The Fragile Mental Health of Strong Women

by Michelle Kekana

Lunga keeps quiet for a few minutes after my rant. I feel terrible for shouting at him. Babies cry, I rationalise. They are impatient because they have no sense of time. Lunga is not trying to ruin my life. I cannot assign malice to an infant. I bend down to kiss an apology into his forehead, but he starts wailing, trying to thrust the pacifier out of his mouth.

Black women are labelled as strong; their tears often seen as indulgent, their suffering expected to have an imminent expiration date. In Michelle Kekana’s ambitious debut, three thoroughly modern South African women find themselves brought to breaking point as they navigate the complexities of life, love and mental health. Utterly engrossing from the first page, The Fragile Mental Health of Strong Women is a bold exploration of what it means to be ‘strong’.

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 17, 2025

Reviews

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three black women going through different mental health struggles and eventually healing. The book delves deep into what brings them there, the highs and lows of the healing process and the role and journey of the characters' loved ones.

The accounts and horrors of each character feel real and raw and I enjoy the frankness the author brings to these heavy experiences. The book started out strong and lyrical, but later transformed into unabashed honesty about the experiences of the darkest moments of the characters' lives.

Strong debut by the author! Can't wait to read what she has for us in store next.

[Lili · Rating 4 out of 5]

deeply touching and empowering book!
Following these three women through their different traumas and struggles in live and also seeing them fight their way through it all, was really inspiring to read!

I do feel like some parts were cut short where i wished for some more detail but all in all it was still an amazing piece of work. 🤩

The cherry on top, for me, was the unexpected queer representation in the characters.
All the characters felt very different but still very relatable in their own ways… i think every woman should read this to feel encouraged and empowered to fight your way through a life that’s made tough for us in so many ways!

[Goitse Mmoloke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a beautiful and emotional fiction that shines a light on mental health struggles and the challenges women silently carry every day. I really loved how the story took us through the characters’ journeys from beginning to end, allowing us to grow with them and understand their pain, strength, and healing process.

The character development was amazing to witness, especially seeing them slowly find their way back to seeking help, confronting their struggles, and choosing healing. It felt real, raw, and relatable in many ways.

This book is also a reminder that mental health is such a serious issue, even for people who appear strong on the outside. Sometimes the strongest women are carrying the heaviest burdens in silence.

A touching and important read.

[Claire du Trevou · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heavy but poignant read.

[Vania EM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this blind and was genuinely surprised. Three books: unemployed Hope, new mother Ayanda and uni student Zethu. As they share their lives in diary style I was drawn in by the rawness of their pains and fears. The POV from queer women was also enlightening and sweet. The drama at the end was too scary and realistic. I was like, when will women just have peace? After everything else, life just keeps on lifing. It’s too much. Still enjoyed it though.

[Lize Basson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read!
Fast paced with trauma portrayed realistically, great humour amidst the heaviness and interesting & surprising twists. Excellent debut novel and looking forward to more from Kekana.

[Sisipho Mngxekeza · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can confirm the mental health was fragile nyani sana. ⚰️
Suwi. Death. The works.

[Keitumetse Taunyane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmmm!
"Strong women" hmmm. 🤔
I was waiting to hear something more regarding that. I would not want to diminish experiences....however, the title had me thinking otherwise.
😵‍💫 like with vampires, I'm really not the target market for certain lifestyles. One story...okay.... but two out of three.

I feel Chuma had a story of trauma herself.
She was told she had been photographed naked while she slept. She retreated for a bit (by covering up when continuing to sleep in close proximity to roomie), then got back to nudity. The ending, the self sacrifice to save her then girlfriend. 😢

Hope's mother had a story too! She was strong!

Lunga, yoh! Clever and vile plan by the father there.

This book actually makes one review men in are trashy light.
1) Hopes father leaving them
2) Lunga's dad - hmmm some moments felt like de ja vu with this story
3) Dr Zwide
4) Petrol attendant.
As it may be a reality, it really is sad.