A Review of Norman Silvers Fifty-Fifty Tutti-Frutti Chocolate Chip

Have you and your parents ever argued over what you want to be? In this short, entertaining story the
main character is Basil, a fifteen year old boy who lives in South Africa during the apartheid regime. The
powerful theme makes Fifty-Fifty Tutti-Frutti Chocolate Chip an inspiring story about following your
dreams and making the right choices.

The highly-detailed setting is realistically described from firsthand experience by Norman Silver who was
born in South Africa. It is set during the apartheid era and one of the most important parts of the story
relates to the racism and the violence on New Year’s Eve.

The powerful theme of this story really makes you think and shows you the cruelty and brutality of
apartheid regime. Basil is white and doesn’t receive the harsh treatment that the black people do but
one day he witnesses just how cruel it is. Seeing this leads to a number of actions which change his
future indefinitely. He learns to make the right choices and how to stand up for himself.

The unusual but entertaining plot keeps the reader’s attention from beginning to end. Basil has had a
constant argument with his parents going on for some time. His parents insist he becomes a doctor and
are always dropping hints. But he isn’t interested in any of that and has dreams of being a journalist. In
need of an escape from his nagging parents he spends his Christmas at his grandparents for a month. He
spends his time with his girlfriend and eating Fifty-Fifty Tutti-Frutti Chocolate Chip ice creams. But while
he is there he discovers how cruel and hostile the country’s racism is and the career he wants to follow.

Fifty-Fifty Tutti-Frutti Chocolate Chip is a perfect short story to read if you yourself are unsure of your
future career. Although some may think the storyline is too slow or that there is not enough happening.
I enjoyed it and definitely recommend it to others.

Alice Culligan-Huggins 15/9/11 Book Review