The Calling of Katie Makanya: A Memoir of South Africa - Paperback

by Margaret McCord (Author)

This memoir is the story of a black woman, Katie Makanya. Born in 1873, Makanya refused a chance of wealth and fame as a performer to marry and raise a family in her native South Africa. There she lived through the days of apartheid until 1955, triumphing over all hardships and finding her calling as interpreter and assistant to a white doctor named James McCord.

Back Jacket

Winner of the Johannesburg Sunday Times Alan Paton Prize for Nonfiction

Discover a people's enduring power through the inspiring life of a fascinating woman.

Critical acclaim for The Calling of Katie Makanya

""A very marvelous and precious document. . . . It is a magnificent story superbly told. The combination of Katie's extraordinary life and McCord's immense talent as a storyteller is overwhelming. I found it compulsive reading and deeply moving."" --Athol Fugard.

""I fell in love with the Delaney sisters, enjoying both the book and the play. It is good to know their sister in Africa also has her say, that Katie's life, too, can be shared."" --Nikki Giovanni.

""To know the story of Katie Makanya is to feel the pain and promise of life for blacks in South Africa for generations."" --Detroit Free Press.

""Emotionally compelling, resonantly detailed, and of extraordinary cultural significance."" --Kirkus Reviews.

Author Biography

MARGARET McCORD grew up in South Africa. KATIE MAKANYA asked her to record this true story.