Thankyou to Beauty and Lace for the opportunity to read Kismet by Cynthia Sacht and Ilona Beutum.
Kismet means fate or destiny.
It is 1997, three years since Apartheid was dismantled. A new South Africa has emerged. There are new opportunities, but some people remain supportive of the past era, unable to change their attitudes.
Kismet is a luxurious Manor house built by Abram Lewin with the proceeds from his successful steel business.
The story is about the fate of the people who live at Kismet, their families and friends, their present and past, and their complex, intertwined relationships.
Currently, Steve Lewin, Abram’s son, and his wife Lexie live in Kismet Manor. They are wealthy and white South Africans. Steve is somewhat of a playboy, not working since the steel business was sold. Lexie is an attorney and also a panelist on the TV show “Live Talk”. Lexie has begun to question their safety in this new regime.
Their great dane dog, Sparks is a wonderful character!
Kate Mabusa is their live-in black maid. She has worked for the family for 25 years. Her 2 children live in Soweto, cared for by her relatives. Kate can only visit them on her Sundays off. Her daughter Felicia, would love to become a doctor. And her son Elias is a talented painter who has left school.
The love of her life was a white man, but their love at that time was a crime. Even though the laws have changed, some people’s attitudes haven’t.
The family doctor is, Dr Henry Keyler, also a TV Panellist on “Live Talk”. He is intent on promoting unity across the racial divides. He is wealthy and white. His wife and children disagree with his views.
The South Africa of this time is still a place of violent crime and racism.
Through this mix of characters, we are given an insight into the history of the New South Africa of this time. What it was like to be white, black, or of mixed-race. The differences between being affluent and poor. Unfortunately, the masses were still poor and still dependent on the white minority group.
With some love stories and an unexpected murder, the book keeps you wondering what will be the fate of all the characters.
There is a quote at the front of the book “Be the light that helps others see, it is what gives life its deepest significance” by Roy T Bennett. It is very powerful, and I hope one day that there will be lots of “lights” and a world without racism.
I was really pleased to have had the opportunity to read this book. I really enjoyed it and learned a lot about the history of South Africa, which previously I knew very little about. The book does make you think, particularly how lucky we are in Australia.
ISBN: 9781925908527
A selection of our Beauty and Lace Club Members are reading Kismet by Cynthia Sacht and Ilona Beutum. You can read their comments below, or add your own review.
I love to read, any book on any topic. I now love ebooks as they are easier to store, I was running out of bookshelves! My other interests are family, gardening and our beautiful King Charles spaniel dog who is my reading companion.
Thank you to B&L and the authors for the opportunity to read Kismet, unfortunately the book wasn’t something I enjoyed, though I think the storyline has plenty of promise.
What an extraordinary book, really captures the lives of both the black and white people of South Africa before and after apartheid, the harshness violence unfairness and racism, this book takes the reader on a mighty powerful journey, this book is hard to review without giving any spoilers away, I will just say everybody read this book amazing from start to finish
Thanks
Thank-you Beauty & Lace for giving me the chance to read & review ‘Kismet’ a New South African book by Cynthis Sacht & Ilona Beutum.
Three years after Apartheid was dismantled the New South Africa was forming, but the process of integrating the new and fairer ideals come to logger heads with ingrained attitudes from the previous regime. There are still wide divisions on acceptance of colour and the inequalities between the rich and the poorer members of society.
Through the sharing of different viewpoints of individuals about events that would have lasting effects on all involved, the book delves into what is truly right or wrong with the future ideals. There is love, loss, heartache and redemption for many characters who are struggling with the changes to New South Africa.
For me this book was a bit of a mixed bag, at times I felt sympathy for some characters but when ingrained attitudes were portrayed by them, I lost interest in their future plans. It seems the younger generation needs to learn from the previous generations mistakes if there is to be any harmony in New South Africa. Thank-you ‘Beauty & Lace Bookclub’ for the opportunity to read ‘Kismet’ by Cynthis Sacht & Ilona Beutum.
Thank you to Beauty and Lace and Cynthia Sacht and Ilona Beutum for the opportunity to read and review Kismet.
I really enjoyed this book and am so grateful for the opportunity to read it.
Kismet is a beautifully written book by Cynthia Sacht and Ilona Beutum
In 1994 a constitutional assembly was convened and South Africa adopted a new constitution that allowed for a South Africa that was not ruled by racial discrimination. Now 1997 Johannesburg, South Africa is freed, bringing chance, hope and light to individuals.
Doctor Henry Keyler is part of a Saturday morning TV show “Live Talk” with panellists Lexie and Rosa. They all come from different levels of society and working as vessels for the hopes and fears of citizens post-Apartheid. Many topics are discussed, and opinions voiced but I felt what mattered most in this novel was that opportunities exist for everyone amongst reconciliation. One must never forget history but how you move forward within the new laws and progress with individual skills and talents rather than putting blame on past history.
The characters in the book were brilliant. You either felt as though you were part of them; going through their struggles and hardship or wanting to reach out a hand or warm embrace.
Their lives have changed, and you will be taken on highs and lows as they adapt and overcome the new life they are living but still facing threats of violence and discrimination.
Kismet shows the heart of the struggles that people in South Africa have endured which makes you grateful for your own country and how blessed you truly are. The novel is filled with hate, love and hope. It is a reminder of our value to the world, and to be the best versions of ourselves especially at a time when these versions are most badly needed. What a beautiful, invigorating book.
Thank you Beauty and Lace and Inspiring Publishers for the opportunity to read and review.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.
It wasn’t a book that really grabbed me but I persevered. It was interesting to read the different views on life by the black and white characters. The whites thought they were treating the blacks very well and the blacks didn’t even expect anything good to come their way.
This book had a great story line, and gave the reader an insight into the lives of South Africans from both the black and white people’s point of view. It had great potential, but I really struggled with the author’s style of writing. Ultimately, I found it a difficult read.
The heading is simple but the story is far from it. Kismet!! Based in South Africa when apartheid still existed is a sometimes heart wrenching story. Elements of white extremes against black was prevalent. It’s quite easy to understand the differences which had occurred amongst the races, style of living, defending your rights, activities differed, activists existed but life seemed to go on. A love story, murder, deception, affairs and theft are all captured in this story. Characters had strength and were well matched to their title. A story to read to see who will capture your heart and where will it lead! Will it be Dr Henry Keyler, Lexie, Kate or Felecia! A memorable story!
Kismet is a book that tackles really challenging subject matter, set shortly after the end of apartheid in South Africa where the nation is I guess trying to find the new South Africa despite many people’s beliefs and prejudices persisting. Important and difficult themes, but unfortunately the writing style I found quite abrasive, and I struggled to get into the book.
Thank you to Beauty and Lace for introducing me to Kismet.
Kismet is a book that captures what it was like to live in South Africa not long after Apartheid ended. We see what it was like across racial divides in a country that suffered so much. I have some knowledge of this time but it was interesting to read what life was like in this book. It was a tougher book to get through but if you have an interest in this time in history then it might grab your attention. Thanks to Beauty and Lace for the opportunity to read this book.