A group of African women at a specific period in Southern Africa's history find their family life under pressure from capitalist modernity and apartheid. This is a deeply humane, sympathetic and generous book on the one hand but is unflinching in its honesty. Ndebele represents a rare breed of writer able to combine political awareness with a sensitivity towards context, language and characterization. The result is a gift offering to the present. This is one of the best books about women's sacrifices and contributions to the struggle against apartheid.