Peter Abrahams

1. Overview

Peter Henry Abrahams Deras (3 March 1919 - 18 January 2017), widely known as Peter Abrahams, was a prominent South African-born novelist, journalist, and political commentator. He dedicated his literary career to exploring crucial themes of race, identity, and the complexities of post-colonial Africa, consistently advocating for social justice and human dignity through his work. Abrahams gained international acclaim for his pioneering novels, particularly Mine Boy, which shed light on the brutal realities of apartheid in South Africa. In 1956, he settled in Jamaica, where he continued to write and contribute to public discourse until his death in 2017, which was later determined to be a murder. His writings remain a significant contribution to African literature and a powerful critique of historical injustices.

2. Early Life and Education

Peter Abrahams was born in 1919 in Vrededorp, a suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa. His father was of Ethiopian descent, and his mother was a Coloured woman with French and African heritage. When Abrahams was five years old, his father passed away, leading to significant financial struggles for his family. Consequently, his mother sent him to live with relatives until he was 11.

At the age of 11, Abrahams became a boarding student at the Anglican Church's Grace Dieu School in Pietersburg (now Polokwane). After graduating from Grace Dieu, he continued his education at St Peter's Secondary School in Rosettenville. To cover his tuition fees, Abrahams worked at the Bantu Men's Social Centre, demonstrating his early determination and resilience in pursuing education despite challenging circumstances.

3. Move to London and Early Career

In 1939, Peter Abrahams made the pivotal decision to leave South Africa. He initially worked as a sailor before settling in London, England, where he embarked on a career as a journalist. During his time in London, Abrahams resided with his wife, Daphne, in Loughton, and actively engaged with many influential Black leaders and writers of the era, including figures like Jomo Kenyatta.

Despite his aspirations to establish himself as a writer, Abrahams faced considerable challenges as a South African in the British literary scene, as documented by Carol Polsgrove in her history, Ending British Rule: Writers in a Common Cause (2009). Nevertheless, he persevered. In 1942, Allen & Unwin published his collection of stories, Dark Testament, primarily composed of pieces he had brought with him from South Africa. Following this, publisher Dorothy Crisp released his novels Song of the City in 1945 and Mine Boy in 1946. The latter, according to Nigerian scholar Kolawole Ogungbesan, became "the first African novel written in English to attract international attention," marking a significant milestone in African literature. His subsequent works, including the novels The Path of Thunder (1948) and Wild Conquest (1950), the journalistic account of a return journey to Africa titled Return to Goli (1953), and his memoir Tell Freedom (1954), further solidified his growing reputation, finding publication in both Britain and the United States.

4. Political and Social Engagement

Peter Abrahams was deeply involved in the political and social movements of his time, particularly those advocating for African independence and racial equality. In 1945, he played a key role in organizing the 5th Pan-African Congress in Manchester, England. This event is widely recognized as a pivotal moment in the struggle for African independence, bringing together prominent figures who would later lead their nations to self-rule. Notable attendees included Kwame Nkrumah, who would become Ghana's first president; Hastings Banda, Malawi's first president; Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya's first president; and the influential sociologist and civil rights activist W. E. B. Du Bois.

His involvement in the political community in London also inspired his 1956 novel, A Wreath for Udomo, a roman à clef that explored the complexities of post-colonial leadership. The novel's main character, Michael Udomo, who returns from London to transform his African country into an independent, industrialized nation, was primarily modeled on Nkrumah, with hints of Kenyatta. Other recognizable fictionalized figures included George Padmore. The narrative concludes with Udomo's murder, and its publication the year before Nkrumah assumed power in independent Ghana suggested a pessimistic outlook on Africa's future, reflecting Abrahams' critical perspective on the challenges facing newly independent nations.

5. Literary Works and Themes

Peter Abrahams is regarded as one of South Africa's most distinguished writers, whose extensive literary output consistently addressed pressing political and social issues. His works primarily focused on themes of racism, apartheid, social injustice, and the intricate complexities of identity within the African context. Through his writing, Abrahams demonstrated a profound commitment to social critique, using literature as a powerful tool to expose and challenge the oppressive systems of his time.

6. Life and Work in Jamaica

In 1956, Peter Abrahams made the significant move to Jamaica, where he would reside for the remainder of his life. Despite leaving South Africa, he continued his prolific career as a writer, producing more novels and memoirs. In Jamaica, he also took on roles as a journalist and a radio commentator, maintaining his active engagement with public discourse. His contributions to literature and journalism in Jamaica were formally recognized in 1994 when the Institute of Jamaica awarded him the prestigious Musgrave Gold Medal. This award celebrated his enduring impact on the literary and journalistic landscape.

7. Death and Legal Proceedings

Peter Abrahams was found dead at his home in Saint Andrew Parish, Jamaica, on 18 January 2017, at the age of 97. Initial reports of his passing were soon followed by a forensic examination that revealed evidence of foul play, leading authorities to conclude that his death was a murder.

A 61-year-old local man named Norman Tomlinson was subsequently charged with Abrahams' murder. The legal proceedings commenced in March 2017, though they experienced an initial delay due to a lengthy power outage at the courthouse. On 7 October 2018, Norman Tomlinson pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with Abrahams' death and was sentenced to seven years in prison.

8. Legacy and Cultural Impact

Peter Abrahams left an indelible mark on literature and culture, with his work resonating deeply due to its powerful social and political commentary. His writings have significantly influenced subsequent generations, fostering a greater understanding of historical injustices and advocating for human rights.

9. Bibliography

• Dark Testament (1942)
• Song of the City (1945)
• Mine Boy (1946)
• The Path of Thunder (1948)
• Wild Conquest (1950)
• Return to Goli (1953)
• Tell Freedom (1954; new edn 1970)
• A Wreath for Udomo (1956)
• Jamaica: an Island Mosaic (1957)
• A Night of Their Own (1965)
• This Island Now (1966)
• The View from Coyaba (1985)
• The Coyaba Chronicles: Reflections on the Black Experience in the 20th Century (2000)