Helen Walne is a very popular writer and
columnist whose work has appeared in many magazines and newspapers around the
country. Her style is quirky and non-conformist and can be rather sardonic. Her
articles are always perceptive, thought-provoking, entertaining and amusing.
However in her book, The Diving, her
writing moves into a whole new dimension. This memoir about the suicide of her
beloved brother Richard is an intense and deeply personal account of this
tragic event.
Walne courageously bares her soul as she
relates the turmoil and confusion of her brother's troubled life. She also
talks of the pain, heartbreak and even feelings of guilt suffered by herself -
and other loved ones - after his suicide.
Richard Walne was a talented and highly
regarded musician, writer and poet. He was married and the father of two young
daughters. Despite this, he felt deep disenchantment with life. Unable to come
to terms with the realities and expectations of everyday life, he strongly felt
the call of death. Finally, as his detachment and depression grew, he gave in
to the calls of his demons and drowned himself in the sea off Cape Town.
Helen and Richard Walne had a unique and
close relationship. She took on the responsibility of helping him and trying to
guide him through the difficult and troubled times prior to his death. She was
completely devastated by his passing and took some time to find a measure of
equilibrium in her own life.
The book
not only tells Helen and Richard’s story but also
offers considerable insight into the often taboo subject of suicide. Those who
have suffered tragic events in their lives –and who amongst us hasn’t? – could
find some comfort and understanding from reading this book.
The Diving
is a beautifully and poetically written book filled with raw emotion. Despite
the occasional trademark Walne humour, it is not an easy read. It is, though,
utterly compelling and impossible to put down. Even if the words are
occasionally blurred through the tears.
The
Diving is published by Penguin Books. The ISBN
Number is 978-0-14-353867-7. The recommended retail price is R230. – Keith Millar
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