Durban journalist Glynis Horning is very well-known as a household name in Durban in the world of newspapers and magazines. From Durban Girls College to Technikon Natal (Journalism) to University of Natal (BA English & French majors), Glynis is remembered as Lifestyle Editor of The Mercury (1985 - 1992) then Durban Bureau Chief of Associated Magazines (1993 - 2002) which included Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan and Oprah Magazine, among others.
From 1992, Glynis has been a freelance writer writing on health issues for Fairlady, JSE Health, Earthworks, African Decisions and Clicks Health Online .
Now in 2021, she's an accidental author, having penned the journey from Sunday September 15, 2019, when tragically her 25 year-old elder son Spencer died by suicide.
Glynis and her husband Chris woke up one morning to the devastating discovery of their 25-year old son, Spencer, dead in his bed.
In the aptly-titled Waterboy (could have also been titled, The Art of Swimming , as swimming plays a daily role both literally and metaphorically), Glynis' craft as a writer shines through her memoir - using language simply, efficiently , powerfully .
Written as (almost) daily entries, naming the day and date (and in some cases even the time of day), its impact is immediate, its pace implacable with Chapter One sweeping you off your feet in just three pages and six lines. In place of morbidity, depression or despair you find a roadmap for anyone who, God forbid, may find themselves in the shoes of Glynis, husband Chris, younger son Ewan, extended family and life-long friends near and far - in some cases very far.
Three pages of references to books and (especially) the many songs played in the car, make for useful reading for those who want to continue the journey with Glynis and family. The book (tastefully) ends with just two b/w photos of Spencer, as a young man, and as a young boy (with Glynis).
Waterboy is published Bookstorm. ISBN: 9781928257929
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