Reviews

In this video interview with Herschil from the Clanwilliam Museum, Barbara shares her journey from an 8-year-old storyteller to a published historical fiction novelist. Discover how she transformed the "gift" of the Covid lockdown into a daily ritual of sending a chapter a day of Ida's Line to friends worldwide to keep them cheered up, and hear the fascinating, untold history of the Robben Island leper colony, where her own grandmother worked. From winning the prestigious Adam Small poetry prize to navigating the grit of self-publishing and marketing, Barbara offers invaluable insights for aspiring writers and history buffs alike. Watch the full interview to learn more about her "lesser known" stories

Even if Afrikaans isn’t your first language, this thoughtful review of Out of Mind offers a rich perspective on a powerful South African story. Set on Robben Island, the novel explores isolation, injustice, and quiet resistance—beautifully captured here in a review that reflects the book’s wide local appeal.

A story shaped by outrage, compassion, and a fierce sense of justice, Out of Mind lays bare the human cost of a society built on exclusion. In this insightful review, Nancy Richards explores a world where secrets, suffering, and resilience collide on Robben Island—and why this layered, deeply researched novel demands a closer read.

A deeply human story set against the harsh realities of early 1900s Robben Island, Out of Mind follows the courageous Vera Godwin as she quietly challenges injustice in a divided world. Tenderly written yet unflinching, this review explores a novel rich in character, moral tension, and hidden secrets—well worth the full read.

Just loving Barbara Townsend’s new novel Ida’s Line. A beautifully written historical story set in SA in the 1930s and 40s. Ida Joubert is coming of age in Oudtshoorn. She’s a clear-headed, feisty girl who challenges the prevailing patriarchal and racist views. When she introduces the man she loves, a mixed-race teacher, things come to a head. What will Ida choose: love or family? It’s a nuanced novel, beautifully told.

Keep on flying. Your books are simply awesome. And The Colour of Flying is my all-time favourite. Keep writing them.

I am savouring every page of your beautiful, poignant memoir. Have to stop every once in a while when the memories overwhelm.

A childhood remembered with astonishing clarity, TThe Colour of Flying is both laugh-out-loud funny and deeply moving. This review captures the magic of a young voice coming into its own—full of sharp observation, imagination, and emotional truth. A compelling read you’ll want to explore in full.

At once cinematic and deeply intimate, The Colour of Flying is a memoir that places you inside the mind of a child—seeing, feeling, and remembering alongside her. This review highlights its extraordinary storytelling and emotional resonance.

A tender glimpse into childhood vulnerability, The Colour of Flying captures the quiet heartbreak of trying to understand love, loss, and belonging. This heartfelt review by Carmel Rickard reveals a childhood memoir rich in emotional truth—and the small moments that shape a life. Well worth the full read.

Dear Barbara. I have just this minute finished reading THE COLOUR OF FLYING. What an extraordinary accomplishment! Your child's voice is as clear as a mountain stream moving over rocks and pebbles, touching lightly or cascading wildly over your - indeed sometimes our - experiences. Sometimes I even wanted to put the book aside to silence for a day or two the incessant chatter and questioning....but I couldn't. It was - you were - much too engaging. Congratulations and gratitude. Sending love and warm wishes as you introduce Missy B/Nobantu to the wide world.

Hello Barbara. I came with Rosemary to your book introduction at the Hermanus Library for your lovely book, “ The Colour of Flying." Although I’ve finished reading your book, I haven’t been able to get it out of my mind! I loved the way you wrote it in such an “ immediate” way; it really took me back to how I used to think as a child. Your writing was so refreshing! And I had many a “ laugh- out- loud” moment. My husband, Aubrey, remembered the plane crashing on Julianaveld. He came rushing to the site of the accident with his friends on their bicycles; there was no such thing as “health and safety rules” in those days. He was 8 years old! Thank you so much for your unique book. I am sure it won’t be long before your next book appears.