28 pages • 56 minutes read
Dalene MattheeFiela's Child (Fiela se Kind)
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1985A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Set in mid-nineteenth century South Africa, Fiela's Child by Dalene Matthee centers on Fiela, a hard-working South African woman who raises a white boy, Benjamin, found on her doorstep. Nine years later, census workers claim Benjamin resembles a missing child from Knysna and he is forced to live with his supposed biological family, causing him to grapple with identity, family loyalty, and racial division.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Dalene Matthee's Fiela's Child is widely praised for its evocative portrayal of South African culture and its compelling narrative. Readers commend the depth of its characters and its exploration of identity and family. Critics note, however, that the pacing can be uneven, and some plot developments strain credulity. Overall, it's a poignant and thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read Fiela's Child (Fiela se Kind)?
A reader who enjoys Fiela's Child by Dalene Matthee would likely appreciate richly textured historical novels centered on themes of identity, family, and societal conflict. Fans of Alan Paton's Cry, the Beloved Country or Barbara Kingsolver's The Poisonwood Bible would be drawn to Matthee's evocative storytelling and intricate character dynamics.