Wonderfully written book about a South African and his homeland

• Book: Up Against the Night
• Location: Cape Town
• Author: Justin Cartwright

Review Author: StephMWard

Delving into the life — both past and present — of Frank McAllister, a wealthy man with a broken family and violent heritage, Up Against the Night takes readers on a journey of healing and change as a family rebuilds itself and comes to terms with its past. Based mostly in the protagonist’s beloved homeland of South Africa, readers get a uniquely deep view of modern day living as well as glimpses of its volatility.

Frank, his family and their contemporary struggles and situations felt incredibly real, albeit quite privileged with multiple homes around the world and the ability to travel at will. While the stories of their ancestors created a whole new level to the saga. Cousin Jaco, a working-class South African, adds a colorful image of the struggling majority and a view of their feelings toward the changing country.

I enjoyed reading Up Against the Night with its beautiful imagery of South Africa, palpable tension and a taste of daily life for both the haves and have-nots. Reading much like a memoir, I was drawn into the life and history of this family almost immediately. And while I didn’t always like the characters, I could certainly sympathize with them in their contemporary life situations.

In a word, it’s a wonderfully written book about a South African and his homeland.

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