All Rise - Roger Chennells

All Rise: Tales of Human Rights & Wrongs by Roger Chennells is a humorous and humane retelling of a life dedicated to marginalised peoples. Chennells, a South African human rights lawyer and renowned conflict resolver, shares a vibrant blend of family anecdotes, legal drama, paranormal encounters, and suspenseful tales. The book's charm lies in the evocative descriptions of people he meets, from a dodgy dagga dealer to a spirited sangoma.

Close shaves and tense moments abound, such as facing the death penalty for treason in Swaziland, an airport felony, and a kangaroo barbecue tale. Despite these harrowing experiences, the book maintains a light-hearted tone with incidents like a bottle of beer exploding when ancestors are angered.

Chennells' landmark legal work, which includes representing the Rastafarians in Jamaica, the !Khomani San in South Africa, and the Anangu Pitjantjatjara in Australia, is a highlight. He helped the Bushmen formulate a historic land claim and mediated between the San and the political world, securing rights for rooibos and Hoodia plants.

Chennells writes with tenderness, respect, and a touch of humor about his adventures and misadventures. His tales offer insights into significant events that shaped South Africa and portray a lawyer with a heart of gold. All Rise is a collection of short stories filled with humor, humility, wit, and warmth.