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The novel is set in South Africa over a period of twenty-three years (1964-1987), a particularly difficult period for that country under Apartheid. Min and Frieda are very different people. Min is a risk taker, fiery, and speaks her mind without hesitation. Frieda, who very much has her opinion of things as well, is more careful as she prefers to approach things circuitously. Each character grows on the reader as the book alternates their voices. The novel manages to take the very serious subject of Apartheid, told at times with bloody anguish through Min and balance that gravity with a Jewish sense of humor as related through Frieda. It works well.
Interesting to note is that the male characters, Min's father and brother as well as Frieda's father and brother, along with other male characters such as Reuben, either die from natural causes or are killed. The women, with the exception of Min's mother perhaps, all seem to gain strength, determination, and purpose as the novel progresses. The focus, though, remains on Frieda and Min as their lives become intertwined with one another like roots of two old trees.
This is a great read. It will move you in wonderful ways.
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