Book Review – Bubbles

by Rahla Xenopoulos (Penguin) ISBN 978-0-14-353016-9

Bubbles is found murdered in a field in Johannesburg back in 1949.

While this story is mostly fictional, Rahla Xenopoulos has incorporated true events and woven them into a tale of childlike naivety and spine chilling darkness that leads to Bubble’s untimely demise.

Growing up in dire conditions in Lichtenburg, Jacoba “Bubbles” Schroeder believes she will find true happiness if she can become more like Mrs Botha, a wealthy lady who brings her grand dresses to her mom, who does laundry for a living. It is with this idea in her head that we follow Bubbles on her journey from poor waif to ‘glamour’ girl living in Johannesburg at the age of 16.

Bubbles believes she is truly on her way to realising her flights of fancy. A seedy character by the name of Barry takes her under his wing and shows her the real way to a man’s heart. However, not possessing street smarts and more obsessed with the trappings the upper crust has to offer, Bubbles never imagines the fate that awaits her.

A suspenseful read – the book held my attention from start to finish. Highly recommended.

Ashleigh Seton-Rogers
4/5