Another Woman's Daughter

Originally published in the UK as Shifting Colors, this is the story of Miriam Mphephu, born the daughter of a black maid, Celia, who was working for a white couple, the Steiners, in 1960 South Africa. When violence from mounting racial tensions threatens the Steiners' lifestyle, the childless couple repatriate to their native England. Before they depart, the Steiners convince Celia to allow them to adopt her six-year-old daughter, arguing they'll be able to give Miriam a better life. Once in England, the Steiners cut off all ties to Celia, leaving Miriam without any link to her past. Miriam struggles with her racial identity until she returns to South Africa as an adult in the mid-1980s, at which time she finally reunites with Celia. Chapters alternate between Miriam's and Celia's perspectives. First-time novelist Sussman effectively juggles the expansive time period and many characters. Nicolette McKenzie handles the many regional accents well.