' Buckingham Palace' , District Six

It's disheartening to a teacher like me that this book is so difficult to get in the U.S. The story and the writing itself are so rich in imagery, characterization, and treatment of many poignant themes that can place recent history in the forefront of students' minds. Its humor and vivid storytelling both contribute to its ability to make reading interesting and enjoyable for students. It's a good, fun vehicle for teaching on more than a few important levels. I value it greatly as a teacher. Now, if I could only get my hands on it a little more easily.

This book is wonderfully funny and full of life. It really shows the colourful characters that exist in Cape Town and their amazing community spirit. In the face of immense adversity the characters in this book keep their infectious sense of humour and light hearted outlook on life. If you have lived in Cape Town be prepared for a roller coaster ride of emotions and memories!

Rive chronicles the establishment of two houses in District Six, Cape Town. Rive recreates the neighborhood of his youth in which con artists, prostitutes and throw-aways of apartheid South Africa survive and thrive despite poverty and racism. Each vignette, no matter how criminally absurd, captures the liveliness and sense of community found in District Six during its heyday.