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Zola Series #1
The Thing with Zola: A Novel
Twenty-nine-year-old Zola has spent the past ten years working and studying in Europe, thanks to a series of high school bursaries and opportunities that allowed her to escape the hardships of South Africa. But when her visa finally expires and there are no further prospects in sight, she has no choice but to leave behind her life, lover and the dreams she has begun to build in Germany and return home to an uncertain future. The Thing with Zola is a humorous and sexy beach read about a young woman navigating the working world, family politics and an unexpected office romance, all while trying to figure out her place in a country that no longer feels like home. Basically, it's complicated.
213 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 12, 2024
3.5⭐️ a quick light read. It felt a bit too instant love for I would have liked more characters fleshed out a bit more but I suppose this is why we getting a second book which I will be reading! I will def recommend this for the romance girlies that like a cute quick romance and great palate cleanser after a heavy book
September 9, 2024
The thing is I was really bored by this story.
September 6, 2023
What a treat this was, a delightfully complicated story of starting afresh, self-discovery and finding love that is just right for you".
I loved every minute of it and gobbled it within three hours. A perfect winter read with a delicious frothy warm drink to accompany me.
I am so happy that it hit the shelves in the warmer months. I can just imagine large groups of readers pouring over these pages over pink drinks.
A perfect group read.
Grab a copy and holler at a buddy. It's time for #sharewithsomeone moment.
Erm...check out my shout-out please!
I loved every minute of it and gobbled it within three hours. A perfect winter read with a delicious frothy warm drink to accompany me.
I am so happy that it hit the shelves in the warmer months. I can just imagine large groups of readers pouring over these pages over pink drinks.
A perfect group read.
Grab a copy and holler at a buddy. It's time for #sharewithsomeone moment.
Erm...check out my shout-out please!
November 28, 2025
What a calm, easy and soft read, I have enjoyed it from beginning to end, i cannot wait to read the second & third book, its soft no complications, crazy drama it has, Love it.
February 14, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. The chapters are short but packed with wanting to know what happens next. Sometimes did feel a bit too ‘romancey’ for me. If you live in the reality of South Africa you know life does not really work like that, but I can appreciate the fantasy of it all. I didnt mind that the story revolves around the 3 main characters, for me it made it easier to keep track of the story line. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick light read . The romance had me absolutely enthralled!
May 13, 2024
The Thing With Zola is, she has her whole life planned. Until she doesn't. Then she's back home in Jozi, struggling with taxis, muddy puddles, and men who hit on her in coffee shops while she's trying to ace a job interview.
This is so funny. Straight-laced Zola's life is going off the rails when her work life and her dating life somehow become so intertwined she can't untangle them. Zola is the level headed straight man in a crowd of impulsive big personalities.
Fair warning, this absolutely runs on Rom-Com Logic. IRL HR would have everyone taking a seminar on sexual harassment and hostile work environments.
This is so funny. Straight-laced Zola's life is going off the rails when her work life and her dating life somehow become so intertwined she can't untangle them. Zola is the level headed straight man in a crowd of impulsive big personalities.
Fair warning, this absolutely runs on Rom-Com Logic. IRL HR would have everyone taking a seminar on sexual harassment and hostile work environments.
April 13, 2024
I loved this book, how relatable it is .
It is a romcom that doesn’t try to be important. A binge worthy read .
Everything starts off at high stakes ! The last 50 pages led me down , because of the high stakes and fasted paced of the novel . I enjoyed it . I can’t wait to read the sequel .
It is a romcom that doesn’t try to be important. A binge worthy read .
Everything starts off at high stakes ! The last 50 pages led me down , because of the high stakes and fasted paced of the novel . I enjoyed it . I can’t wait to read the sequel .
September 27, 2025
No faults here. Sweet old, ordinary in a layered way kind of romance. A little bit far fetched but that’s kind of the point right? Romance is rebellion against routine, after all.
August 17, 2025
The story flowed, however I found it extremely predictable and cliche.
January 1, 2025
The Thing with Zola was such a sassy and sexy read. I loved Zola’s initial resolve and Mbali’s relentless pursuit of her. So brave. So bold. So beautiful. Really just effortlessly entertaining with enough drama and desire to keep you turning the pages.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2026
Get in losers, we are Zibu Sithole’s girliepops!
Firstly, Zibu, thank you for sharing your gift with us — this book is beautiful, authentic, and very much relatable. I will be reading all three books from this series because I am hooked on how you explored themes that our generation is currently navigating in our roaring twenties into early thirties. I am a sucker for romance (it doesn’t matter in which form); I want it all, and you have given me that.
