Unsettled and other stories

Most of the stories attempt to represent aspects of both the personal and the political lives of women in South Africa and how these are inseparably intertwined. For example, 'South bound' tells of Harriott's life as a colonist arriving in Port-Natal during the late 1800s. It examines British working-class women's options at that time by exploring the possible reasons for her decision to emigrate. In 'Thicker than water', the journey from a Second Boer War refugee camp in Queenstown to Johannesburg, is narrated by Isabella, inward bound, and by Hester, outward bound. The story explores the impact of war, stereotype and discrimination on them both and shows how women are able to foster supportive relationships despite prevailing politics. 'By any other name' touches on the history of District Six and reflects on the political uprisings of the 1970s , the resulting loss and displacement, and consequent longing for home. 'Unsettled' expands on this story and engages with the question of how contemporary white women forge a (new) sense of identity and belonging in this country and grapple with the loss of family and friends who chose to leave rather than contribute to the New South Africa. 'Could be' uses the story of Anene Booysen as its departure point and looks at the issue of violence against women. 'For your own good', 'What it takes' and 'Incognito' are not connected to a specific political or historical event, yet also raise important social issues of ageing, loss of identity, family disintegration, gender violence and friendship.