52 pages 1 hour read

Bianca Marais

Hum If You Don't Know the Words

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2017

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Hum If You Don't Know the Words by Bianca Marais follows a young girl named Robin and a Black woman, Beauty, in apartheid-era South Africa. After a personal tragedy, their lives intersect, highlighting themes of loss, family, and racial injustice. The novel explores their journey towards understanding and healing amidst a backdrop of societal turmoil.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Hum If You Don't Know the Words by Bianca Marais captivates with its poignant storytelling and vivid portrayal of apartheid-era South Africa. The novel is praised for its compelling characters and emotional depth, though some critiques mention a predictable plot and lengthy narrative. Overall, it offers a moving exploration of racial identity and resilience.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Hum If You Don't Know the Words?

A reader who would enjoy Hum If You Don't Know the Words by Bianca Marais appreciates emotionally charged narratives with themes of race, family, and resilience, similar to The Help by Kathryn Stockett or The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. They enjoy stories set against historical backdrops and rich character development.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

History: World

Arts / Culture

Race / Racism

Genre

Historical Fiction

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Grief

Relationships: Family

Emotions/Behavior: Conflict