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Braids & Migraines
"A novel of insight and emotion. Cele has the talent to both shatter and uplift, making her an invaluable new voice in South African literature." The Island Prize Judges
"The beauty of this novel is that while it takes a close-up look at human strife, in doing so it shines a light on the humanity we all share." From the Foreword by Rachel Edwards
When Nomandla is awarded a scholarship to attend the prestigious Cameron House for Girls in Durban, she thinks her life will improve. Instead it falls apart.
Growing up in Ziyabuya township, Nomandla battles poverty, racism, and her own mental health. She is pursued by visions which result in her being hospitalised, and is then made to accompany her father on Saturdays to his gardening job at the home of the Smith family. It is here that she first encounters Casey, a girl who will play a significant role in turning her life upside down, destroying her hope of a better future. Meanwhile, at Cameron House, Nomandla learns that, as a scholarship girl, she is expected to showcase gratitude as well as her culture, being regarded as little more than a display of transformation, unity and acceptance. Unfortunately, the reality is very different.
Andile Cele’s beautiful debut novel considers the complexities around identity, its ties to shame, grief, and to South Africa’s painful history. Braids & Migraines follows Nomandla as she comes to a place of personal understanding and acceptance, without compromise
"The beauty of this novel is that while it takes a close-up look at human strife, in doing so it shines a light on the humanity we all share." From the Foreword by Rachel Edwards
When Nomandla is awarded a scholarship to attend the prestigious Cameron House for Girls in Durban, she thinks her life will improve. Instead it falls apart.
Growing up in Ziyabuya township, Nomandla battles poverty, racism, and her own mental health. She is pursued by visions which result in her being hospitalised, and is then made to accompany her father on Saturdays to his gardening job at the home of the Smith family. It is here that she first encounters Casey, a girl who will play a significant role in turning her life upside down, destroying her hope of a better future. Meanwhile, at Cameron House, Nomandla learns that, as a scholarship girl, she is expected to showcase gratitude as well as her culture, being regarded as little more than a display of transformation, unity and acceptance. Unfortunately, the reality is very different.
Andile Cele’s beautiful debut novel considers the complexities around identity, its ties to shame, grief, and to South Africa’s painful history. Braids & Migraines follows Nomandla as she comes to a place of personal understanding and acceptance, without compromise
172 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 27, 2025
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 28, 2025
I picked up this novel at a bookstore in Edinburgh. Despite the painful subject matter, it was such a beautiful read. I really appreciated sitting with the Nomandla’s feelings and insights on South Africa, gender, her youth, her grief - it was an interesting perspective on a coming of age story.
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July 3, 2025This slim novel will enrich, shatter and bring you to tears. The writing is so beautiful, the subject matter relatable for many communities. It will make us take an inner, longer look at ourselves and how human we really are. As a debut novel it was shortlisted for the Island Prize in 2024 - laying the foundation for readers enjoyment and appreciation of this writer's fine narrative.
Nomandla is a spiritual girl, not something that is always understood. She comes from a small township in Kwa ZuluNatal but wins a scholarship to the prestigious Cameron House. Bright and resourceful, she is unprepared for the bullying of the privileged girls, the dismissive authoritarian attitude of the teachers, the lack of empathy. She is one of the transformation 'display' girls, thankfully supported by two other marvellous characters, Ashanti and Tumelo, who are as rebellious to the system. The novel speaks to this so-called transformation, the acceptance of the cultural differences, the prejudices that still exist - and to power. As Nomandla struggles to find herself she shows her bravery, insightfulness and resourcefulness to both the system and to her family. This is a lesson to all those who have teenagers, wherever you come from. It is a coming of age novel, one that would do well as a set work in high schools. But it is a lesson for everyone as we traverse the murky waters of understanding our differences. Highly recommended.
Nomandla is a spiritual girl, not something that is always understood. She comes from a small township in Kwa ZuluNatal but wins a scholarship to the prestigious Cameron House. Bright and resourceful, she is unprepared for the bullying of the privileged girls, the dismissive authoritarian attitude of the teachers, the lack of empathy. She is one of the transformation 'display' girls, thankfully supported by two other marvellous characters, Ashanti and Tumelo, who are as rebellious to the system. The novel speaks to this so-called transformation, the acceptance of the cultural differences, the prejudices that still exist - and to power. As Nomandla struggles to find herself she shows her bravery, insightfulness and resourcefulness to both the system and to her family. This is a lesson to all those who have teenagers, wherever you come from. It is a coming of age novel, one that would do well as a set work in high schools. But it is a lesson for everyone as we traverse the murky waters of understanding our differences. Highly recommended.
May 19, 2025
Andile Cele's debut novel, Braids & Migraines, was the runner up for the 2023 Island Prize.
This breathtaking novel explores themes of race and belonging, of family and grief. It is handled with such exquisite attention to detail and empathy towards the characters.
Cele's descriptions are vivid and tactile. As a reader, you feel transported into the world she has created. You can see the things the characters see, smell the things they smell. You stand in solidarity with them from the very first page.
Cele writes believably and without prejudice. This is the kind of book that should be taught for generations to come.
An evocative novel, small in size but kaleidoscopic in nature. Cele is a true talent. I cannot wait to see what they produce next.
This breathtaking novel explores themes of race and belonging, of family and grief. It is handled with such exquisite attention to detail and empathy towards the characters.
Cele's descriptions are vivid and tactile. As a reader, you feel transported into the world she has created. You can see the things the characters see, smell the things they smell. You stand in solidarity with them from the very first page.
Cele writes believably and without prejudice. This is the kind of book that should be taught for generations to come.
An evocative novel, small in size but kaleidoscopic in nature. Cele is a true talent. I cannot wait to see what they produce next.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews