Ways of Dying

This novel is focused around the concept of death as being a part of everyday life. It begins with the death of Noria's boy, who is buried at the funeral where Toloki first meets her. This incident sets the foundation for the novel. I found it amazing that despite the violence that occurs daily, Toloki and Noria are optimistic and the novel does not dwell on the deaths. This quote stood out to me; "Death lives with us everyday. Indeed our ways of dying are our ways of living. or should I say our ways of living are our ways of dying?" It shows how connected death is to their lives, and despite the fact that staying alive is a struggle, they still look forward to brighter days and a happy future. They allow their imaginations to take them to this happier place and often contemplate on how much better things could be, given their current conditions. Also, the fact that they have both endured so much in their lives, but yet in many ways are able to console each other, is in a way a representation of the nation of South Africa and the strength of its people. However, there is still hope for both the nation and Toloki and Noria.