M
Mark Mathabane
Mark Mathabane is the author of World Literature 1999. He writes about literature and culture.
Kaffir Boy
Mark Mathabane's memoir recounts his challenging childhood in the segregated townships of South Africa during apartheid. It's a powerful look at growing up amidst poverty, racial injustice, and violence, and the author's determination to escape his circumstances through education. This book offers a stark and personal perspective on a dark period in history.
The author continued his personal narrative in a follow-up work titled Kaffir Boy in America, which details his experiences as a student and immigrant after leaving South Africa.
It was honored with the Christopher Award, which recognizes works that affirm the highest values of the human spirit.