Amathonzi Abanzi by NM Ndlovu
(Maskew Millar Longman) R64,95
In this intriguing story, the title of which can be loosely translated as “hardships”, the author uses language as fine artists use their paint brushes. He employs strong characters to tell a complex story that delves into sensitive issues such as marriage, family, friendship, religion and tradition.
The characters are largely female, including the main protagonist, Zongile, who is at a crossroads. She has to choose between pleasing her parents and abiding by a culture that she finds oppressive or following her heart to make a better life for herself in the modern world.
As an innocent young woman Zongile finds the ways of the city pave a rocky road for her, one that leads her to an ending she had not imagined for herself. Those around her who survive their struggles are the ones who have learned to cope with the modern world, but even they have wounds. Each of Ndlovu’s female characters seem different, but they are all linked by one similarity, which leads them to the antagonist, Nyoka (snake in isiZulu).
Ndlovu tells the story of these women and their struggles with dignity, and he employs humour to keep readers entertained. The book’s lesson perhaps is how easily things can spiral out of control, despite good intentions.
I hail from Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, where the story is set, and found the author to have been detailed and accurate in his description of the various places. Even readers who have never been there will be able to identify with the setting.
This is a great book to help teach the youth about the difficulties in having to choose between traditional culture and the modern world. The book also tackles the issue of job scarcity and the vulnerability of young people who try to confront this problem.
Amathonzi Abanzi won in the isiZulu category in Maskew Millar Longman’s youth novel awards in 2007
Nosimilo Ndlovu is a staff member of the Mail & Guardian