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Kaya
Kaya Khumalo, the youngest and most successful female drug dealer in Johannesburg, comes from a generation of women who have been stripped of all hope — a history of racism, sexual abuse and abandonment. In her quest to find the truth of her existence behind many family secrets, her life ends up spiralling into exactly what she thought she would never become. After her family history is exposed, Kaya has a choice to make. Will she become like her generational line — broken, traumatised and dejected — or will she take her chance at freedom?
307 pages, Paperback
Published July 29, 2023
13 people want to read
About the author
Precious Oyekanmi
1 book3 followersPrecious Oyekanmi is a fiction writer from the UK. In her debut novel, Kaya, she shows that her writing style is dedicated to empowering women and speaking about spirituality.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 17, 2025
Reading Kaya was a powerful and transformative experience. This is not a book I would have picked up on my own, but it ended up being an unforgettable journey into a different genre. Kaya tackles difficult and deeply emotional themes such as sexual violence, abuse, racism, and forgiveness, forcing the reader to engage with them on a profound level.
Precious Oyekanmi’s storytelling is both raw and compassionate. The characters she created are deeply human, each carrying their own vulnerabilities and struggles. Their stories challenged my perceptions, made me reflect on my own biases, and drew me into their world in a way few books have done. Hearing from the author (in work our book club 😁) herself about the real-life experiences that inspired Kaya added an extra layer of poignancy, reminding me that these stories are not just fiction—they’re reflections of reality.
What stood out most about Kaya was its ability to foster empathy and understanding. It’s a book that doesn’t let you skim over its themes or close the last page unchanged. It reminds us of the importance of open dialogue and reinforces the idea that, no matter how perfect someone’s life may appear, they may be grappling with unseen challenges.
Kaya is more than a book; it’s a conversation starter, a reminder of resilience, and an invitation to support and uplift those around us. For anyone looking to read a story that is as moving as it is impactful, I wholeheartedly recommend Kaya.
August 11, 2023
I trust you will enjoy reading KAYA!
Even though KAYA is a Fiction book, it portrays real life issues and
challenges some people go through. The book portrays different aspects of life we can relate to as human beings especially where we usually pay the price for the choices we make (be it good or bad). To err is human!
The author brings the reader’s attention to the background of the main character and how the problems faced by the significant people (both male and female) in her life had had a detrimental effect on the decisions Kaya made.
The reader may find this book an emotional roller coaster, however, the writer goes back and forth from different years which helps the reader avoid getting too glued to the emotions at hand.
Some of the things that happened towards the end of the book was not what I had hoped would happen, but it is what could happen in real life.
Due to the emotional aspects of the book, I would recommend this book to age 18 and above (or subject to parental guidance if a person is slightly under 18.
Even though KAYA is a Fiction book, it portrays real life issues and
challenges some people go through. The book portrays different aspects of life we can relate to as human beings especially where we usually pay the price for the choices we make (be it good or bad). To err is human!
The author brings the reader’s attention to the background of the main character and how the problems faced by the significant people (both male and female) in her life had had a detrimental effect on the decisions Kaya made.
The reader may find this book an emotional roller coaster, however, the writer goes back and forth from different years which helps the reader avoid getting too glued to the emotions at hand.
Some of the things that happened towards the end of the book was not what I had hoped would happen, but it is what could happen in real life.
Due to the emotional aspects of the book, I would recommend this book to age 18 and above (or subject to parental guidance if a person is slightly under 18.
December 15, 2024
Kaya is a book that brings you on a vicarious journey of a lady that experienced a lavished portion of God’s mercy. This book also sheds more light on traumas that don’t get spoken of enough or even dealt with to the point of subconscious resentment and traumas passed down generations.
You know the saying “ if you don’t heal from what hurt you, you’ll bleed on those who didn’t hurt you”, there are strong parts of this book that depicts that.
It wraps up showing how God’s mercy can single you out and how undeserving we are of Him.
Precious has a beautiful pen because she encapsulates all of this and more in “KAYA” and still made it quite humorous. It’s a great book, I’d read it again. 💯
You know the saying “ if you don’t heal from what hurt you, you’ll bleed on those who didn’t hurt you”, there are strong parts of this book that depicts that.
It wraps up showing how God’s mercy can single you out and how undeserving we are of Him.
Precious has a beautiful pen because she encapsulates all of this and more in “KAYA” and still made it quite humorous. It’s a great book, I’d read it again. 💯
November 20, 2023
The perfect balance of humour, wisdom, love, truth and relationships. “Kaya” will show you all!
I honestly think everyone who reads this will resonate with parts of every single character, I certainly did. This book is so relatable because it’s written with so much honestly; each stage of the story has power to point you to yourself, stirring up every emotion imaginable. This perspective was eye opening and super refreshing for me to read.
The ultimate story of becoming: gain, loss, opportunity and redemption. I loved following Kaya’s journey of navigating the battles & blessings of life. Truly gripping!
I honestly think everyone who reads this will resonate with parts of every single character, I certainly did. This book is so relatable because it’s written with so much honestly; each stage of the story has power to point you to yourself, stirring up every emotion imaginable. This perspective was eye opening and super refreshing for me to read.
The ultimate story of becoming: gain, loss, opportunity and redemption. I loved following Kaya’s journey of navigating the battles & blessings of life. Truly gripping!