I loved how you handled strained relationships between loved ones (case in point: Zola and her family members). One could argue that Zola was snotty towards everyone upon her return, but I think change has a habit of doing that to people (we are all guilty of it — well, at least I can speak for myself).
I loved Zola’s family, but I loved Zozo more — I think often when life drifts us apart as siblings or cousins, we tend to forget that those are the people who know us best, and life might have dealt us differently (opportunities, etc.), but we are made from the same fabric, which is love, and Zozo and Thobile represent that in this book.
I hope the next books will hone in on Mbali’s family so we can get to understand him more and his upbringing, if him and Zola are still together. I know I said Mthunzi is insufferable (maybe because he drinks), but he sounds like a genuine friend to Mbali, and their relationship as boys needs to tighten up because I would appreciate seeing a grown version of him.
Okay, this book has so much potential for many sequels (Zozo and Thabo’s love; Okuhle and the UJ lecturer) — yes, I am being greedy, but it’s from a place of love.
You are a gem, Zibu, and thank you for sharing your work with
Firstly, Zibu, thank you for sharing your gift with us — this book is beautiful, authentic, and very much relatable. I will be reading all three books from this series because I am hooked on how you explored themes that our generation is currently navigating in our roaring twenties into early thirties. I am a sucker for romance (it doesn’t matter in which form); I want it all, and you have given me that.
I loved how you handled strained relationships between loved ones (case in point: Zola and her family members). One could argue that Zola was snotty towards everyone upon her return, but I think change has a habit of doing that to people (we are all guilty of it — well, at least I can speak for myself).
I loved Zola’s family, but I loved Zozo more — I think often when life drifts us apart as siblings or cousins, we tend to forget that those are the people who know us best, and life might have dealt us differently (opportunities, etc.), but we are made from the same fabric, which is love, and Zozo and Thobile represent that in this book.
I hope the next books will hone in on Mbali’s family so we can get to understand him more and his upbringing, if him and Zola are still together. I know I said Mthunzi is insufferable (maybe because he drinks), but he sounds like a genuine friend to Mbali, and their relationship as boys needs to tighten up because I would appreciate seeing a grown version of him.
Okay, this book has so much potential for many sequels (Zozo and Thabo’s love; Okuhle and the UJ lecturer) — yes, I am being greedy, but it’s from a place of love.
You are a gem, Zibu, and thank you for sharing your work with
October 4, 2025
Review of The Thing with Zola by Zibu Sithole – 4.5 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I just finished reading The Thing with Zola, and I absolutely loved it. I really connected with the characters, especially Zola and Okuhle
Okuhle’s experience of loving someone who doesn’t love her back felt so real and valid to me. I understood her feelings deeply, even though I couldn’t condone the negativity and shade she often threw at Zola. That tension added a lot of complexity to the story. But what truly stood out was how proud I was to see Zola finally stand up for herself,that moment of empowerment was so satisfying.
Also, how wild was it that Zola and Okuhle showed up wearing the same dress to the expo? That scene was priceless! And Okuhle’s mother, Priscilla,girl, when I catch you!
Having been in Okuhle’s shoes before, I get how painful it is to love someone who doesn’t return that love. While Okuhle sometimes overreacted, Mbali was low-key a menace too. I understood his feelings for Zola, though, and I was secretly rooting for them despite everything.
I’m really looking forward to reading the second book to follow Zola’s journey in Rwanda and see how she navigates a long-distance relationship with Mbali, especially given how the previous one didn’t go so well.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It felt like it was telling my story. Through Zola’s experiences, I saw reflections of myself,especially in how being quiet and reserved sometimes leads others to think they can treat you however they want. It was so rewarding to see Zola finally confront Okuhle and call out the manipulation.
I can’t wait to finish the series!🥹🤭🩷
I just finished reading The Thing with Zola, and I absolutely loved it. I really connected with the characters, especially Zola and Okuhle
Okuhle’s experience of loving someone who doesn’t love her back felt so real and valid to me. I understood her feelings deeply, even though I couldn’t condone the negativity and shade she often threw at Zola. That tension added a lot of complexity to the story. But what truly stood out was how proud I was to see Zola finally stand up for herself,that moment of empowerment was so satisfying.
Also, how wild was it that Zola and Okuhle showed up wearing the same dress to the expo? That scene was priceless! And Okuhle’s mother, Priscilla,girl, when I catch you!
