MOLEBOGENG ALITTA MOKHUOA. By Omoseye Bolaji

Review by Rebaone

If it was not in honour of the late author (M.A Mokhuoa), I would not have chosen another one of Omoseye Bolaji’s books. He certainly dominates and over-shadows Free State (Black) writers. I don’t know if it is because of a lack of marketing from others, or simply that more still needs to be done to have more writers on the Free State block.

I felt obliged to review this one in memory of Molebogeng Alitta Mokhuoa. The book is in two parts: the first about the lady herself, and the second about her writings. This I believe was a great move for readers like me did not know her, save for the fact that she made a valuable contribution in promoting literature in the province.

She was even crowned Author of the Year in 2002. I never met her personally so it’s difficult to ascertain how Bolaji described her personality and work, but if her writings in the latter part of the book are anything to go by, clearly she would have made and achieved great strides in the world of books.

The book is a good read for anyone who knew her, and might also appeal to aspirant writers who wish to know more about the landscape of Free State writers.

Bolaji also cleverly used this opportunity to refer to other books under his name, and that of other writers, either to market them or to showcase Mokhuoa’s knowledge of literature. He regards her opinion highly and apparently respected her ordinary way of life and writing style.

He described her as the one who would go for short stories by choice and not waste time “going big”. This might sound as if he is putting her in a box, but on the other hand it indicates that she knew what she wanted and how to get it.

Bolaji has so far enjoyed great space, and by reviewing this one, a shortage of Free State writers has again been indicated; especially female ones. Where are they?
* First published in Mangaung Issue, 29 June 2011 edition

THROUGH IT ALL By Teboho Masakala

Review by Rebaone Motsalane

I was very reluctant to read this book, if I had another choice I would have over looked it. It is sad how sometimes first impressions last.

This is after most writers came hard on me when I critically reviewed Masakala first book, Mind, Pen, Paper and Ideas last year. Many said that I was too hard considering that it was his first attempt. But am I glad that I did critically analyze him otherwise I doubt he would have improved this much. And I am glad that with a bitter taste in my mouth I read it and also that he was not dismayed but through it all (criticisms) he managed to pen another one, I call this bravery from both sides !

He seemed to have considered those sore points and rising up to the level where he should be. Through it all is so much better and was worth reading.

Masakala is showing signs of maturity in his thinking and writing. He has left behind his boyish approach to writing and now into adulthood or should I say manhood.

He totally caught me off especially the ending of this book. The story is about an orphaned girl sexually abused by his uncle who turned into prostitute. Though I was expecting a happy ending, I never thought he would tackle the most important part of survival, spirituality.

From the beginning he never gave away his ending and just when you think you know how it will ends he takes the reader by surprise and give this beautiful ending.

However he should note that he should be able to keep the interest of the reader and maintain it throughout. I know I have left many books unfinished just because I could not be bothered to finish them. Great ending!


Though he might have improved and polished his writing it is clear he refused to take my advice on some issues, the book in has seven chapters but pages are not numbered and he adhered to his style of making long paragraphs. I am hopeful this will be addressed in the third book? You have that potential untapped it fully and don’t personalize criticism as I am not in the business of destroying dreams and careers, its only meant to build you up!

*Courtesy of Mangaung Issue

REVERIE - a poem. By Omoseye Bolaji

Review by Rebaone Motsalane

The power of thoughts cannot be over emphasized; it could make you or
break you and indeed we are what we think about.

Though not a familiar experience, many have told such stories where
deliberately or by chance are transported to another level and come
back to their normal senses to tell a story.

But I don’t know anyone in my sphere who has gone through such a
process, so you can imagine my shock to realize that one of the
writers has gone through that and penned this book on his experiences,
Reverie. The initial shock was abated when I realized that his
reverie was on what could be termed his first love, literature.

In this book Omoseye takes us through his mental or spiritual journey
with some of the best writers in the world and South Africa and tells
a story not many could understand as told but prompts us to seek
divine intervention to understand it. He called this spiritual journey
a poem; personally I have no name for it as it was too deep and personal
to understand.

I believe that this is one book where Omoseye cannot hide behind
fictional characters but exposed his fragile nature and vulnerability
to the love of literature.

My pastor says that there is no way he cannot preach the gospel as it
is shut up in his bones, the same goes for Omoseye - the love of books
is shut in his bones that he even when given a chance he is spiritually
uplifted and mixed with the gurus and had that deep personal
conversation which he later translates in this book.

The writer here is left with two choices, to believe or not to believe
and make up his mind about the book, is it too personal to be
published or just shows highest level that Omoseye is operating and
finally claiming his mark as one of the best writers? He really
reminded me of Thomas Hardy; great writers but creepy (in a good way)!