On Tuesday 17th September, we launched Saaleha Bhamjee’s Home Scar at Cavendish Exclusive Books, who always welcome us warmly! Lovely to see Saaleha in Cape Town, with her son. Louise Rapley who edited the book was in the audience, they enjoyed meeting each other in person as the book was edited only by email and Zoom.
As the publisher, I had the pleasure of revisiting Home Scar, and I found myself enjoying it even more than when I first read the manuscript years ago. Saaleha’s writing style is remarkable; she tackles weighty issues with a deft, light touch that keeps the reader engaged throughout.
The book is set in the for some communities politically charged 1970s in Joburg. Zoo Lake features a few times, and as Saaleha noted on Tuesday night, at the time was one of the few places where people of all races could mingle freely.
While Home Scar could be categorized as YA, it transcends the genre boundaries and is a multifaceted novel that explores young love and coming-of-age experiences; the complexities of friendship and family relationships, and the challenges of finding one’s place in a changing world.
The romantic encounters between Asma and Ghaarith are portrayed with a passionate intensity that may surprise some readers. These scenes are more explicit than I initially recalled, adding depth to the story of young love.
The novel is deeply rooted in the Indian Muslim community of Johannesburg, which is one of the main sources of conflict for the two young lovers. This cultural setting provides both a vibrant backdrop and a source of conflict for the young protagonists. Saaleha skillfully weaves together language (a blend of English, Arabic, and Afrikaans), culinary descriptions, ways of dressing, and religious practices to create a richly textured world for her characters.
Home Scar is more than just a love story or a coming-of-age tale. It’s a window into a specific time and place in South African history, told through the eyes of relatable, complex characters. Saaleha Bhamjee’s nuanced writing invites readers to explore themes of identity, culture, and personal growth in a way that resonates long after the final page.
I was also delighted to hear that Saaleha is working on a sequel that will focus on Ghaarith! Can’t wait.
