Ashley Brownlee, a 55-year-old Klein Karoo guesthouse owner and former actor, has written a memoir titled Agency. The book is a personal account of his life, including his experiences with dreaded illnesses, poor life choices, and heartbreaking losses. Brownlee's story is one of reinvention, healing, and humour, offering a unique perspective on his life journey. He currently lives with his life partner Andre Hagan between Barrydale and Ladismith.
Brownlee's decision to write his memoir was influenced by his experiences in 2021. He was diagnosed with another unexpected deadly disease and spent over two months in a Cape Town hospital. During this time, he posted daily on Facebook, sharing stories of the horrors and humours that accompany a life-threatening predicament. These posts eventually became the foundation for his book, Agency. Brownlee's life partner, Andre Hagan, has been a source of support throughout his journey.
Brownlee's connection to the Eastern Cape is deeply rooted in his family's history. His adopted father's great-grandfather, Rev John Brownlee, established the mission station that became King William's Town/Qonce. Additionally, his adopted parents met in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) in the late 1960s. Brownlee's biological parents also had a significant connection to the area, as he was conceived in a sea-view apartment near Western Road in Port Elizabeth.
Growing up in 1970s Cape Town, Brownlee was conscious of the society and political system around him. As an adopted child, he often felt like an outsider, which allowed him to see the divisions in the city clearly. He noticed the "us and them" situation created by invisible rules and visible motorways. This realisation had a profound impact on Brownlee, shaping his perspective on life and influencing his writing.
Brownlee's childhood experiences, including the loss of loved ones, had a significant impact on his life. A helicopter crash took the life of his first godfather, while his second godfather was murdered by his gardener. These incidents made Brownlee realise that his life, which he thought was imagined, could have dire consequences. He decided to take control of his narrative and make the most of his life.
The loss of friends during the HIV/Aids pandemic also had a profound impact on Brownlee. He was diagnosed with HIV in 1993, and the lack of viable treatment options at the time made him witness the loss of dozens of friends. This experience taught Brownlee to manage grief and anger, but also led to some poor life choices. However, it ultimately gave him the courage to take a chance on love and change his life.
Writing Agency was a labour of love for Brownlee, with many guiding hands involved in the process. The book is a testament to his fortitude and patience, as well as his ability to let go of the past. Brownlee's story is one of self-discovery and healing, offering a unique perspective on identity, belonging, and the human experience. His memoir is set to be published soon.
Key points
- Brownlee's memoir Agency is a story of healing, humour, and self-discovery.
- The author was influenced by his experiences with dreaded illnesses and loss.
- Brownlee's connection to the Eastern Cape is deeply rooted in his family's history.
