Children of Sugarcane

Written by Joanne Joseph

Narrated by Roshina Ratnam

“Shanti is a heroine that the reader will not easily forget. The story that is told here is worth not only knowing but also remembering.” – Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu, author, filmmaker and academic 

 

Vividly set against the backdrop of 19th century India and the British-owned sugarcane plantations of Natal, written with great tenderness and lyricism, Children of Sugarcane paints an intimate and wrenching picture of indenture told from a woman’s perspective.

 

Shanti, a bright teenager stifled by life in rural India and facing an arranged marriage, dreams that South Africa is an opportunity to start afresh. The Colony of Natal is where Shanti believes she can escape the poverty, caste, and troubling fate of young girls in her village. Months later, after a harrowing sea voyage, she arrives in Natal only to discover the profound hardship and slave labour that await her.

 

Spanning four decades and two continents, Children of Sugarcane demonstrates the lifegiving power of love, heartache, and the indestructible bonds between family and friends. These bonds prompt heroism and sacrifice, the final act of which leads to Shanti's redemption.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jonathan Ball Publishers
• Release date: Jun 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9781776192953

Joanne Joseph

JOANNE JOSEPH is an established South African media personality and bestselling author, with over 20 years of experience. She has hosted prominent radio and television shows for major broadcasters, including the South African Broadcasting Corporation and Primedia House. Her book Drug Muled sold over 10 000 copies. Children of Sugarcane is Joanne’s first work of fiction.

Reviews for Children of Sugarcane

[Vishen Mandree · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A beautiful tale, written skilfully and tactfully to nuance the life of the characters with the detail and likeness of the time in which the story is set.

Masterful and a noteworthy fictional piece, that put me in a space, which my heritage in South Africa began.

Thank you to the Author Joanne Joseph for putting this together.

[Busisiwe Hlatswayo · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is such a beautiful, powerful and emotional read. As much the complexities, unfairness, harshness of life are laid bare. When the story ends I felt like when all is said and done life is beautiful . As a South African Black woman it gave me a window into the history or the origin story of Indians in South Africa and the reasons for the complicated relationship these two have. The reading felt authentic too. Must read!

[Oladeji Slitz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The story draws you in front the beginning and never leaves you even after it is complete...