EGGS TO LAY, CHICKENS TO HATCH, a memoir

294 pp., paperback, Johannesburg, 2010

Chris van Wyk's second memoir about growing up in Riverlea, a coloured township outside Johannesburg in the 1950s, and his friendship with their Zulu housekeeper, Agnes. The first memoir, "Shirley, Goodness & Mercy" was published in 2004.

"Van Wyk's eggs are Fabergé, and his chickens are story-morsels that melt in the mouth and stay in the heart." Darryl Accone, Mail & Guardian Books editor

"Alert - this is no mere sequel to 'Shirley, Goodness & Mercy'. Chris van Wyk's recall, his wonderful use of language and his sense of purpose give an entirely different dimension to time, circumstance and interpersonal relationships in Riverlea. These are tales of joy and sadness rivetingly told - and always, the durable truths are buried in the title itself." Trevor Manuel

Writer Chris van Wyk was born in 1957 and educated at Riverlea High School. He lives in Johannesburg.