Moederland: Nine Daughters of South Africa

In Moederland - Motherland, Cato Pedder explores South Africa's history through the lives of nine women, tracing the country's turbulent past and the rise and fall of apartheid.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 25 April 2024
Publisher: John Murray Press

In Moederland - Motherland, written in Afrikaans by Cato Pedder, the author takes readers on a captivating journey spanning four centuries, delving into the country's tumultuous past and the rise and fall of apartheid (and its profound impact on her family). The book explores the lives of nine distinct women, each representing a different era and perspective.

KROTOA, a Khoikhoi translator employed by the Dutch East India Company, plays a pivotal role in the narrative. ANGELA, a former slave from Bengal, rises through the ranks of settler society. ELSJE, arriving from Germany at the age of three, marries at 13 and becomes a mother at 15. ANNA, the mistress of the Cape's grandest estate, reclaims control from her abusive husband. MARGARETHA, an unwavering Afrikaner farmer, resists the abolition of slavery. ANNA embarks on a perilous journey, loading her family onto an ox-wagon and venturing into the interior to evade the British. ISIE survives the Boer War and becomes the wife of South Africa's Prime Minister, earning the title of "Mother of the Nation." CATO flees to England and the Quakers, witnessing the evolution of white supremacy into apartheid. PETRONELLA, returning to the Motherland, falls in love with a man across the color barrier and risks everything to challenge the system her grandfather established.

Through these captivating stories, Moederland - Motherland offers a profound exploration of South Africa's history, society, and the enduring legacies of apartheid. Pedder's writing is rich in detail, evoking the sights, sounds, and emotions of different periods. The characters are well-developed, with their struggles, triumphs, and sacrifices adding depth to the narrative. The book serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by South Africa, as well as the resilience and determination of its people in the face of adversity. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the country's past and its ongoing journey toward reconciliation and progress.

Weight: 604g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399810791