Mark Mathabane's memoir is titled Kaffir Boy: The True Story of a Black Youth's Coming of Age in Apartheid South Africa. From its clear narrative focus, the book modestly explores the unique challenges which Apartheid and systematized racism posed on the bildungsroman of the author. Interestingly, the outset of the book gives no indication of Mathabane's personal success. He became an iconic tennis player in South Africa during high school, the first black player allowed to officially join a team.
Growing up, Mathabane recalls the great pains which his mother took to put him through school. She saw education as her son's window to the world. On his own, Mathabane learned the value of a good story from his grandmother and devoted himself to reading as a sort of safe place where he could escape the constant worries and threats of his world. He and his mother were poor, but nevertheless they managed to maintain a happy life together. Thanks to his own dedication and activity in his education, Mathabane earns a scholarship for secondary school -- a huge blessing to his mother.
In high school, Mathabane's anger corrodes his relationships. He becomes highly self-aware and condemnatory of his culture for how it has treated him, his mother, and his people. He recognizes the importance, however, of treating all people with love and respect. This commitment earns him many beautiful and influential relationships which later develop into opportunities -- namely to play tennis and to attend college in the United States. Following Mathabane's career, the people in his hometown are forced to reconsider their racial prejudices as a result of knowing and witnessing his integrity on and off the court.
