Reviews

What readers are saying about Sheldon Baverstock's novels

Book one

One Black Ear

Set in post-apartheid South Africa

Amazon UK

MR Peter H Wise

Reviewed in the United Kingdom, January 2020

★★★★★

An exceptional interpretation of life in South Africa for those of us that lived through the changes. I couldn't put it down — read it in 2 days. It expertly weaves a real insight into the changes the country experienced. Add it to your list, you won't be disappointed.

Amazon UK

Graham Ford

Reviewed in the United Kingdom, May 2021

★★★★★

I read this book in two days. A real page turner. Sheldon created a great story about families in SA and how they adjusted to the new post-apartheid South Africa.

Amazon US

Verified purchaser

Reviewed in the United States, December 2019

★★★★

The language is beautifully descriptive and took me back to areas of the country I have long missed. A positive, uplifting story of the courage it takes to march to the beat of your own drum. Definitely worth a read.

Amazon US

Verified purchaser

Reviewed in the United States, January 2020

★★★★

It was a page turner for me and I devoured it in one day. The author's reflections on the previous apartheid system and its unavoidable effects on the people, going forward, are astute and resonated with me as a fellow South African.

Angus & Robertson

Verified purchaser

January 2020

★★★★★

Gripping and believable — this saga could only be written by someone with an in-depth knowledge of the country and the time. Be swept up into this life-changing period in modern South African history told from such a personal and raw, human perspective.

Goodreads

Tom Kelton

January 2021

★★★★★

Great read, couldn't put it down, read in 2 days. Beautiful ending. Looking forward to the author's next book. Highly recommend.

Instagram

Candy Smellie

United Kingdom, August 2020

I loved your story and felt I could almost have been there. You really took me back. I could almost smell the grasses. I also thought you really knew your people and might have recognised them should I have met them in the street.

Book two

The First Canary

Set in apartheid-era South Africa

Amazon UK

MR Peter H Wise

Reviewed in the United Kingdom, February 2023

★★★★★

There's so much going on in this entertaining and exciting novel — a thorough exploration of friendship, family, loyalty and betrayal against the backdrop of a violent and changing South Africa in the latter days of apartheid. Nothing and no-one is quite what you think they might be.

Amazon UK

Graham Ford

Reviewed in the United Kingdom, June 2023

★★★★★

Written with in-depth knowledge and a page-turning pace. The author captured the level of resentment in the townships in such detail, it's as if he lived there. You will not be disappointed with this book.

Amazon UK

Oliver Dowson

Reviewed in the United Kingdom, March 2024

★★★★

The historical angle and first-hand knowledge of the author made it very engaging. I imagine that contemporaries of the author with relatable experiences would enjoy the book even more.

Amazon DE

Wolfgang Muller

Reviewed in Germany, August 2024

★★★★★

I was confused by all the different characters initially but reading on brought the story together — I enjoyed it more and more. A brilliant story well told. Can't wait for the next novel.

Goodreads

Keryn Paull

April 2023

An intriguing, interesting read which is as enjoyable for its historic context as it is for its compelling family drama. A strong sense of the unique region and an isolation of the kind that many will relate to.

NetGalley

Kathryn M

★★★★★

A great story set in war-torn South Africa — exactly what I was hoping for from the description. I really felt for the characters and look forward to reading more from Sheldon Baverstock.

NetGalley

Paul V

★★★★

Pretty good writing here. This author did a great job of creating real people. I see a lot of talent and look forward to his future work.

Book three

They Make Cheese in Nimbin, Don't They?

Set in Nimbin, Australia

Northern Rivers Times

Samantha Elley

Book reviewer

This book remained true to the feel and history of Nimbin. The author masterfully captures the essence of the town's transformation, painting vivid pictures of both the struggles and triumphs. Rich with historical detail and cultural authenticity — a poignant family saga and a tribute to the resilience of the Nimbin community.

ABC Radio

Angela Catterns

ABC Radio interview

It sounds like a wonderful read.

Amazon

W. Muller

Stahnsdorf, Berlin

★★★★★

Just finished reading your book with great excitement. What a wonderful novel from beginning to end. When is the next one out?