Having been in Okuhle’s shoes before, I get how painful it is to love someone who doesn’t return that love. While Okuhle sometimes overreacted, Mbali was low-key a menace too. I understood his feelings for Zola, though, and I was secretly rooting for them despite everything.
I’m really looking forward to reading the second book to follow Zola’s journey in Rwanda and see how she navigates a long-distance relationship with Mbali, especially given how the previous one didn’t go so well.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It felt like it was telling my story. Through Zola’s experiences, I saw reflections of myself,especially in how being quiet and reserved sometimes leads others to think they can treat you however they want. It was so rewarding to see Zola finally confront Okuhle and call out the manipulation.
I can’t wait to finish the series!🥹🤭🩷
June 9, 2026
Actual Rating 3.5⭐️
My first South African read of the year (somebody clap for me!).
One of the goals I set for myself this year is to read more South African books. Since I was a child, I have always been a voracious reader, but out of all the books I’ve read, I can count on one hand the number written by South African authors. As a proud South African, this is not a fact I’m particularly proud of, and it’s something I am determined to change this year.
The Thing with Zola follows the life of 20 something Zola, who returns home to South Africa after spending several years abroad in Germany. As she readjusts to life back home, she must navigate family expectations, friendships, career ambitions, and, of course, matters of the heart.
This was a cute and fun romance novel. I really enjoyed how easy and light it was to read.
That being said, I do wish the author had given themselves more space to fully develop Zola’s character. At times, I found it difficult to connect with her because she didn’t feel fully fleshed out. Hopefully I will be able to see better character development in the next book.
My first South African read of the year (somebody clap for me!).
One of the goals I set for myself this year is to read more South African books. Since I was a child, I have always been a voracious reader, but out of all the books I’ve read, I can count on one hand the number written by South African authors. As a proud South African, this is not a fact I’m particularly proud of, and it’s something I am determined to change this year.
The Thing with Zola follows the life of 20 something Zola, who returns home to South Africa after spending several years abroad in Germany. As she readjusts to life back home, she must navigate family expectations, friendships, career ambitions, and, of course, matters of the heart.
This was a cute and fun romance novel. I really enjoyed how easy and light it was to read.
That being said, I do wish the author had given themselves more space to fully develop Zola’s character. At times, I found it difficult to connect with her because she didn’t feel fully fleshed out. Hopefully I will be able to see better character development in the next book.
February 25, 2025
Oh Zola my shaaayyyyllaaaa 😭🤣
I love how light-hearted and easy this book was. It felt like I was watching another one of those Umjolo movies on Netflix. Please I loved that! I was hoping for a bit more character development, for instance, Zozo mentioned to Zola about her different not being accepted or heard, and yet all Zozo was in the book was Thabo's girlfriend and Zola's cousin. A little bits and pieces of the real Zozo that was not heard would have been amazing. I would have also liked to know a bit of a background story on Mthunzi, even if it was from Mbali's POV. I just know there is a story to his alcoholism, and to him working with Mbali. I am so happy at how Zola's mother was pirtrayed, and her different relationships with her daughters, we often don't consider this in real life and it was nice to see that siblings experience different parents even though it is the same parent.
I love how light-hearted and easy this book was. It felt like I was watching another one of those Umjolo movies on Netflix. Please I loved that! I was hoping for a bit more character development, for instance, Zozo mentioned to Zola about her different not being accepted or heard, and yet all Zozo was in the book was Thabo's girlfriend and Zola's cousin. A little bits and pieces of the real Zozo that was not heard would have been amazing. I would have also liked to know a bit of a background story on Mthunzi, even if it was from Mbali's POV. I just know there is a story to his alcoholism, and to him working with Mbali. I am so happy at how Zola's mother was pirtrayed, and her different relationships with her daughters, we often don't consider this in real life and it was nice to see that siblings experience different parents even though it is the same parent.
June 15, 2026
The Thing with Zola was such an enjoyable and engaging read.
From the very beginning, I found myself invested in the story and eager to see how everything would unfold. The characters felt authentic, the writing flowed effortlessly, and the story kept my attention from start to finish.
What stood out most to me was how relatable and human the characters were. Their struggles, relationships, and decisions felt realistic, making it easy to become emotionally connected to their journeys.
The only reason this wasn't a full 5 star read for me was the blurb. It gave almost nothing away about what readers could expect from the story. If it hadn't been for the affordable price, I probably would never have picked up the book in the first place. While I ended up really enjoying the novel, I feel the blurb didn't do it justice and missed an opportunity to showcase what makes the story special.
