The Blue Suitcase

With The Blue Suitcase, CAS le Hane presents a poignant and articulate account of South Africa through a dramatisation of his own personal experiences. Life in South Africa is inextricably tied to politics, separate development and discrimination. In this debut biographical novel Le Hane tells the story of Samuel Levy aged four years and three months when he joins his sister, Jane, at a boarding school. This whimsical story evolves to expose several deep rooted secrets which plague some families.Sam's inspirational mother, selfless people and even those who erred are introduced and described without judgement or label. Throughout, the complex relationship Sam shares with his frequently absent father informs many experiences and disclosures as he develops from boy to man. This powerful story unfolds from late 1960 through to present day South Africa. Several gripping renditions serve to elicit a better understanding of a beautiful but socially maimed country, South Africa. The Blue Suitcase is illuminating in both its honesty and contains Le Hane's unapologetic vision for a better future.