Stones for My Father spans the life of Corlie Roux.
Corlie Roux’s farm life in South Africa is not easy: the Transvaal is beautiful, but it is also a harsh place where the heat can be so intense that the very raindrops sizzle. When her beloved father dies, she is left with a mother who is as devoted to her sons as she is cruel to her daughter. Despite this, Corlie finds solace in her friend, Sipho, and in Africa itself and in the stories she conjures for her brothers.
But Corlie’s world is about to vanish: the British are invading and driving Boer families like hers from their farms. Some escape into the bush to fight the enemy. The unlucky ones are rounded up and sent to internment camps.
Will Corlie’s resilience and devotion to her country sustain her through the suffering and squalor she finds in the camp at Kroonstad? That may depend on a soldier from faraway Canada and on inner resources Corlie never dreamed she had….
From the moment I started reading I became engulfed in the life of Corlie and her storytelling abilities. Like Corlie, I was raised by a woman who I just can’t seem to love. If the saying is true, love begets love, then Corlie and I are innocent. But all is not lost. We have siblings and friends who to fill in the gaps.
Trilby Kent does a wonderful job of presenting a story to readers that is relatable and visual. She did an awesome job of giving the readers an inside glimpse to the thoughts of a child growing up in a country destroyed by war and prejudice.
As I read this book I thought back to the book, The Freedom Writers Diary. It really made me think about wars that young people fight everyday…the undeclared wars. Imagine having to live in a war stricken country while fighting a war in your home, where you’re supposed to find safety and refuge.
Before I read this book I didn’t know anything about the Boer War. It saddened me to read and even begin to think about what these children endured during these times. My mind wandered further and made me think about children who are currently enduring similar situations… war is never good…there are no winners.
If you’re looking for a historical fiction novel then you must definitely pick this book up. It is a short read but not a quick one. I often found myself reading back through passages to absorb it all. I intend to read back through this book and interview the author if she’s available. I think we all can learn something from this book and I’m always up for learning.
TRILBY KENT was born in Toronto, Ontario, but grew up in cities on both sides of the Atlantic. After completing degrees at Oxford University and the London School of Economics, she worked for a time in the rare books department at Bonhams before turning to journalism and writing novels for children and adults. Her first book, Medina Hill, is also available from Tundra Books. Trilby Kent lives in London, England.
You can also find Trilby on Twitter.
Five copies of Stones for my Father will by given away on Goodreads. You must be a member of Goodreads to enter, membership is free. Canada and US only. Contest closed May 1, 2011.
Follow the tour to see what other bloggers are saying:
Monday, April 25, 2011
- Gwendolyn at A Sea of Books
- EJ Lavoie at E.J. Lavoie’s Blog
- Jo Ann at Journey of a Bookseller
- Yolonda at Notorious Spinks Talks Books
- Stacey at Word of Mouse Books
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
- Kristen at Bookworming in the 21st Century
- Joann at Joann’s Best
- Laura at My simple happy life
- Krissy at Krissy Brady, Writer: Keeping The Passion For Writing Alive
- Susanna at SusieBookworm
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
- Morgan at Books and Literature for Teens
- Heather at Books and Quilts
- Jennifer at Literary Endeavors
- Jaclyn at Literary Treats
- Danika at The TeachingBooks.net Blog
Thursday, April 28, 2011
- Jillian at Centre of the Universe
- Colleen at Lavender Lines
- Rachee at Say it Rah-shay
- Margo at The Fourth Musketeer
- Charlene at The Literary Word
Friday, April 29, 2011
- Lisa at Bluestalking
- Cindy at Cindy’s Love of Books
- Sara at Inspired-Quill
- Jenny at Wondrous Reads
- Shelly at Write for a Reader
*this book was provided by the publisher for review

{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Historical fiction and a personal memoir of sorts is a wonderful combination. Thank you for this review.
Thanks for stopping by!
I also found my self going back and rereading passages. Definitely would recommend this book for anyone wanting a look at the Boer War.
I’m glad I’m not the only who had to double back. LOL!
This sounds like a really interesting book! I love historical fiction.
Thanks for stopping by! I love historical fiction.
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