Brink's historical novel follows the journey of Cupido Cockroach on his journey from Khoi San religion to missionary for the London Missionary Society to Khoi San again. It is an intriguing story of a life through colonial occupation, genocide and mission.
Brink's masterly narrative might be a classic study of how Christianity replaced KhoiSan culture and religion. It is, however, not a triumphant narrative but a deeply ambiguous one. Cupido's story is told through a deeply self reflective missionary Read. Moreover, Cupido himself becomes a deeply committed Christian the meaning of which he pushes to the limit. His passion and humour leaves a lasting impression.
I like best Cupido's engagements with Heitsi-Eibib, and with God the Father. There is no doubt about his belief as he loves, pleads, takes, gives and teases. There are no answers to the deeply disturbing questions posed by Cupido about colonialism and religion in the history of South Africa.
Brink's masterly narrative might be a classic study of how Christianity replaced KhoiSan culture and religion. It is, however, not a triumphant narrative but a deeply ambiguous one. Cupido's story is told through a deeply self reflective missionary Read. Moreover, Cupido himself becomes a deeply committed Christian the meaning of which he pushes to the limit. His passion and humour leaves a lasting impression.
I like best Cupido's engagements with Heitsi-Eibib, and with God the Father. There is no doubt about his belief as he loves, pleads, takes, gives and teases. There are no answers to the deeply disturbing questions posed by Cupido about colonialism and religion in the history of South Africa.
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