How apposite
that I would re-read this book again after hearing that the revered old man,
Braithwaite (the author) is dead, one of the world's most famous centenarians.
This book is very well-written as the world knows, with lots of fine
descriptions, allusions, and the work for decades has always added to one's
vocabulary. For us Africans, however, Braithwaite always apparently lacked a
sense of humour, which ironically is often associated with his race, even those
who've been oppressed and suppressed overwhelmingly. In his writings he often
comes across as rather strict and censorious, lacking a lot of fun, fluency and
flamboyance. From the intellectual, and from the prism of integrity, he would
of course always rate very high, but it might be a bit difficult to warm to him
as a fellow "Black brother"...but this book will always remain an
early classic penned by a Black man, making the world decades ago to be aware
of stuff like prejudices, predilections, and frustrations of race. And there is
humour too, but alas it often comes from the other characters, teachers (up
Weston!) and young pupils alike...
- Paul Lothane
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