A journey unveiling the struggles of growing up unseen

NEIGHBOURS, old friends, and book enthusiasts flocked to the Baxter Theatre last week for the launch of Anwar McKay’s debut book, The Invisible Boy from Bramble Way.

- ROSHAN ABRAHAMS

This poignant memoir recounts the journey of a young boy growing up in Bonteheuwel, who often felt invisible. The intimate theatre was filled with McKay's close friends, and family, all eager to hear from a panel of speakers, including Baxter CEO and playwright Lara Foot, sexologist and trauma specialist Dr Marlene Wasserman, his cousin Shamiela Chadwick, and his husband, Marc Lottering.

Hosted by author Sara-Jayne Makwala King, who introduced the book with heartfelt words. “The journey is about a little boy who grew up in Bonteheuwel and felt invisible. He experienced a number of traumas and fought to revive himself, which he has captured in the pages of this beautiful book. Anwar’s story isn’t just his own — it is a mirror for so many of us, a manifesto of what it means to take on the responsibility of healing your wounds.”

McKay said the idea for the book was sparked during the COVID-19 lockdown.

“I had a lot of time to reflect,” he said, adding that at the same time, his late mother, Toheerah, fondly known as Tyra, was falling ill.