A Chameleon from the Land of the Quagga

by Joan Bismillah

Overview

Growing up 'European' in 1930s and '40s South Africa, Joan leads a privileged life ... though marred by family tragedy. After she escapes her Victorian grandmother's repressive upbringing to study midwifery, she comes face to face with the racial inequities of her homeland when she falls in love with Bis, a handsome young Indian doctor. Increasingly dangerous harassment and oppression force the couple to escape South Africa for London and finally small-town Canada, where Bis can run his medical practice and live as he wishes. A heartbreaking, unique, and elegantly written perspective on life under Apartheid, A CHAMELEON FROM THE LAND OF THE QUAGGA offers a deeply moving love story and a fascinating glimpse at history. This is an inspirational depiction of the life and indefatigable spirit of a woman who continually reinvents herself to conquer the challenges life throws at her no matter where she is or how dark and difficult the times.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940161484487
Publisher:	FriesenPress
Publication date:	04/25/2019
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	NOOK Book
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Joan Bismillah was born in South Africa, and after more than fifty years in Canada, she is often asked, “Where are you from? I can’t place your accent.” Blithely, she replies that it’s Transatlantic. A perpetual student, her education is widely varied, and she has lived on three continents. Though recent health issues have curtailed her golf and tennis activities, she is still an ardent devotee of music, opera, and the theatre. She indulges her passion for Bridge and enjoys the camaraderie of intelligent women at a women’s club, Verity. Living proof that age need not be a barrier to productivity, she wrote A CHAMELEON FROM THE LAND OF THE QUAGGA because she wanted the challenge and because she hopes to inspire women, young and old, to be proud of who they are and never hold back.