They Fought for Freedom: Helen Suzman - a review by Jay Heale (Bookchat)
A well researched, articulately written, highly readable biography of the one lady who sat in our South African parliament representing (alone) the Progressive Party and opposing with every word and action she could gather together everything that the National Party framed as the law of our country. Here, told with wit, honesty and affection, we can read this sort of anecdote:
When John Vorster, the fearsome Minister of Police, said he was not aware of any “annoying aspects” of apartheid, Suzman had a suggestion for him. “Why don’t you disguise yourself heavily as a human being, and go out into a township, and see what conditions black people live under?” she said.
At last – and I say it with tears of joy – we can publish such words and comments. This latest addition to the They Fought for Freedom series (which already provides access to the lives of such as Steve Biko, Albert Luthuli, Mohandas Gandhi, Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela) is one of the best yet. Gillian Godsell is to be praised and thanked for making our history alive, exciting and fascinating.
J Rating ***
*** = Outstanding