Review of Isazisi:The Book

[Nisha DSouza]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Isazisi:The Book" by Bongani Yona.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Isazisi: The Book by Bongani Yona is an eye-opening account of South Africa's cultural disintegration. The Isazisi feature film script was the source of inspiration for this book, and it explores the heartbreaking cultural loss that South Africa has been witnessing. The Apartheid regime, no doubt, was cruel and devastating for Africans. According to the author, the gradually declining conditions of the indigenous people are proving to be even more dangerous because they are not apparent to the unsuspecting eye. Yona sheds light on land ownership issues, migrations, politics, globalization, etc. He portrays how sports and religion also transformed the culture. Other developed nations offer incredible deals for African sports players to become naturalized citizens and win games for them. It was appalling to learn that some of these players were handed back their native passports and asked to return to their country if they happened to lose a game.

The book has a lot to offer; it talks extensively about culture, how different factors affect the culture of a region, and how critical it is to be aware of this cultural drift and to take measures to nip the cultural disintegration in the bud. The last one is particularly significant because, as the subtitle explains, Lose Your Culture, Lose Your Honour. The author has given examples of how various factors are slowly decimating the cultural traditions, languages, and customs of South Africa's indigenous people. Yona's insights on different areas where he sees the detrimental impact on African culture will leave the readers amazed that there's so much more than meets the eye. For instance, he mentioned how the local people don't even realize what colonialism did to their country, is still doing, and how one can still feel the aftershocks. One notable highlight of the book is the informative and honest outlook of the author toward his country and the cultural challenges it faces.

When I first started reading the book, I felt the major drawback was the repetitive nature of the message. But looking back, I can see how hurt and distressed the author must be over this subject, which justifies the consequent echoing thoughts reverberating through the rest of the pages.

This is a re-review of the book. I am delighted to report that the author has addressed the issues highlighted earlier, and the updated version of the book will have a remarkable impact. With no complaints, I gladly rate the book 5 out of 5 stars.

I recommend this book to not just the indigenous people of South Africa but also the South African government, the politicians who are misusing their power, the countries that are still colonizing South Africa under the guise of development and globalization, and most importantly, the world. We must wake up and see what is happening here; this can happen to any previously colonized developing country. The book does not have any sexual content, so it is perfect for all who are interested in understanding cultural disintegration and its alarming consequences.

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Isazisi:The Book
View: on Bookshelves

[Loice Akello]

This is a wonderful review, I am hopeful that this read Will sharpen my reviewing skills. I am in a dilemma to read this book. Congratulations!

[Stephen Christopher 1]

I love your opening sentence. South Africa has gone through a cultural disintegration, and I'm glad this book has been published to open people's eyes to what's been going on. I agree with you that it's the politicians who need to read this, but let's face it, they're not going to, as they don't want to own up to any of their poor behavior and decisions. Thanks for the excellent book and for introducing it to readers of OBC.

[Amy Luman]

I am ashamed to say that I had absolutely no idea what was going on in South Africa. I guess I’m too concerned with what my son calls “first-world problems.” Congratulations on BOTD!

[Rebecca De Figueiredo]

In this book Bongani Yona had written a well ordered, easy to understand and thoughtful read. Indigenous cultures all over the world are being slowly integrated into western ‘norm’ and it’s sad to see. It’s terrible what’s been happening in South Africa, her country, and her writing is well done and illuminating.

[Rukayat Zakariyah]

The author's exploration of how factors like sports, religion, land rights, and exploitative international interests have reshaped and diminished traditions sounds like a sobering wake-up call for everyone of us.

[Ajiferuke Ajibola]

This book is fascinating. I am curious to know the unseen effect that the Apartheid regime is still having on Africans. The subtitle cannot be disputed. The loss of culture heralds dishonor. Congrats on BOTD. Beautiful review.

[Kutloano Makhuvhela]

I am a South African, and I can agree with everything the author has raised. Colonialism and apartheid architects designed a very inhumane system that still affects us to this day! I think I will have to read to find out more about the author's thought.