Despite that, once I started reading, I was completely drawn in and had a great time with it.
From the very beginning, I found myself invested in the story and eager to see how everything would unfold. The characters felt authentic, the writing flowed effortlessly, and the story kept my attention from start to finish.
What stood out most to me was how relatable and human the characters were. Their struggles, relationships, and decisions felt realistic, making it easy to become emotionally connected to their journeys.
The only reason this wasn't a full 5 star read for me was the blurb. It gave almost nothing away about what readers could expect from the story. If it hadn't been for the affordable price, I probably would never have picked up the book in the first place. While I ended up really enjoying the novel, I feel the blurb didn't do it justice and missed an opportunity to showcase what makes the story special.
Despite that, once I started reading, I was completely drawn in and had a great time with it.
February 2, 2025
The book is beautifully written and easy to navigate and understand. The book follows Zola, a 29 year old whose has returned to her home country after studying in Europe for years. She has never imagined living nor working in South Africa, and now that's her reality. She lands an interview, but due to a misunderstanding, things go side way, which works out for the interviewer because he may have just fallen for Zola. She later got invited to another interview in which she's offered the job on the spot. In her joys to start a new job, she doesn't know her life is about to get a whole lot interesting and complicated.
The book focuses on growth, love, and letting go. It also shows that it is not necessary for women to fight for a man, that when it's over, it is better to let go and heal.
The book focuses on growth, love, and letting go. It also shows that it is not necessary for women to fight for a man, that when it's over, it is better to let go and heal.
September 13, 2024
This is only because of the Cassava workshop. We were encouraged to read widely and how our facilitator read hundreds of romance novel to get a sense of writing styles. This was so refreshing! I have been struggling to finish activities of daily living and read in general because of how stiff the books are, how conceptual they are. Reading romance is like watching SATC (which I also started recently). It’s light, it’s entertaining, it’s immersive. I have been reminded of my love for reading and how great it can be. I am also remembering how much romance I read when I was younger and that there should not be a distinction but that it is equally fiction. Oh the joy! My first ebook purchase was the sequel because I just need to know how it ends. It feels so good to see how writers write and to value the written word always. I love getting through books. I’ve already lined up other e-books to read once finished.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2025
First of all the cover gets a 10/10 from me. It’s too gorgeous!
This book was fun and less chaotic than I expected it to be.
The multiple POVs needed their own separate chapters. It felt clunky reading multiple points of view in one page.
The storyline was fun and inspiring but the ending was predictable. I love Zola but I genuinely wasn’t invested in her relationship with her love interest. Their relationship read bland.
The Mbali and Okuhle storyline just made me dislike Mbali a little.
Overall, this was a fun and quick read!
This book was fun and less chaotic than I expected it to be.
The multiple POVs needed their own separate chapters. It felt clunky reading multiple points of view in one page.
The storyline was fun and inspiring but the ending was predictable. I love Zola but I genuinely wasn’t invested in her relationship with her love interest. Their relationship read bland.
The Mbali and Okuhle storyline just made me dislike Mbali a little.
Overall, this was a fun and quick read!
January 11, 2026
3,5 ⭐️
This was sweet. A quick light summer read. The thing with Zola is that she’s just a girl (complimentary) , I relate to her, I see her. I enjoyed how the author went there on a few topics: accurately describing the commute to work via taxi from elokshini, the Euro-centric chats, visa conversations because these are the struggles we are experiencing in the now. The jump back from Europe back to the town you grew up in can be jarring and we certainly don’t speak about it often.
I’m definitely hopping onto the next book soon and am eager to see the next chapters of Zola’s life.
This was sweet. A quick light summer read. The thing with Zola is that she’s just a girl (complimentary) , I relate to her, I see her. I enjoyed how the author went there on a few topics: accurately describing the commute to work via taxi from elokshini, the Euro-centric chats, visa conversations because these are the struggles we are experiencing in the now. The jump back from Europe back to the town you grew up in can be jarring and we certainly don’t speak about it often.
I’m definitely hopping onto the next book soon and am eager to see the next chapters of Zola’s life.
March 31, 2026
I like that this book took on various other character arcs - but I feel like *spoiler alert* Okhule realises her relationship has problems and then she just bandaids the situation by running off to India. I guess i will have to read the next book to see where they are at! But I sort of hope she realises that her leaving a life and business she has built for herself also isn't healthy.
