The Road to Home

by Vanessa Del Fabbro

Book Overview

South African journalist Monica Brunetti had it all-- promising career, loving family, marriage-minded boyfriend. Then a life-changing encounter landed her in a hospital bed next to gregarious Ella Nkhoma, whose wit and caring challenged Monica's worldview. Their remarkable friendship would lead Monica far from the gated white suburbs, and toward a parting that left both women transformed--and Monica the mother of two sons.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0373786018
• ISBN13: 9780373786015
• Release Date: August 2007
• Publisher: Steeple Hill
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 4.2" x 6.6"

Customer Reviews

A beautiful story!

Vanessa Del Fabbro has written a compelling first novel rich with complex characters and an absorbing plot, all set against the fascinating backdrop of South Africa in the wake of apartheid. My own heart was touched by Monica's awakening to her own fears and prejudices. With an ending to stand up and cheer about, this book is a real treasure. I'm eager to read the other books in the series.

beautiful, heartwrenching story

I picked up this book while I was recuperating from a concussion, so when the heroine (one of 2) is lying in a hospital, suffering from a carjacking/shooting, the pain she goes through helped get me through my own. What a powerful story. It really opened my eyes to S.Africa today. I had assumed S.Africa was the most developed African nation, and things had progressed quite nicely since the end of apartheid. Was I ever wrong! One thing I really liked was how del Fabbro described so many of the players in post-apartheid S. Africa and wove the history of the situation in such a way that didn't bog down the reader but helped him/her to understand the situation today more fully. I especially liked reading about the Dutch (Boer) faction, since I live in the Netherlands. The story of two women and two young children is poignant and moved me to tears more than once. I really look forward to reading her next book which continues the story. This book won a Christy award and I can see it was well-deserved! When I finished it, I thought to myself, this would make an excellent Oprah Book Club pick.

Lovely, gentle story

This is a lovely book with a story that builds to a very powerful end. It moves so subtly you almost don't realize how caught up you are until you are there. Two women become friends, despite all the barriers that exist between white and black people in post-Apartheid South Africa. Both women find themselves in situations that force them to evaluate what's important in their lives. In the process, they become important to each other. I really loved this book. Twice it brought me to tears. The writing is lovely, and the message is both hopeful and kind.

Couldn't put it down

Post apartheid South Africa and AIDS are difficult topics to cover. The author descibes a situation facing millions daily, describing both the good and the bad without ever passing judgement or searching for a romantic ending. We are instead lead on a thought-provoking journey with the main characters. A great read, can't wait for the sequel.

The best book I've read this year!!!

A great story of friendship and courage dealing with very real and tragic situations in the new South Africa. Written with humor and understanding of true friendship. There are heart warming moments that will bring tears to your eyes, a real page turner. Read by our book club and enjoyed by all. I hope that this first time author will be writing more novels.