Book Review

Gone Are The Days
by Fatima Sayed
Review by Aamena Khota

As a person who did not live during the times of Apartheid, writer Fatima Sayed made it real to me. It was as if I were with Lindiwe, Samantha and Jonathan, the three children in the story, as their grandmother told them the story about apartheid.

Granny is the reason you want to continue reading the book. The way she relates the story of Apartheid and the emotion in her story is so real. She makes you feel the Apartheid era.

The story unfolds by Granny explaining the meaning of Apartheid and the basis of it. The children are made aware of the basic laws such as the Group Areas Act and “dompass” (pass book). As the story continues Lindiwe, Samantha and Jonathan start asking questions related to Apartheid. You are made aware of the seriousness of Apartheid not only on the streets but also in school, sports and in the work place.

Gone Are The Days is an interesting and effective story. The idea of an older person, in this case Granny, relating the days of Apartheid is a good way to educate children. As this is a children’s book this idea is successful.

Each character in the book plays a part in adding flavour to the story. The theme of family relations is made apparent and creates an almost happy atmosphere.

The story reveals the reasons for certain public holidays South Africa holds, this is an important aspect related to the theme of Apartheid. Making mention of great leaders in the struggle, as well as Granny’s personal experiences plays a tribute to those who fought for freedom.

Gone Are The Days is a journey back in time, an extremely interesting and well written book for young minds. To understand and enjoy this journey, you’ll have to read the book.

Evaluation on writing a book

This was a really amazing assignment. I did not think that at this age I would write my own book. We normally read other people's books, their stories but now we were writing our own. I never realized how exciting writing a book can actually be. Thinking of the perfect story line which would get the readers attention, the correct words, the pictures to correspond with the text and the attractive cover page. After you complete your book, you feel proud of yourself. I actually wrote a book. Yes, now we wrote books for children but one never knows where this could lead to. This assignment can be the beginning of ones career. Thank you for helping me discover one of my hidden talents.

Evaluation on teaching the grade 9s a lesson

This is the first time that any teacher requested learners to teach a lesson to another class. This idea is really wonderful. By doing this, it gives us a chance to be a teacher. It makes us realize how much work it takes to have a perfect lesson. I think the grade 9 learners will be surprised to see another learner teaching them. It will be exciting for both, us and them, since it’s the first time such a thing is done. This also gives us a chance to prepare them for a grade 10 English lesson. The manner, in which we will conduct the lesson, by using technology, will make the lesson enjoyable. It will not be a normal English lesson where the lesson will be read out of a text book. We will try to make it an enjoyable lesson and hopefully it goes off well.

Evaluation of term 3

I found term 3 to be a very good term. We are now familiar with your ways of teaching. It was an enjoyable term. Planning our plays and acting it out was very exciting. We learnt how to get along with each other and respect other people's opinions. The poetry lessons were also very exciting. The manner, in which you taught us the lessons, reciting the poem in the voice which suited it and recording it, helped us understand it better. I really look forward to English nowadays. Everyday I enter the class not knowing what exciting lesson awaits us. Sir, you made me realize what a good subject English is and how enjoyable it can be. I cannot wait to find out what the next term holds in store for us. Jazakkallah for being such a good and inspiring teacher.