“In providing a vivid, and highly personalised account of the activities of a  few extraordinary, white, middle class women in the small towns of apartheid South Africa, this book provides  a new understanding of the anti-apartheid struggle.”  — Jacklyn Cock (Professor Emeritus, University of the Witwatersrand).

"The book shows how a principled lifelong commitment to non-racialism, peace and justice enabled the author to find her feet - and her sense of herself.” — Rob Gaylard, The Sunday Independent

“An important story - in depth, written by one of the deeply committed. The reader will feel almost a part of the struggle against apartheid with Rosemary Smith. Her way of telling the tale of her role through all those years is engrossing. Be warned, you may be emotionally sapped after reading the dramatic sections.” — Sheridan Griswold, Mmegi

“A captivating memoir… Smith has a strong personal connection to all the stories discussed throughout the book. A well-balanced and valuable read.” — Monica G. Fernandes, Historia

“The Eastern Cape, for all its rugged landscape and  cruel apartheid divisions, worked its way into the heart and head of a young English social worker.  Facing its challenges, she nurtured her family, threw herself into working for justice and peace, and found herself dealing with forced removals, detentions of political activists and the viciousness of the state security system.  “Found herself” indeed:  Rosemary Smith’s book reveals her as a woman of warmth, courage and strength.”  — Mary Burton (National President of the Black Sash 1985 to 1990 & TRC Commissioner)

“…. a biography of socialisation and struggle on South Africa’s ever-troubled Eastern Cape Frontier…written with both candour and courage… the finest modern book written about Grahamstown…”  — Peter Vale (Professor of Humanities, University of Johannesburg and Nelson Mandela Professor of Politics Emeritus, Rhodes University)

“This is not just a matter of history. It is a monument to the courage displayed by people of conscience, mainly women in the case of this ­account, which set a standard for civic activism. It leaves the reader wondering if the next generation would be up to the challenge of a similar situation in the future.” — Christopher Merrett, The Witness