With thanks to the author for a review copy of this book. It was the perfect antidote to the lockdown blues.
I am always a little nervous when asked to review a book. Not for any other reason than I might not enjoy it. This was definitely not the case with A Healthy Learning Environment by WJ Smit.
This book is one of the best books I have read this year, on par with A Poor Season for Whales by Michiel Heyns which I read during Level 5 Lockdown.
Self published Debut Novel, A Healthy Learning Environment is set in the drought-stricken South Africa of 2016, where an elite Model C school struggles to regain balance after the loss of a great leader.
While battling to come to terms with their grief, teachers and learners alike find themselves finally facing their demons as they wait for rain and salvation.
Reviewing is always such a fine balance of just the right amount of information. This book deserves to be read, not only reviewed, so I hope I can mange to entice you to do so without giving too much away.
A dry, witty voice, the author has a superb way with words that engage the reader from the very first line. The first chapter manages to show the characters to their full potential allowing us a glimpse into their mindsets, and also their world (which if you are South African, your world). But, not only do we have an engaging cast of characters – portrayed so very well you can’t help but nod along in understanding, there is a diverse range of them too. From the Perfect Principle to the Gay White Couple raising an Adopted Black Daughter.
I really enjoyed how each person battled with their grief, and coming to terms with their loss of their leader. The revelations they have as they traverse this landscape were so heartfelt you could feel it seeping through the pages. I especially loved how the beginning and the end of the novel are intertwined.
The setting was a great description of an elite Model C school in the 2000’s highlighting how it is a hub of hope for some of the teachers, yet a minefield for some of the learners. Spotlighting mental health, societal norms, and fear while loving your country of origin. While the book is a work of fiction, reference is made to several real events, both national and global, that took place in the year 2016.
This book was such an accurate description of South Africa today that it had me both giggling out loud and tearing up. If you are looking for a {homegrown} diverse book to read, this hits all the right notes. (Saying that, it is such a well written book that anyone not native to our country would automatically get a sense of the contradictions of living here.)
This book is diverse, interesting, homegrown, and extremely enjoyable. I highly recommend it.
Orders can be placed on the authors website, either a physical copy or an E-Book. Uppercase Bookstore in Menlyn are also selling physical copies.
If you’re keen for more information, please click on the following links:
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