Far and Beyon' takes place in modern Botswana, where the traditions of centuries are confronted by modern life. Aids makes many victims, but the traditional healers can't cure it; the younger generation is raised in a modern educational system and questions the authority and the way of life of the older generation; young women have started to confront men about sexual abuse. It is a period of change. Rapid change, in the case of the many AIDS victims dying. But slow change when it comes to changing culture and the ways of life.
The story centres around a young woman, Mosa, and her mother and younger brother. They live in a small village and have just lost two brothers. Their family has started to fall apart, but in the course of the story they get closer again, despite their different views on life. The story touches on many painful subjects such as teenage pregnancies, AIDS, sexual abuse, corruption and hypocrisy. In that sense I think it is a brave book, that gives insight in a country that is not usually in the centre of world attention.
This is a young adult book, and actually, I had not expected that. I had expected something different, something more profound. So I was a little disappointed, as the plot was slightly predictable, and even though many painful topics were touched upon, they were not explored in a more profound way. It was definitely a worthwhile read and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to know more about Botswana. But not to anyone looking for great literature. ( )

My partner is wary whenever I start a Unity Dow book. I cry and cry and cry. Such clear writing, such evocative images and such awful stories. ( )