Rainbow Diary: A Journey in the New South Africa

Review by Philip Blazdell

I have never been to South Africa. It's not a country that really appeals to me and I have not read much about the country, but after reading this strangely poetic book I feel half inclined to book a flight there.

One of the refreshing things about this book is that the author isn't a typical back-packer. He is openly gay, he prefers a touch of luxury to squalid hostels and he is more than happy admitting that sometimes he is either terrified, confused or even frustrated by the complexities of modern South Africa.

As Malathronas travels around the country he paints a picture of an amazingly diverse, yet challenged country. A place that is emerging from one of the most extreme instances of racial segregation but where hope for the future is strong. Having little to judge this book against, it's hard to be subjective about the author's view but there is little to doubt that the author paints a reasonable and learned account of South Africa.

However, this is a somewhat strange book. Malathronas oscillates between meaningful socio-political comments and details of his, apparently considerable, drug habit. I often felt that there were really two books here; one about an openly gay guy's party and drug experiences around South Africa and another, more serious tome, about the dynamic entity that is South Africa. Almost every time Malathronas makes a pertinent political comment he follows it up, a few lines later, by either flirting outrageously with the closest guy to hand or running off to score drugs. This, I feel, somewhat distracts from the fundamental message of the book.

However, minor grips aside this is an important book. It's well written, quirky (I loved the random useless facts that the author peppers the text with) and not afraid of challenging stereotypes. He is great with characters and draws some fascinating portraits of the many Afrikaner, Xhosa, Zulu, Indian and Swazi characters he encounters on his trip. He is also refreshingly human and not afraid to gush when he travels through beautiful country side or openly cry when the horrors of apartheid become all too apparent.

This, undoubtedly, is an important book. The author has a light, quirky style which is both informative and fun to read. Personally I would have liked to see more about the politics of South Africa and less about partying and drug taking (not that I object about these activities but, to be honest, a party is a party and is more or less the same regardless of the country in which it takes place), but this didn't stop me enjoying this book and I shall look forward to reading the author's other book.