"Shades" is a historical fiction novel by Marguerite Poland that takes place in South Africa during the 19th century. The novel follows the story of two families, one black and one white, whose lives are intertwined through a complex web of relationships and events. The novel explores themes of race, class, and identity, as well as the complexities of power and privilege in a society that is deeply divided. The main character, Daniel Branwell, is a white farmer who becomes embroiled in a bitter conflict with a neighboring black family over land and resources. As the conflict intensifies, Daniel begins to question his own assumptions about race and power, and must confront the harsh realities of life in colonial South Africa. "Shades" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that offers a nuanced and complex perspective on one of the most difficult and controversial periods in South African history.
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