September 17, 2023
Kaya’s structure is a work of art, seamlessly jumping across different years, creating a captivating narrative that truly engrossed me as the reader. The author’s masterful storytelling technique adds an extra layer of intrigue to the already gripping story. The book beautifully captures the universal struggles we experience in our pursuit of knowledge, faith and purpose, something I believe will touch anyone who reads it. Though the book is filled with heavy emotion, Kaya represents the glimmer of light of the end of a dark tunnel.
February 9, 2024
The writer (Precious) has a beautiful narrative voice. Her combination of humour and seriousness makes for an interesting read at times. It's as if I'm reading a real journal—it feels so authentic. I occasionally forget that I'm reading a story and not a true story. The feelings and the conversation are very real.
Kaya changes significantly over the course of the book, from a young child to a responsible young adult. I like being able to read her mind and sense exactly how she was feeling when she considered various scenarios.
Kaya changes significantly over the course of the book, from a young child to a responsible young adult. I like being able to read her mind and sense exactly how she was feeling when she considered various scenarios.
August 7, 2023
‘Kaya’ is a captivating journey through time and emotions. The author masterfully weaves a tale that transcends generations, connecting characters in unexpected ways. The intricate plot keeps you guessing, whilst the richly developed characters invite you to feel their joys and sorrows. With its poetic prose and thought-provoking themes, this novel is a true gem that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.
February 27, 2024
Kaya delves into the tumultuous journey of Kaya Khumalo, Johannesburg's youngest female drug dealer, whose life is haunted by generational trauma and family secrets. As Kaya confronts her past, I was drawn into a gripping narrative of resilience and choice, exploring themes of identity and liberation. With its compelling protagonist and thought-provoking storyline, Kaya offers a poignant reflection on the power of freedom amidst adversity.
July 31, 2023
This book was amazing! I love how it highlights on real life experiences and a character that each person can relate to. The Writer found a way of keeping me on my toes all the way to the end and I honestly couldn’t predict what would happen next. It was extremely moving and powerful while still being relatable, which I haven’t found In many books I’ve read. I would definitely recommend!
August 18, 2023
Kaya is a wonderfully written and poignant reminder of the struggles faced by so many women all over the world both now and throughout generations. It deals with the complexities of what it means to be human and the pain which so often comes with it.
Kaya is eye-opening, touching, and captivating- a book I hope will be read by many!
Kaya is eye-opening, touching, and captivating- a book I hope will be read by many!
September 26, 2023
Wow, I absolutely loved reading this book!
The authenticity within Kaya’s journey really brings her story to life making you want to read on further. Although tears were shed, that did stop me from reading this book on. This journey of faith, pain and freedom experienced by Kaya will make you fall in love with this book.
The authenticity within Kaya’s journey really brings her story to life making you want to read on further. Although tears were shed, that did stop me from reading this book on. This journey of faith, pain and freedom experienced by Kaya will make you fall in love with this book.
April 18, 2024
This book was captivating from beginning to end! The author manages to continuously engage the reader with the sheer depth of the characters and the storyline. ‘Kaya’ delicately tackles a range of mature and complex themes in such a way that alerts the reader to their reality without removing them from the world that the story creates, and skilfully develops. I definitely recommend that you read!
July 22, 2024
Kaya is a book that exemplifies the grace and love of God, and how redemption is possible for all. This is evidenced through the difficult themes explored such as generational trauma and sexual and physical abuse. Kaya is a lesson for all to surrender their hearts to God, because not only will He redeem you, but your cup shall overflow greatly, once you relinquish control.
April 8, 2025
Kaya is a great read. Many of the themes, like identity, faith, and mental health, are deeply relatable. I found myself really drawn into her world. The writing is honest and introspective. It’s the kind of story that makes you pause and reflect, even if you don’t share her exact experience. Definitely worth reading.
February 3, 2024
Kaya honestly hooked me!
It covered a range of deep topics (racism, sexual abuse, trauma) without it feeling forced at all. The message on forgiveness also really spoke to me.
I 100% recommend it, and I can’t wait to read future books from the author!
It covered a range of deep topics (racism, sexual abuse, trauma) without it feeling forced at all. The message on forgiveness also really spoke to me.
I 100% recommend it, and I can’t wait to read future books from the author!
Read
February 16, 2024Kaya is one book I would recommend for every coming of age reader.
There are few books that unashamedly unravel the challenges, as well as the beauty of transitioning into adulthood(in Christ), but Kaya was able to achieve that.
Truly an inspiring read!
There are few books that unashamedly unravel the challenges, as well as the beauty of transitioning into adulthood(in Christ), but Kaya was able to achieve that.
Truly an inspiring read!
March 5, 2024
Enjoyed this read. There’s a sense of jeopardy in the storytelling tempered with an underlying peace that seeps through to the book’s final pages. The main character has a strong voice and her journey is worth the read alone.
February 28, 2024
A spectacular book that intertwines faith and life so seamlessly! A must read for any young woman struggling to understand her place in the world.
August 9, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this book!
It is a beautifully written story and it tackles some really deep and sensitive topics. The characters were interesting and I feel like most of them could have their own separate stories! I found myself invested in Kaya’s journey and I didn’t want to put the book down!
It is a beautifully written story and it tackles some really deep and sensitive topics. The characters were interesting and I feel like most of them could have their own separate stories! I found myself invested in Kaya’s journey and I didn’t want to put the book down!
Read
March 13, 2024Could not put it down - deeply moving tale that takes you on a journey from the first to last page. Simply a must read.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews