My Beloved Country Made me CRY
A journey through crime and compassion, introducing you to many failures, hopes and hero's in South Africa and ultimately aiming to create an understanding behind the prevalence of crime in our country
A book very well written . I am mildly dyslexic so tend not to read books . I generally loose interest quickly . But your book I could not put down. Read it in 3 days a few hours a day . First book I have read cover to cover in twenty years . Really sad and at the same time interesting details that were well researched. You have truly honoured Mike through your book and all the related work you continue to do
What an incredibly moving and powerful journey – I couldn’t put this book down or stop thinking about it. This book works on so many different levels. It is so much more than “just” the story of one family’s experience of violent crime. Debby Thomson goes so much further, doggedly pursuing South Africa’s judicial & policing systems – and above all else, trying to understand why violent crime is so prevalent on this country. I admire her astonishing bravery for arranging to come face to face with the perpetrators, trying to understand their lives and what lead to this. Ultimately this is a book of hope - understanding what drives the crime, takes us one step closer to correcting the issues and the reality that we all can make a difference.
A gripping account of horrific crimes committed that left families shattered and revealed flawed criminal and judicial systems. A remarkable family who refused to give up and fought constantly for almost a decade to see justice served. This book left me in tears at times, but also filled me with the utmost respect and admiration at the courage and determination shown by those affected and the positive changes made by this family and others to honour the memory of their loved one.
If you are looking for a good book, this is it. In fact every South African needs to read this book. It's written by my cousin, Debby Thomson and a true story of a 9 year period, covering the frustrations, challenges and battles to bring to justice the murderers of her brother in a botched house robbery. It's compelling, it's shocking and an unbelievable expose of blunders, inefficiencies and inadequacies by police, government and our judicial system. It's a heartbreaking story filled with courage and determination by the family to find justice and closure, as they are faced with frustrations and challenges at every step. It's even deeper than that as Debby eventually confronts the murderers in prison and discovers how they were let down by 'the system' which led them down the life of crime. There is also a message of hope, albeit a long process but hope none the less. With the facts exposed in this book and the knowledge thereof it must allow for change before the rot gets deeper. I could not put this book down.
About The Book
A Memoir
“Take us out of this darkness and lead us into the light.”
When she receives the phone call all South Africans dread, informing her that a loved one had become a crime statistic, Debby Thomson’s life and that of her family is upended and their shock and ensuing grief tumble them into unchartered territory.
Recounting the fateful incident and the events that took place thereafter, Thomson takes you along on their journey of failures, hopes and hero’s. From coming to terms with the greed that turns people into monsters, to dealing with inept government institutions, the perpetual trauma of a court case and eventual justice. Not wanting to give into their heartache Debby and her family opt to stand up and fight back against crime and our failing systems, learning many new revelations along the way as to why crime is so prevalent in South Africa and what we can all do to bring it to an end. Although she says it “doesn’t bring peace, joy, relief nor accomplishment”, her message is clear; there is ultimately light at the end of the darkness.
Whether you are working towards your own healing, remembering someone you have lost, or your heart is just broken for South Africa, there is something of value in this book for you.
