cover image My Father, My Monster

My Father, My Monster

McIntosh Polela. Jacana (IPG, dist.), $29.95 trade paper (258p) ISBN 978-1-4314-0160-4

South African journalist and police spokesperson Polela chronicles his harrowing childhood in this spare memoir. Sent by his parents to live with relatives at the age of five, the author endured persistent poverty, chronic neglect, and physical abuse. After many years, he hears rumors that his father may have brutally murdered his mother. A devastated Polela turns briefly to violent political activism and truancy, but thanks to various mentors, he reforms and fights his way to university and future success. Eventually, Polela reconnects with his dangerous father and reconciles with his extended family and his past. Despite these amazing challenges, Polela's story suffers from staccato, repetitive, and simplistic prose. Furthermore, the 1990s saw the culmination of a decades-long struggle for equality in South Africa, but Polela tells readers precious little about his story's context. Although this tale has enough drama, heartbreak, and hope to be inspirational, readers may find themselves disappointed. Photos. (Aug.)