Lives of Courage: Women for a New South Africa

Russell, Diana E.H.

ISBN 10: 0465041396 / ISBN 13: 9780465041398

Published by Basic Books, Inc., Publishers, New York, 1989

About this Item

Light normal wear; a nice copy. 375 pages.

Seller Inventory # 051162

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Lives of Courage: Women for a New South Africa
• Publisher: Basic Books, Inc., Publishers, New York
• Publication Date: 1989
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0465041396
• ISBN 13: 9780465041398
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good
• Book Type: Book
• Seller catalogs:
  • General
  • Africa

About this title

Synopsis

Twenty-four women activists tell, in their own words, of their struggle to end apartheid, the price they and their families have paid for it, and their vision of a new and unified South Africa

Reviews

Apartheid, argues Russell ( The Politics of Rape) , sociology professor at Mills College in California, is intended to divide not only blacks from whites but all groups and families from each other. Raised in a white, English-speaking South African family, the author, who left at age 20, returned in 1987 to record these 24 moving oral histories of white and black women activist leaders of diverse ages, backgrounds and occupations in their struggles against oppression by the regime and by men. In addition to torture, sexual terrorism and degradation endured during prison terms, many of these women sacrificed motherhood to activism. Such famous leaders as Winnie Mandela, Albertina Sisula and Helen Joseph, among others included here, expect a revolution and stress the need for international pressure. Among those interviewed are members of the banned African National Congress, trade unions and groups primarily concerned with sexism and other feminist issues. These are tales of notable valor. Photos.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

South Africa-born sociologist Russell talks with women of diverse ethnicity about their role in the struggle against apartheid which took them out of their homes and led them to the realization that they were being exploited by their own men as well as the government. From the support groups formed to help each other cope with the effects of terror, torture, solitary confinement, and split families grew feminist organizations of varied kinds. Russell sees a bleak future--with growing discontent of the majority, including many whites, violence is sure to escalate. Increased world consciousness of their plight is the only ray of hope. The number of books on this topic is increasing, and this one will round out women's studies collections, but is a necessity for only the largest of Africana collections.
- Louise Leonard, Univ. of Florida Lib., Gainesville
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.