BOOKS By Ruth Alexander - Author
“Born in District Six” is a compilation of fictional short stories based on living in fairyland D6. It was a vibrant, diverse community of all colors who lived there, went to segregated divided schools, played, and grew up together as an extended family unlike any other. Furthermore, touching briefly on the apartheid era that affected an entire community of D6, there is greater depth within the story. Delving into how the land was redeveloped after bulldozing and people refusing to touch the land, the stories seek to divulge the complexities of this area. Whether it is the family drama that occurred, mystical tea leaf readings, coon carnival excitement, or even games played in D6 – the aim has always been to capture life in its essence. Despite its beautiful, majestic setting and the oceans that surround it, very little is known regarding the loving community in the depths of Cape Town. Attempting to describe each bond could be a task for centuries, yet in this anthology, the aim is to provide a peek. Ultimately, this is a work of fiction, and all names or characters are fictional. If there is any correlation towards people living today, it is completely coincidental.
.jpg)
Ruth in Muizenberg
The cover picture is old District Six
.png)
BIO
Ruth Alexander was born in Cape Town, District Six, South Africa. She has resided in beautiful Monte Sereno (Silicon Valley) California, USA. for 40+ years. The fictional short stories are mainly written about District Six (D6).
Studied and graduated as a Fashion Designer from the Pacific Fashion Institute in San Francisco, California, and sold her clothing in the San Francisco Bay area.
For Community Service, while living in San Francisco she volunteered for the "POH" in S.F. serving meals for people with AIDS.
She also graduated as a mom and daughter duo from Indian Classical Ballet or Bharatanatyam at the Cubberley Theatre in Palo Alto. Ruth and her daughter pioneered and produced shows using the language of ICB (Indian Classical Ballet) to the Gospel hymns in English & English songs for approximately 19 years as a family group, especially giving joy to the elderly and children in the USA and abroad. Ruth and her daughter had a non-profit organization named Alexandria D’Souza Dance/music Guild - retired.
Our daughter Alexandria D'Souza received "The President's Volunteer Service Award" in 2008. "In Recognition and Appreciation of your Commitment to Strengthening our Nation and for making a Difference through Volunteer Service" because of our Non-profit organization.
Bio Continued below
Bio Continued:
She has been married to Daniel D’Souza (IITKGPian Engineer) for 35+ years and is the mother to their two grown children Alexandria D'Souza (BioInformatic Scientist) and Alexander D'Souza (Computer Scientist).
In 2023, Ruth Alexander was recognized as an "Outstanding Resident" of Monte Sereno, CA. by the Monte Sereno City. There was a write-up about her in their Fall 2023 News about all the beautiful things she has done for our world and being a self-made woman written by the city and a total surprise not knowing about this!
2024: She recently wrote a short story about their whale expedition on the Big Island of Hawaii, which was printed in the Monte Sereno News.
WEBSITE OF Ruth's "LIFE'S JOURNEY"!​
Reviews of my book on Amazon and also beautiful comments below:
* T.L.: Although this book reveals the heartbreaking struggles of a time in history, you will be immersed in the characters, the activities, and the vibrant descriptions and tales of local customs and events. However, the most charming are the individual personalities and experiences brought to life whimsically but courageously. The main character's 'rebellious' but graceful spirit takes on the establishment both in her growing years and as an adult. Anyone reading this book will embrace the lesson that while experiencing fear and prejudice, the character remained compassionate and kind never letting go of her strong belief to prevail with justice.
* K.R.: As an ex-South African interested in the history of apartheid, I eagerly read Ruth Alexander's series of short stories set in District 6, in Cape Town. Though fictional, one can feel the personal element as well, written by one who is non-white in a land where the white-only government treated all others poorly. The removal of all races other than white from District 6 in Cape Town and the bulldozing of homes and buildings are featured. However, this is not just a historical attack on apartheid but is filled with the life and experiences of growing up in the mother city, District 6. I learned a lot about an area that had its own extraordinary identity, its own life, its joys and sorrows. I appreciate that somebody has captured the essence and life of the area that was wiped from the earth to make way for the white-only population.
* D.A.: A very well-written collection of vignettes
* P: We met Ruth and her wonderful family in the US several years ago. She and her daughter performed beautiful classical dancing at various South African events we attended. The stories of Apartheid and District Six need to be told and Ruth has ventured to tell her story in a fascinating compilation of short stories. Though fictional, the personal experiences can be felt. Talented!
* A: Your book is so entertaining - I loved it!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* C.: You are an amazing woman
* B.K.: Well done, you are a woman with great vision
* A: You both achieved the "American Dream"
* B. Thank God for your success
*C.D. Always proud of you
*J You are a genius (not true, I said, but thank you)
*P Amazing
* B.M. You are inspirational and awesome
* S.L.: You are my hero
* R.N: It's amazing and inspiring to see all the things you have done on your journey
* M. Great article you wrote in the Monte Sereno News Fall 2024
Follow: