Title: Bungi Gungi

Author: CC Mandl

ISBN: 1422511353-2

Bungi Gungi is South African author CC Mandl’s first book and she certainly forges a most unique world of characters replete with even their alter egos or as they are referred to as their Gungi. For a debut author, Mandl’s book is quite ambitious in its form, dialogue and narrative.  Moreover, Mandl displays a talent as an acute observer of people and relationships with her insight into the misfortunes that have befallen some members of our society who may be different and who prefer to snub the conventional agenda.

The setting of the story is Batsbay, which according to the author is purposefully vague. We are told that: “the point of it lies not in a particular city or street address, but in the imagination of the volatile mind.”

The three principal engaging and eccentric characters that populate Mandl’s world are rather diverse and complex which keep the narrative moving. We have Ramon, a gay person, who ran away from a family who disowned him, Nigel, who is artistic and very talented whose father has a very low opinion of him and who likewise escaped from his family. Then there is Winston who grew up as an orphan when “he discovered his parents had gone without him to the greener pastures of heaven.”

As the story gets underway, Winston, who is described as a gigantic black man, discovers Nigel Bullstone badly hurt and flattened against the passenger door of his car. Nigel hysterically accuses Winston of physically abusing him, which turns out to be quite ridiculous as Winston was only administering CPR to Nigel in order to save him from possible serious injury.

The two eventually strike up a conversation, and after Winston explains how he came to Nigel's rescue, he convinces him to tag along with him to Batsbay. During the course of their journey Nigel recounts how his father kicked him out of his house while his doting tearful mother handed him an over-packed suitcase. Eventually, the couple wind up at Winston’s rambling beautiful stone house where Nigel is introduced to Ramon, who is the house caretaker. Initially, Ramon was not very pleased to meet Nigel, however, eventually they make their peace and become friends.

Winston informs Nigel that they will be staying at his home until they repair his battered car, and then they will all will be going camping including Ramon.

As the plot develops, a composite portrait of all three characters slowly emerges depicting their flaws and imperfections as well as the indignities that have plagued them.

Mandl is blessed with a fertile imagination with masterful animated writing skills, which at times reminded me of poetry rather than prose as she combines tragedy and comedy with a great deal of sage advice thrown in from the mouths of the Gungis.

The story is beautifully woven with compassionate character descriptions that are immensely appealing and believable. The characters offer no easy answers to their separate plights as they courageously examine their torment and anger.

All told, Bungi Gungi is a sincere, entertaining, and poignant story of a world that is sometimes quite cruel to those who don’t conform, however, listening to our alter egos may just be the remedy that some of us need from time-to-time to help us cope. I look forward to hearing more from CC Mandl.

The above review was contributed by: The Publisher & Editor of Bookpleasures.com, Norm Goldman, B.A. LL.L, Retired Title Attorney: Norm is also a travel writer and together with his artist wife, Lily, the couple meld Norm's words with Lily's art. To check out their travel site click on Sketchandtravel.com   Click here to view Norm’s Reviews & Interviews.

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To read Norm's Interview With CC Mandl CLICK HERE