"Years ago, Veronica Jonkers departed for the big city in the brave New South Africa, set on making her dreams of fame and fortune come true. In COMING HOME, Veronica returns to Nieu Bethesda several years later to die of AIDS, but she is determined to first secure a future for her child, bright word-loving little Mannetjie. After a rocky beginning, Veronica's childhood playmate and school friend Alfred agrees to marry Veronica and take care of Mannetjie, but Mannetjie resents Alfred's intrusion into the close relationship he has with his mother. The ghost of old Buks Jonkers, Veronica's beloved grandfather, appears to Veronica and to Mannetjie, teaching them how to appreciate the miracle of life, how it is part of God's Plan and that one has to take the good with the bad and learn to survive. With his elders' guidance, Mannetjie will, in turn, learn that the harsh realities of life can be softened by hope and redemption"--Page 4 of cover.… (more)