The way Zola met Mbali's mum had me laughing and horrified and then so incredibly sad for her.
It's been a great insight into South African way of life in the context of a romcom.
The way Zola met Mbali's mum had me laughing and horrified and then so incredibly sad for her.
It's been a great insight into South African way of life in the context of a romcom.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2025
Such a lovely read. Quite easy to flow through. I loved that it wasn't overly dramatic, just two people navigating relationship dynamics. Okuhle was a nutcase, I loved hating on her. But towards the end of the book, I started sympathising with her a little bit. She wasn't a bad person, she was just in a bad circumstance.
I don't like third person narrative, so it took me longer to get through it, but overall, I really loved it, and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
I don't like third person narrative, so it took me longer to get through it, but overall, I really loved it, and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
April 16, 2026
This book was a lovely read. Quick and easy romance novel.
Zola is very relatable to young South Africans, navigating their 20s, challenges with relationships, work/ career opportunities and rediscovering themselves seeing that life did not work out they she had planned.
The end was a bit dull for me. Would’ve love a bit more exploring there but I guess the rest of the story continues in the 2nd and 3rd books.
Overall I enjoyed this read.
Zola is very relatable to young South Africans, navigating their 20s, challenges with relationships, work/ career opportunities and rediscovering themselves seeing that life did not work out they she had planned.
The end was a bit dull for me. Would’ve love a bit more exploring there but I guess the rest of the story continues in the 2nd and 3rd books.
Overall I enjoyed this read.
Read
August 10, 2026The Thing with Zola is basically Everybody Wants Somebody Who Wants Somebody Else: The Expanded Edition. 😭
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐
A love triangle where nobody wants the person who wants them. 😭
Zola, Mbali, Okuhle, Gunther… please. I was STRESSED.
Stayed up until 4 AM reading about fictional people who desperately need therapy and communication skills. 😂
Messy, dramatic, addictive. I hated it. I loved it. I need a nap.
Team Okuhle forever babe and the next book should be about her or else 😅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐
A love triangle where nobody wants the person who wants them. 😭
Zola, Mbali, Okuhle, Gunther… please. I was STRESSED.
Stayed up until 4 AM reading about fictional people who desperately need therapy and communication skills. 😂
Messy, dramatic, addictive. I hated it. I loved it. I need a nap.
Team Okuhle forever babe and the next book should be about her or else 😅
September 19, 2025
Started off interesting but it definitely got rushed at some point. A lot of cliché parts in the book. Wish the author would’ve taken the time to properly give us each main character’s POV separately instead of just merging them all in one chapter. I guess it’s one of those books you can read if you want to pass time
December 17, 2025
This was fun, quick and light hearted! Enjoyed the characters and their personalities although Zola’s “upturnedness” did annoy me some. I liked the messy aspect within the story and it kept me engaged! It did feel a bit disjointed due to the 3rd person without clear povs but it wasn’t hard to follow!
April 27, 2024
I am not a romance book girl, but this book got close to making me one. This is a beautiful, light and easy going read. The kind of airy romance that is nice to digest.
Zibu did something great with this book, looking forward to reading the sequel.
I highly recommend the book.
Zibu did something great with this book, looking forward to reading the sequel.
I highly recommend the book.
May 10, 2024
What a book!!!
I definitely enjoyed reading this book, the drama in the first few chapters kept me captivated. This book is so relatable one would swear it’s reality.
Definitely a book worth reading 👍🏽
I definitely enjoyed reading this book, the drama in the first few chapters kept me captivated. This book is so relatable one would swear it’s reality.
Definitely a book worth reading 👍🏽
December 18, 2025
A nice and easy read.
I wish (maybe I missed) the description of Zola and Okuhle. At one point Zola was questioning their similarity.
left on a cliff hanger.
Story felt pretty realistic, that was nice. Felt myself relating to Okuhle in some ways.
Book 2 here I come!
I wish (maybe I missed) the description of Zola and Okuhle. At one point Zola was questioning their similarity.
left on a cliff hanger.
Story felt pretty realistic, that was nice. Felt myself relating to Okuhle in some ways.
Book 2 here I come!
March 25, 2026
I finished this novel within 3 days, could have been a day but I got really busy! It is a light read. I wish had bought the other two together with this one. It is a lovely read that will get you shouting through the pages.
August 16, 2026
The author could have done more with the story line. The whole time I kept waiting for something exciting and intriguing to happen. There was no build up. I felt rather disappointed at the end. Overall the book was an easy and light read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews