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Bare: the blesser's game
Treasure is a naïve dreamer tossed into this unforgiving reality. Intent on supporting herself, she walks out of her dysfunctional family home in Westonaria and straight into the greedy heart of Jo’burg, disguised as the city of gold and black diamonds, to chase the illusion of fame and a happy ending. Living a life of luxury in a society of artificial human beings comes at a hefty price. She is wooed by a wealthy man who grooms her into a power-hungry machine... but is the pleasure worth the pain and endless sacrifices? What can she offer a man who has everything but a soul? As her life crumbles around her, can Treasure alter her fate before it’s too late? This inspirational novel is for all those who see one side to life; it's time to open your eyes to both sides of the coin.
215 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2017
351 people are currently reading
5213 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Phamotse
12 books257 followersJackie Phamotse is a writer, businesswoman, social activist and philanthropist.
Her debut novel, BARE I: The Blesser’s Game, was published in 2017 and was awarded the African Icon Literary Award in Lagos, Nigeria, in 2018. Her second book, I Tweet What I Like, was inspired by the late struggle icon Steve Biko’s book, I Write What I Like. Jackie won the 2020 SA Book Awards for Best Fiction for her novel BARE II: The Cradle of The Hockey Club. She was also nominated for a bestselling award by Nielsen BookScan and SAPnet in 2023 for her book Bare IV: Mercy. Google listed Jackie as one of the most searched personalities in South Africa in 2020. She won an award for her Social Activism at the Women of Wonder Awards ceremony in 2020, the same year the Generational Wealth Foundation listed her as one of the most influential educators.
Jackie’s main objective is to create awareness around and find long-term solutions to eradicate social ills. She currently lives in Sandton, South Africa.
Her debut novel, BARE I: The Blesser’s Game, was published in 2017 and was awarded the African Icon Literary Award in Lagos, Nigeria, in 2018. Her second book, I Tweet What I Like, was inspired by the late struggle icon Steve Biko’s book, I Write What I Like. Jackie won the 2020 SA Book Awards for Best Fiction for her novel BARE II: The Cradle of The Hockey Club. She was also nominated for a bestselling award by Nielsen BookScan and SAPnet in 2023 for her book Bare IV: Mercy. Google listed Jackie as one of the most searched personalities in South Africa in 2020. She won an award for her Social Activism at the Women of Wonder Awards ceremony in 2020, the same year the Generational Wealth Foundation listed her as one of the most influential educators.
Jackie’s main objective is to create awareness around and find long-term solutions to eradicate social ills. She currently lives in Sandton, South Africa.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
December 24, 2017
I found "Bare" too long for my liking. More like a promotional catalogue for luxury brands and products and very thin story line. I guess as a previous blessee, Jackie brings to the fore very important themes which impacts young women's lives in contemporary and post-apartheid South Africa. Tangible goods mattered than intangible thins like education, safety, a strong sense of self and self worth.
The 1994 elections sold black people a lot of dreams which did not materialise for the majority of the people. Compounded with socioeconomic challenges, black people still had lives to live. In "Bare' we read about Treasure who, desperate to escape a non-descript life in Westonaria, moves to Johannesburg after a very brutal sexual assualt and rape while on a matric camp in Bloemfontein, and reconnects with Lintle, a high school friend. Treasure doesn't deal with the assault both emotionally and physically. I guess it was her way of forgetting it ever happened. To her. Lintle is living it up in Johannesburg. A high life which she will never ever afford as a student and she nevertheless introduces it to Treasure. It's sex in exchange for holidays in exotic locations. Sex for dinners and champagne in Micheline starred restaurants. Sex for Mui Mui, Prada, Gucci, Valentino, Steve Madden, chauffer-driven investment cars, apartments in exclusive surburbs. Weaves, make-up, Woolies food, ndibala ntoni na!!!!!
This is not a straight forward Kardashians-meet-WAGS-meet-MzansiWives-meet-Mandla&Khanyi in Melrose-Dubai-London-Sandston type of tale, Jackie did her best to introduce unusual elements such as "The Hockey Club" and Daphne to spice up Treasure's story and give it some elevation adding some excitement for me.
"Bare" is a tragic tale of young black women coming to Johannesburg with dreams of a glamourous life but have neither the patience nor the inclination to work at those dreams. Treasure comes from a dysfunctional family, who doesn't!!! Her father was a pathetic man who lorded over his household with an iron fist. Yes, apartheid stripped our fathers of their masculinity and replaced it with internal rage, but black men can do and be better by working on those internal issues instead of perpetuating the cycle of abuse.
The men in "Bare" are pathetic patriarchal misogynies who use sex and money as a weapon to control the women in their lives. Treasure is abused by all the men in her story. Not a single one of them sees Treasure as more than a body to be used and abused. From Sylvester to Tim. Even Daphne was such a disappointment. A gate-keeper for patriarchy. I am a sucker for happy endings and was rooting for Treasure and Paul. I didn't see Tim sailing into the sunset with Treasure, sure their relationship lasted years but, it was built on a fickle and superficial foundation. A very sad ending for and of Treasure who couldn't re-imagine a different ending of her current life nor a new beginning of who she wanted to be. I guess she didn't have the energy start afresh. The cesspit that was her current life was more comforting than an unknown different path.
"Bare" has a beautiful cover which has a pull effect but the story itself could have done with better editing, proofreading and typesetting. Each chapter starts off with a quote which I totally loved and the poem in chapter 14 has so much power, I wish the author could have been credited.
It is SO good when young pack women write about their lives. Treasure represents most young black women strutting around Sandton advertising their dope lives across social media for all to salivate over but those lives come at a very high price.
Well done, Jackie. Highly recommended.