[Nesh Anyiso]

This seems to be an enlightening tale that shares insights about the South African culture. I would love to read the book and find out more about the traditions, history, and daily life of the people in South Africa. It would be fascinating to gain a deeper understanding of their customs and values through the characters and storyline in the book.

[Nerea]

Culture is diverse and complex, and exploring it through literature can provide a rich and immersive experience that allows for a deeper appreciation of different ways of life. Reading this book could offer a unique perspective on South African culture that goes beyond surface-level knowledge. I will add it to my shelf.

[Ams Strong]

Good review. The topic explored in this book may be relevant not just to South Africa but also to African countries in general. I say this because many of the issues related to cultural erosion and bias raised by the author are prevalent in most African countries. I hope the author went beyond simple criticism and proposed solutions to the crisis.

[Gifty Aikins]

This book is a true eye-opener. It unveils the silent normalization that distinguished cultures are going through, not only in South Africa. I see it as a wake-up call to all of us to uphold what we stand for. Congratulations on BOTD

[Leen282]

It is great to see that flaws from an earlier edition have been addressed and the book now gets five starts. An honest reflection on culture, things that go wrong, the impact it has on people, is a good wake-up call.

[Chi Chiu Michael Mak]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Isazisi:The Book" by Bongani Yona.]

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5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Isazisi: The Book by Bongani Yona is an eye-opening account of South Africa's cultural disintegration. The Isazisi feature film script was the source of inspiration for this book, and it explores the heartbreaking cultural loss that South Africa has been witnessing. The Apartheid regime, no doubt, was cruel and devastating for Africans. According to the author, the gradually declining conditions of the indigenous people are proving to be even more dangerous because they are not apparent to the unsuspecting eye. Yona sheds light on land ownership issues, migrations, politics, globalization, etc. He portrays how sports and religion also transformed the culture. Other developed nations offer incredible deals for African sports players to become naturalized citizens and win games for them. It was appalling to learn that some of these players were handed back their native passports and asked to return to their country if they happened to lose a game.

The book has a lot to offer; it talks extensively about culture, how different factors affect the culture of a region, and how critical it is to be aware of this cultural drift and to take measures to nip the cultural disintegration in the bud. The last one is particularly significant because, as the subtitle explains, Lose Your Culture, Lose Your Honour. The author has given examples of how various factors are slowly decimating the cultural traditions, languages, and customs of South Africa's indigenous people. Yona's insights on different areas where he sees the detrimental impact on African culture will leave the readers amazed that there's so much more than meets the eye. For instance, he mentioned how the local people don't even realize what colonialism did to their country, is still doing, and how one can still feel the aftershocks. One notable highlight of the book is the informative and honest outlook of the author toward his country and the cultural challenges it faces.

When I first started reading the book, I felt the major drawback was the repetitive nature of the message. But looking back, I can see how hurt and distressed the author must be over this subject, which justifies the consequent echoing thoughts reverberating through the rest of the pages.

This is a re-review of the book. I am delighted to report that the author has addressed the issues highlighted earlier, and the updated version of the book will have a remarkable impact. With no complaints, I gladly rate the book 5 out of 5 stars.

I recommend this book to not just the indigenous people of South Africa but also the South African government, the politicians who are misusing their power, the countries that are still colonizing South Africa under the guise of development and globalization, and most importantly, the world. We must wake up and see what is happening here; this can happen to any previously colonized developing country. The book does not have any sexual content, so it is perfect for all who are interested in understanding cultural disintegration and its alarming consequences.

******
Isazisi:The Book
View: on Bookshelves

You can feel the author's rage and sorrow towards what's happening to the South African people. This book deals with a heavy subject, but it's all the more important for readers and the future generation to learn from history and create a better future.

[Priya Murugesan]

A good book to learn more about South Africa's culture. The topic of this book is very heavy and the author has tackled it well.