Fiela’s Child

Fiela’s Child by Dalene Mathee is a deeply moving South African novel that explores themes of identity, family, race, and belonging. Set in the early 20th century in the forests of the Knysna region, the story follows a young boy named Lukas, who is found abandoned in the forest by a white woman, Fiela Komoetie. Fiela raises him as her own, and he grows up in her household, which is located on a farm where they live as part of a mixed-race community.

However, Lukas’s life takes a dramatic turn when he is suddenly taken away and claimed by a family of a different racial background, who insists he is their child, a white boy. This event leads to a heartbreaking and poignant journey of self-discovery for Lukas, as he is forced to confront the realities of race, societal divisions, and his personal sense of belonging.

The novel delves into the tensions between racial classifications during apartheid-era South Africa, highlighting the complexities of identity and the powerful bonds of family. Fiela’s Child is a beautifully written, poignant narrative that explores how social constructs, family, and love intersect and clash in a racially divided society. It’s a reflection on what it means to be a “child” of the land, of a family, and of the person you believe yourself to be.

Mathee’s vivid descriptions of the landscape, the rich emotional depth of the characters, and the dramatic plot make this a landmark novel in South African literature. The story remains an enduring exploration of love, loss, and the often painful search for one’s true identity.