When Morning Comes

By: Arushi Raina

Narrated by: Jamie Bloch, John Fleming, Patience Mpumlwana, Tony Ofori

Length: 6 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's Summary

It’s 1976 in South Africa, and four young people are living in Johannesburg and its black township, Soweto: Zanele, a black female student organizer; Meena, a South Asian girl working at her father's shop; Jack, an Oxford-bound white student; and Thabo, a teen-gang member, or tsotsi. From each of their points of view, this book explores the roots of the Soweto Uprising and the edifice of apartheid in a South Africa about to explode. 

Introducing listeners to a remarkable young literary talent, When Morning Comes offers an impeccably researched and vivid snapshot of South African society on the eve of the uprising that changed it forever.

Bespeak Audio Editions brings Canadian voices to the world with audiobook editions of some of the country’s greatest works of literature, performed by Canadian actors.

©2016 Arushi Raina (P)2020 Bespeak Audio Editions

Critic Reviews

“The presentation of characters with different racial identities beautifully highlights how those identities shape the characters’ understandings and experiences… Readers who love the fast pace and high stakes of dystopian teen literature should snag this book. This timely reminder of the power and passion of young people contextualizes current student protests by honoring those of the past.” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

“Raina’s story powerfully demonstrates the high stakes of the teenagers’ choices while maintaining a bracing pace that builds steady tension. Each character’s distinct voice contributes to a sense of imminent change… A riveting and accomplished debut.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)  

“The story is easily relatable for today’s teens. The narrative is spare and engaging, but it also unloads a wealth of information about the time and a vivid sense of the setting… An eye-opening view of a rarely covered time and place in YA literature, this title offers rich opportunities for discussion and classroom sharing.” (School Library Journal) 

Class and race intersect in this powerful story!

When Morning Comes is a riveting, well written story about the Soweto Student Uprising. Arushi wonderfully weaves this historical fiction from the voices of four different characters. All meeting at a dramatic intersection. Right, wrong or otherwise, you feel each character’s emotions.

It was eh

This story was eh in my opinion because the plot was pretty boring

Over all 2 stars