After Tears

by Niq Mhlongo

Bafana flunks his law studies at UCT, and must find a way to either admit the truth to his family, or find a job that will allow him to continue fooling them. A piercingly funny yet poignant novel by the author of Dog Eat Dog.

Genres: South Africa, Africa, Fiction, African Literature

222 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Mhlongo was born in Midway-Chiawelo, Soweto, the seventh of nine children, and raised in Soweto. His father, who died when Mhlongo was a teenager, worked as a post-office sweeper. Mhlongo was sent to Limpopo Province, the province his mother came from, to finish high school. Initially failing his matriculation exam in October 1990,[1] Mhlongo completed his matric at Malenga High School in 1991. He studied African literature and political studies at the University of the Witwatersrand, gaining a BA in 1996. In 1997 he enrolled to study law there, transferring to the University of Cape Town the following year. In 2000 he discontinued university study to write his first novel, Dog Eat Dog.[2]

He has been called, "one of the most high-spirited and irreverent new voices of South Africa's post-apartheid literary scene".[1]

Mhlongo has presented his work at key African cultural venues, including the Caine Prize Workshop and the Zanzibar International Film Festival, and was a 2008 International Writing Program fellow at the University of Iowa.[3] His work has been translated into Spanish and Italian.

Reviews

[Zozo Mogoera · Rating 2 out of 5]

Given how much I enjoyed, his "Way back home" novel, this book was a let down. I gave him 2 stars as his vocab & spelling were fine.
The story was all over the show, not sure why the title, the events at the "after tears party" were definitely not the climax of the story.

There is no story line, just many, many incidents that are not connected or connected by a very thin thread.

I get that, this was only his second title.

I guess I will forego reading "Dog Eat Dog" (his 1st novel) and will try Affluenza ( his 4th). He certainly redeemed himself ka "Way back home" (his 3rd).

[Dillon · Rating 2 out of 5]

A story about Bafana, a college kid from Soweto, who fails out of the University of Cape Town's law school, and is forced to move back with his uncle in Chi, Soweto. Embarrassed and ashamed of his failure, Bafana doesn't tell his family and his friends the truth, but tells them UCT is withholding his school records until he can pay a fictitious debt of over 20 000 Rand. This lie sets off humorous events where Bafana has to continue to lie to the people around him to protect himself. The story culminates with all the lies coming back to haunt him in the end.

Although their is some humorous moments, the story is rather scattered, with the author spending time discussing certain topics and incidents for a few pages, only for them to never come back into the discussion. For example, there is a portion of the book where one of Bafana's uncle's best friend is arrested for a bar fight. Bafana has to defend him in court. He quickly gets the man out of jail on bail. Celebrations ensue in the Chi, because of the victory... What victory? His is only out on jail on bail. Their was another court date set. One could assume the issue wasn't resolved, yet in the story, it is never discussed again.

Further, As I read this story, I felt that the book didn't really have a fully developed plot. Yes, Bafana is kicked out of school; yes he has to move in with his Uncle. Yes, his mother is trying to sell the Uncle's house so they can make money to pay his non-existent school fees., and eventually, about half way through the book, the house is sold. Bafana takes the money and opens his own law office with a fake degree certificate he purchased from a Nigerian. Soon, he becomes a popular, though not-affluent, lawyer in the township. He's happy; His mom is happy; everyone seems to be happy. Problem solved with about 80 pages left. A bunch of different problems pop up in the last 80 pages (he sleeps with an in-law, nearly has a fraudulent marriage with a Zim, his uncle dies, he gets beat up for his wallet and clothes, etc), but non really connect to the next.

Finally, the book abruptly ends, with him getting busted for all his errors with a couple pages left. His mom and the sister in law he is sleeping with storm into the court room where he is attempting to marry the Zim, and tells him she knows all about the lies. He then moves to Durban, and doesn't speak to them again. This all happens in the last two pages!! Overall, not a great effort.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second of Niq Mhlongo's novels that I have read, and the second which he has written. Both novels are wonderful.

The 'hero' of After Tears is Bafana, also known as 'Advo'. He has just returned from the University of Cape Town ('UCT'), where he has been studying law. He alone knows that he has failed his exams badly. Everyone who knows him in his home town, Soweto near Johannesburg, thinks that he has passed, and has high expectations of him.

Bafana tells his mother that UCT will not release his results until he has paid his fees. His mother decides to sell the house that she and his uncles jointly own in order to raise the required cash. Thus begins a disastrous series of events. One thing leads to another, usually not in the way that anyone expects or hopes.

Throughout this hilarious, but very humane, story the author kept me in suspense. It is not until the very end of the book that we learn whether or not Bafana's true examination results will become common knowledge.

I liked this book because I did not feel as if I was merely an observer of events. I felt as if I was on the ground in the townships with Bafana and his family, friends, and foes. Mhlongo's writing is deceptively simple, but remarkably effective in making me feel as if I were actively involved in Bafana's life after UCT. The author's liberal use of local African language, often quite unfamiliar to me, did not impede my enjoyment; it enhanced it. A short glossary is included at the end of the edition that I was reading, but I did not find myself needing to refer to it much. As I have already said, the author succeeded in making me feel as if I were part of the scenery rather than an observer looking at it from afar.

Sirayasi bra, for a real taste of South Africa, beg, borrow, or steal a copy of After Tears, and then enjoy yourself!

[Gugu · Rating 2 out of 5]

A book with potential, but unfortunately read like a first draft.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the onset, you could tell this was still early days for Mhlongo.

Mhlongo's voice was still shaky in this novel, but surprisingly quickly grew stronger and steady as the novel progressed.

That being said, if any of the Oceans films were set in South Africa, this would be the script to it.

The novel's protagonist, Bafana, is a hustler if ever I've seen one, and one to be respected at that because of his gutsy, tenacious, and damn-if-I-care attitude. You know what he's doing is wrong, but you can't help rooting for him and wanting to see how far he can tempt Fate before Fate bites.

The title refers to an informal tradition among most communities of colour in South Africa, where we "celebrate" the life of the person we've just laid to rest, but, more accurately, drown our fresh wounds of losing a loved one in alcohol, following the logic of "if rubbing alcohol fixes outside boo-boo, then drinking alcohol should fix inside boo-boo".
Whether this is in reference to the demise of one of the characters that plays a sort of Lord Henry mentor to the protagonist's Dorian Gray, or the protagonist's life and future already having gone up in smoke at the very beginning of the story, or even the end of the novel, when Bafana plans his Oceans sequel (my bet), it was perfectly chosen.

If ever you were TRULY sympathetic with a morally-darkest-gray character, it's Bafana.

[Maniki_021 · Rating 3 out of 5]

delves into the lives of young South Africans post-apartheid. The story revolves around Bafana Kuzwayo, a young man who returns to Johannesburg from university and becomes embroiled in the city's political and social dynamics.

The book paints a vivid picture of contemporary South Africa, exploring themes such as political disillusionment, corruption, the challenges faced by the youth, and the clash between traditional values and modernity. It's a narrative that weaves together personal stories against the backdrop of societal changes, offering insights into the struggles, aspirations, and complexities of life in post-apartheid South Africa.

A read that provides a glimpse into the lives of young people navigating a rapidly changing society. While I appreciate the Niq's attempt to explore a unique premise in After tears , I personally found the execution a bit dull.

The pacing seemed slow, and I struggled to connect with the characters, which made it a bit tedious for me to get through. There were moments where I felt the story could have been more engaging if certain scenes were condensed. However, I acknowledge that reading preferences vary, and what didn't resonate with me might appeal to readers who enjoy a slower narrative style.

[HopeReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

~

A relatable read for a Saturday afternoon. The UCT results storyline was dragged but I feel the book highlighted the township life at the time. The ideas around HIV/AIDS, Christianity and dating “hot chicks”.

+ The uncles really stood out for me. Very funny okes!

+It would’ve been great to know what happens to Bafana next. Life plans and all.

