Kaffir Boy

Stars: 3.5/5
Author: Mark Mathabane
Subjects: Africa, apartheid, poverty, South Africa, oppression, tennis, gangs
ISBN: 0684848287
Copyright Year: 1986
Other Comments: Kaffir Boy is the autobiography of Johannes (Mark) Mathabane.  The word "kaffir" is of Arabic origin and means "infidel".  It was used as a degrading term by South African whites and is the equivalent of the word "nigger" commonly used in America (paraphrased from the preface).  This non-fiction work is about Mathabane's childhood years up until the age of 18.  This book paints a vivid portrait of the absolute inhumane conditions of apartheid.  From endless poverty to extremely unsanitary conditions to gang wars to overall oppression - Mathabane explains honestly how the minority of white South African citizens ruled over the majority of black natives with an iron fist.  This book was a haunting and devastating read.  I would recommend this to anyone who does not know what apartheid is or has little knowledge of it.  Also, there appears to be a sequel titled Kaffir Boy in America.