52 pages • 1 hour read
Hum If You Don't Know the Words
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Book Brief
420
Novel • Fiction
South Africa • 1970s
2017
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Hum If You Don't Know the Words by Bianca Marais follows a young girl named Robin and a Black woman, Beauty, in apartheid-era South Africa. After a personal tragedy, their lives intersect, highlighting themes of loss, family, and racial injustice. The novel explores their journey towards understanding and healing amidst a backdrop of societal turmoil.
Emotional
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Inspirational
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
13,121 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Hum If You Don't Know the Words by Bianca Marais captivates with its poignant storytelling and vivid portrayal of apartheid-era South Africa. The novel is praised for its compelling characters and emotional depth, though some critiques mention a predictable plot and lengthy narrative. Overall, it offers a moving exploration of racial identity and resilience.
Who Should Read Hum If You Don't Know the Words?
A reader who would enjoy Hum If You Don't Know the Words by Bianca Marais appreciates emotionally charged narratives with themes of race, family, and resilience, similar to The Help by Kathryn Stockett or The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. They enjoy stories set against historical backdrops and rich character development.
13,121 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Beauty Mbali
Beauty Mbali
A 49-year-old woman from Transkei caring for her children and working to connect with her daughter. She becomes one of the narrators and develops a profound relationship with Robin.
Edith
Edith
Robin’s aunt and a flight attendant living in South Africa, who becomes Robin's caretaker after her sister's death. She struggles to balance her own lifestyle changes with her responsibilities to Robin.
Maggie
Maggie
A supportive figure to both Robin and Beauty, who plays a crucial role in assisting Beauty with her personal quest. She is committed to helping those around her and acts as a moral guide.
Nomsa
Nomsa
Beauty's daughter, studying in Soweto and involved in student activism. She is characterized as brave and strong, and her story intersects with Beauty’s journey.
420
Novel • Fiction
South Africa • 1970s
2017
Adult
18+ years
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