[Regomoditswe Mputle · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome read that leaves you having a clear relationship with the characters.

Mhlongo makes it easy for one to be part of the lives of the characters in this unique but common story line.He cleverly mimics the township live with ease.

[Fritz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This felt a bit like a Coen Brothers story set in Soweto. I really enjoyed the slang, the pace and the setting. That together with the inevitability of a cluster fuck looming over the protagonist Bafana’s head made this worthwhile.

[Lesedi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book that shows you the day-to-day life of people in the black community. A book that also reflects on the pressures we feel as young people, fresh out of varsity, to impress said community even if it means lying about our qualifications/failures. Expectations are a burden to some extent...

[ReadingWithAngel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Niq, I enjoyed it. I love his style of writing, it’s soo easy to read. It was soo relatable. The colloquial tone makes it feel so close to home. I now want to read his other books.

[Cyril · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every soap opera ever written has a its center the problem of misunderstanding. Sometimes its deliberate misrepresentation, sometimes it happens because person A doesn't want to "hurt" person B, and sometimes it comes about because A says X and B hears Y. At it's core though, that's what its all about. If it is sufficiently moving, or appeals widely, or touches the right nerves, we call it tragedy and it transcends its author.

Its too early to pose that question about After Tears.

Instead, focus on what it does speak to, which is partly about the weaknesses of not wanting to disappoint, coupled to the weakness of not wanting to take ownership of failure. It is also a sharp commentary on the shifting attitudes and mores of the emerging Black middle class in South Africa, its desire to transcend the poverty of its roots, and the confusion of its parentage as they watch the strain this puts on their own values and cultural beliefs.

Here After Tears comes into it's own. I wondered, as I read it, "Did the emerging youth of the old Communist Block struggle like this too?" I'm sure they did. Oh, and yes. Life is tough in Africa. It leaves its mark on both men and women. Reading "After Tears" is to realize this, too.

[Tiah]

- When I left the court about an hour later, my mind was occupied with the depressing thought that I had let my chance to become an advocate slip away. -

- "A little further up there is where we lock up the medium category of prisoners, who perform labour outside the prison, and that's where we're going."

As I followed Uncle Thulani, carrying the two plastic bags, I suddenly felt like a tourist in hell, being guided by the devil himself. -

- The millennium had come and gone and Jesus had stood Soweto up. -

[Leila · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and entertaining read. What I liked best about this book was the sincere and authentic narrator's voice. It's fun to pick up on South African terms that vary from American English. And you don't see this kind of modern portrayal of what it's like to be a young African very often. The way poverty and HIV play out in the background is honest and devastating but not over dramatized.

[Franki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having been to South Africa, I loved Mhlongo's use of slang and the way he conjures the setting and specifically the time which he writes about. It's all very familiar, which I really liked. It's a very interesting book, if not perhaps the best written in terms of the prose and the character development etc. Nevertheless, I still quite enjoyed it.

[Lesego · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best, I could just visualize the places he mentioned as I am familiar with the area. Nonetheless a very good book!!!!!

[Kamogelo Kodisang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real depiction of getto life

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting exploration of life and people in SOWETO, but a bit surreal for someone from outside.

[Kristel]

A la découverte du quotidien dans le township.

[Lungisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book, very funny.

[Bongani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Sad parting with uncle Nyawana and his crew.

[Pale · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is hilarious but sad at the same time. The Kasi lingo took me straight where the whole drama happened. Loved it...

[Sibo Majola · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this a lot, man. It reminded me of my days at university. Nice reflection of a rapidly changing country, bra. Well done.

[Themba Bhekizulu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read, this. I identify with lots of it. Know guys just like these characters. Really interesting, and filled with some good insight about life on campus and in the country more generally.

[Coin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this one in a day, also for SALA review.

Loved it.

[Patricia Radebe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this, despite the fragmented plot structure, where things pop up all over the place, not to be followed up again. Nevertheless, it was nice to read the slang and the street lingo. It was real and well observed. I do enjoy reading about South Africa but it is quite depressing at times, as authors capture the reality of life there.