Crocodile Burning

by Michael Williams

All through his life, Seraki, a South African teenager, has witnessed hatred and violence. Seraki joins the cast of a locally produced musical that exposes the plight of black South Africans. When the play travels to the U.S., Seraki discovers that even in America, the land of opportunity, he cannot escape corruption. An ALA Best Book for Young Adults.

Genres: School, Africa

208 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 6, 1992

About the author

Michael Williams is a writer of plays, musicals, operas, and novels and the Managing Director of Cape Town Opera in South Africa. He began writing "radio plays" while studying at University of Cape Town and had his first novel published when he was twenty-five years old. He has written operas for young people based on African mythology as well as the libretti for symphonic operas that have premiered around the world. Michael is the author of several books, including the highly praised young adult novel Crocodile Burning. He finds writing fiction to be the perfect antidote to the drama of keeping an opera company alive in Africa.

Reviews

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why can't I get to read the book, it just says error

[Gracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed this book. Everytime I read it

[Rox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh man. This book made me so sad. I read this in high school, and so many things have stayed with me. The part where Seraki says that he wants to hug his brother so hard they become one and he can walk out of the prison, with his brother. That part got me good. I still think about it today.
I also thought the part where he tells of how his mother was forced to eat washing powder, because she bought it from a white man, I find that so heartbreaking.

[LeAnne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not badly written, but the author seems to be struggling for something to say as the book points out the evil in New York as well as Soweto. Given the publication date, I suspect the book as half written when Mandela was released and the author had to change the ending.

[Lee Mukupi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book gives clear description of how apartheid ruined the lives of many, especially black people. No matter how difficult things get never give up because if your ancestors would have given up where would you be?

[Mega_posh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still haven't finished it but sure is a nice book to read... Love it

[Raumalley · Rating 4 out of 5]

What are the different symbols that Mosake or the cast use in the book cause that's making me think a lot

[Theresia Sindimba · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read it

[Tina · Rating 1 out of 5]

This has to be the 2nd worst book i have ever read. I dont think i will ever forgive the Namibian education system for making read this crap.

[Fiona Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. The characters were so real and my heart broke over and over...and the heartbreaks were all worth the tears as justice prevailed and sad tears became happy ones.

[Wide233 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good

[Lusindiso Masango · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well set can't get enough of it

[Mvuselelo Ngambu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so interesting.I like the it just keeps pulling me to read it .I most definitely recommend it❤️❤️❤️😆

[Seluleko · Rating 3 out of 5]

a very good app

[Sindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was in high school when i read this book, I'd never (and I'm ashamed to admit this...)read a novel by a South African author being a South African myself.I'd thought it would be boring, lame and all about the past but instead...
The story line was interesting, the characters believable..all in all it was inspiring and i would recommend this book to anybody anyday.

[Shyanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It starts off really boring, but it gets so much better, you can't stop reading it! It's about an African boy who has had this dream, and he just wants to make it come true. So he goes to these auditions, and hopes to get a part. It's a very good story!!!

[Didi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in the early 2000s, i was about 15 yeara old, and i still remember just how much i loved it. It will probably always be one of my favorites.

[Sheera_J]

Best

[Miriam]

its a very good book