El final de la inocencia. (The Year the Gypsies Came)
Reviewed by Luis Francisco Vargas Desert Sage Library, Phoenix, AZ -- Críticas, 6/15/2008
Glass, Linzi.
tr. by Carlos Milla & Isabel Ferrer. Spain: Siruela, dist. by Anaya. 2008. 281p. ISBN 978-84-9841-174-4. $29.95.
Gr 7-10–Emily, a white privileged 12-year-old living near Johannesburg, South Africa, tells the gripping story of growing up in the 1960s during apartheid. Her self-centered mom is absent, caught up with appearances and busy “playing tennis” with another man. Her workaholic Dad is either not around or arguing with her mom. Despite the lack of parenting, Emily finds a loving and a wonderful friend in her older sister Sarah. She also becomes very attached to Buza, a wise aging Zulu guard who has been a longtime family employee. Her parents only seem to act pleasant whenever company arrives, and this spring an Australian family of four joins them for several weeks. Even though times are good and Emily gets her first kiss, something devastating happens to her sister. A fast-paced chain of events that leads to Sarah’s death eventually changes Emily’s life forever. Though not too detailed, the satisfying epilog shows a mature, serene Emily (now a mother of a little girl) and explains the role of Buza in helping her through the horrifying ordeal. Regardless of the peninsular Spanish and the occasional obscure word, the translation retains Emily’s voice, and her sweet, curious, and at times dark analogies make this an easy and authentic read. In addition, the wonderful text is sprinkled with Zulu words and phrases that are later explained in a glossary. Though not a memoir, the story draws from the author’s experiences growing up in Johannesburg during the period. Recommended for school and public libraries, this novel is an essential addition to South African historical fiction and a must-have for social studies teachers.
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