that writing seems easy.
I cannot wait to pick this book up again and read it in a few years - a real treat!
Shirley, Goodness & Mercy is a delicious window into growing up in a coloured township in South Africa.
Chris has that rare talent of using his words to tell such a good story, that writing seems easy.
I cannot wait to pick this book up again and read it in a few years - a real treat!
October 10, 2014
I am saddened by the passing on of this talented writer, Chris van Wyk, on Saturday 4 October. My condolences to his wife , Kate, and his extended family. Shirley, Goodness and Mercy" will always be one of my favourite books. May his beautiful soul rest in peace.
May 26, 2010
A great book about a people stuck in a twilight zone neither black nor white in the Apartheid South Africa. A most enjoyable book.
March 25, 2018
3.5 stars - A difficult book to rate, because I didn't experience consistency in my feelings towards it.
I loved the start of it - happy memories of a little boy who grew up in a poor coloured township in SA - oblivious to the politics playing out around him, while describing the wonder of discovery as a small child. I enjoyed most of the stories of his childhood, interspersed with both humour and tragedy.
As Chris grew older, more anger and bitterness start featuring and understandably so, but I also found some of the stories or accounts a bit unnecessary or boring or random. I love poetry and enjoyed the fact that he shares some of his poems throughout the book, but again I found some of them exceptional and others rather mediocre. I felt like I grew less fond of and more removed from Chris as a person as the story developed.
I appreciate the education and insight into life in a coloured community in SA during his lifetime, which was quite an eye-opener to me and made it worth pushing through. However, the story as a whole felt more like a collection of short stories to me, or like a far-removed acquaintance paging through a family album and sharing random stories. To me, some were powerful, while others seemed to add more blandness. Although some parts were very entertaining, humorous and powerful, I would describe most of the book as an important educational lesson in a part of SA history, rather than a fun, excellent or entertaining read as a whole. Glad I pushed through though.
I loved the start of it - happy memories of a little boy who grew up in a poor coloured township in SA - oblivious to the politics playing out around him, while describing the wonder of discovery as a small child. I enjoyed most of the stories of his childhood, interspersed with both humour and tragedy.
As Chris grew older, more anger and bitterness start featuring and understandably so, but I also found some of the stories or accounts a bit unnecessary or boring or random. I love poetry and enjoyed the fact that he shares some of his poems throughout the book, but again I found some of them exceptional and others rather mediocre. I felt like I grew less fond of and more removed from Chris as a person as the story developed.
I appreciate the education and insight into life in a coloured community in SA during his lifetime, which was quite an eye-opener to me and made it worth pushing through. However, the story as a whole felt more like a collection of short stories to me, or like a far-removed acquaintance paging through a family album and sharing random stories. To me, some were powerful, while others seemed to add more blandness. Although some parts were very entertaining, humorous and powerful, I would describe most of the book as an important educational lesson in a part of SA history, rather than a fun, excellent or entertaining read as a whole. Glad I pushed through though.
December 27, 2025
A quietly powerful novel that stays with you long after you finish it. Van Wyk’s simple, unadorned language is one of the book’s greatest strengths. It allows the characters and their lives to speak for themselves with honesty, warmth, and dignity.
The chapters connect seamlessly, each one deepening your understanding and gently expanding the story rather than interrupting it. There’s a sense of continuity that makes the novel feel intimate and whole, as though you’re being invited into a life rather than just observing it.
What we loved most was being drawn into the world of Rieverlea; its rhythms, relationships, humour, and hardships. It’s a place rendered with care and authenticity, full of ordinary moments that reveal extraordinary humanity.
A beautifully crafted, deeply humane story: tender, funny, and quietly profound. A definite five-star read.
The chapters connect seamlessly, each one deepening your understanding and gently expanding the story rather than interrupting it. There’s a sense of continuity that makes the novel feel intimate and whole, as though you’re being invited into a life rather than just observing it.
What we loved most was being drawn into the world of Rieverlea; its rhythms, relationships, humour, and hardships. It’s a place rendered with care and authenticity, full of ordinary moments that reveal extraordinary humanity.
A beautifully crafted, deeply humane story: tender, funny, and quietly profound. A definite five-star read.
January 4, 2023
This was such a funny book, written in the eyes of 5year old Chris, who is curious and innocent to the racial apartheid of the time. His relations with family and friends are told in such a humorous way, and the book was such a delight to read!
It is a delightful account of one boy's special relationship with the relatives, friends and neighbors—often decidedly quirky—who made up his community, and of the important coping role laughter and humor played during the years he spent in bleak, dusty townships.
It is a delightful account of one boy's special relationship with the relatives, friends and neighbors—often decidedly quirky—who made up his community, and of the important coping role laughter and humor played during the years he spent in bleak, dusty townships.
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October 5, 2024DNF pg 77 (~25%)
For a published author and poet, I found his writing mediocre and the structure of this memoir random and clumsy (e.g seperateky listing his 11 aunties and uncles, each with a short anecdote or personal detail. This could have been inserted more elegantly).
The stories, up to pg 77, could be interesting for someone who wants to learn about the Coloured experience during Apartheid.
For a published author and poet, I found his writing mediocre and the structure of this memoir random and clumsy (e.g seperateky listing his 11 aunties and uncles, each with a short anecdote or personal detail. This could have been inserted more elegantly).
The stories, up to pg 77, could be interesting for someone who wants to learn about the Coloured experience during Apartheid.
June 4, 2025
Laughed so hard while reading it..I cracked my rib..I didn't think it would be so relatable having the different timeliness. It has everything a reader needs in it. Poetry, realities, history and Loads of humor.
January 1, 2022
Beautifully written. It will leave you feeling nostalgic for a place you've never even been to.
January 1, 2023
Ugly beauty of small lives written with remarkable powers of observation, and with word manipulation, makes this memoir a gift of longevity for Riverlea, its history and its people.
October 9, 2024
A well written book which makes you think. Funny and sad in equal measures and provides an insight into the life and times of apartheid in South Africa. The resilience of humans is extraordinary.
June 8, 2014
It was awesome. Little anecdotes from the author's life - largely his early years. Chris van Wyk writes really well and has an awesome sense of humour. He also scatters some of his poetry throughout the book, which is nice. I think it also provides a less 'in your face' perspective of how apartheid impacted communities if one is brave enough to stop and think about it. He speaks of events and authors that were never part of my history yet are treasures of my country's culture. We have the "sequel" in book club too. Looking forward to reading it :-)
December 15, 2013
This was an excellent read, I laughed and cried while reading this book. It transported me to Chris' childhood to his young adult life and is a testament that you know your path at an earlier age. Chris was destined to be a writer and his love if books and words started showing at a very young age. His enquiring mind from an early age just refreshing and I was not surprised that he was part of the struggle to free South Africa in his way through his art - as a writer, poet.
December 2, 2017
Chris van Wyk is one of the best storytellers from South Africa. This memoir shines a light into township life in Johannesburg before the end of Apartheid. Throughout the book you will read some of his most famous poems like "In Detention" and "My Mother's Laughter." This book make you laugh and cry.
October 7, 2008
This book is quite fun...great stories from a coloured boy growing up in South Africa during Apartheid, smart interesting boy too. Some real good insights into human nature...
Want to read
July 21, 2010No
December 2, 2010
written in vernacular, the streets, life and love are clearly painted
January 21, 2013
Chris you are a star! Beautifully written! I laughed, i cried I relived all those scenes and walked all those places! I will always, always treasure this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews