Persomi | General Fiction

Irma Joubert

Set against the backdrop of the turbulent 40s and 50s in South Africa. Pérsomi is a “bywoner” child, wise beyond her years, who develops an unlikely friendship with Boelie, the Bushveld farm owner Mister Fourie’s eldest son and heir; friendship turns to love, but any firm romantic commitment is inhibited by the knowledge that her biological father’s identity has never been disclosed – in fact, Boelie may be her own brother!

After obtaining her law degree and going into practice, Pérsomi finds herself defending an Indian family who fall victim to the apartheid government’s ill-advised “forced removals” policy. Her actions bring her into conflict with her community, and especially Boelie . . . Pérsomi’s story is a sweeping saga that is sure to have wide appeal.