The 1994 elections sold black people a lot of dreams which did not materialise for the majority of the people. Compounded with socioeconomic challenges, black people still had lives to live. In "Bare' we read about Treasure who, desperate to escape a non-descript life in Westonaria, moves to Johannesburg after a very brutal sexual assualt and rape while on a matric camp in Bloemfontein, and reconnects with Lintle, a high school friend. Treasure doesn't deal with the assault both emotionally and physically. I guess it was her way of forgetting it ever happened. To her. Lintle is living it up in Johannesburg. A high life which she will never ever afford as a student and she nevertheless introduces it to Treasure. It's sex in exchange for holidays in exotic locations. Sex for dinners and champagne in Micheline starred restaurants. Sex for Mui Mui, Prada, Gucci, Valentino, Steve Madden, chauffer-driven investment cars, apartments in exclusive surburbs. Weaves, make-up, Woolies food, ndibala ntoni na!!!!!
This is not a straight forward Kardashians-meet-WAGS-meet-MzansiWives-meet-Mandla&Khanyi in Melrose-Dubai-London-Sandston type of tale, Jackie did her best to introduce unusual elements such as "The Hockey Club" and Daphne to spice up Treasure's story and give it some elevation adding some excitement for me.
"Bare" is a tragic tale of young black women coming to Johannesburg with dreams of a glamourous life but have neither the patience nor the inclination to work at those dreams. Treasure comes from a dysfunctional family, who doesn't!!! Her father was a pathetic man who lorded over his household with an iron fist. Yes, apartheid stripped our fathers of their masculinity and replaced it with internal rage, but black men can do and be better by working on those internal issues instead of perpetuating the cycle of abuse.
The men in "Bare" are pathetic patriarchal misogynies who use sex and money as a weapon to control the women in their lives. Treasure is abused by all the men in her story. Not a single one of them sees Treasure as more than a body to be used and abused. From Sylvester to Tim. Even Daphne was such a disappointment. A gate-keeper for patriarchy. I am a sucker for happy endings and was rooting for Treasure and Paul. I didn't see Tim sailing into the sunset with Treasure, sure their relationship lasted years but, it was built on a fickle and superficial foundation. A very sad ending for and of Treasure who couldn't re-imagine a different ending of her current life nor a new beginning of who she wanted to be. I guess she didn't have the energy start afresh. The cesspit that was her current life was more comforting than an unknown different path.
"Bare" has a beautiful cover which has a pull effect but the story itself could have done with better editing, proofreading and typesetting. Each chapter starts off with a quote which I totally loved and the poem in chapter 14 has so much power, I wish the author could have been credited.
It is SO good when young pack women write about their lives. Treasure represents most young black women strutting around Sandton advertising their dope lives across social media for all to salivate over but those lives come at a very high price.
Well done, Jackie. Highly recommended.
January 22, 2018
"I'm part of a gentlemen's club called the Hockey Club." These big shots pay us a lot of money to sleep with their wives...That's how they manage their households. They want us because they know us, and so that the wife date's someone else or someone younger. Some of the men even sleep with us for their own pleasure. It's all about the power and entertainment; breaking our ego and pride..."
It's such a low down dirty shame to read about such horrors that these youngsters put themselves through for social media validation, to be seen with the latest and flashiest fashion brands, to live their lives on the fast lane, the glitz and glamour....yet the price they pay for all this is way too high.
Jackie, thank you for sharing your story. God willing, it will be an eye opener for many out there still caught up in this lifestyle or a deterrent to this deviant behaviour for the younger generation envious and wanting to live their best lives through the blesser's game.
It's such a low down dirty shame to read about such horrors that these youngsters put themselves through for social media validation, to be seen with the latest and flashiest fashion brands, to live their lives on the fast lane, the glitz and glamour....yet the price they pay for all this is way too high.
Jackie, thank you for sharing your story. God willing, it will be an eye opener for many out there still caught up in this lifestyle or a deterrent to this deviant behaviour for the younger generation envious and wanting to live their best lives through the blesser's game.
March 15, 2018
At only 215 pages (I would normally read this in one sitting) the book was a drag though and a lot of the scenes felt repetitive. I already knew that being a blessee comes with submission to the blesser, I just didn’t understand the extent of it. I really appreciate her honesty and not sugar coating the consequences of being a blessee. It’s easy for people to look from the side and judge young women for being with these older men and think they can make better choices. Sad as it is society is feeding and enabling this frenzy. Our lack of self worth fuels the constant need for validation. Once you stop needing this validation, you will experience true freedom and happiness.
February 3, 2018
The title, BARE, befitted the storyline, especially its ending. The setting (time and place) for the events in Treasure’s life was real, believable and helped to bring the story to life. Characters were few and it was easy to remember who was who, and the roles that they played. Jackie’s style of writing and the language she used was simple, and I was fine with it.
Reading about Treasure’s home life and what was happening within the confines of her home brought vivid memories of my own family and I couldn’t help but weep and continue to pray for my mother. I am still struggling to understand why men brutally ill-treat their loving wives and children physically, verbally, emotionally and financially, and believe that a societal “cultural” shift is necessary to remedy the situation.
What happened to Treasure before her departure to Johannesburg was not her fault, but she should take responsibility for the decisions she made in the city of gold, and the consequences. Apart from the teachings everybody gets from family, school and people around us, we all have a natural instinct to guide us, and that would unapologetically always tell us when something is too good to be true, and advise us to run for dear life.
I will forever be baffled by the rich who, with everything they can access and indulge in at their disposal, opt for horrific carnal practices. The lure of money and material possessions diligently delivers fresh prey to them, ensuring that the clandestine and horrific sexual rituals are maintained, seemingly forever.
Given the story line, Jackie Phamotse could have given more. She could have been more descriptive and introduced twists and turns that would deeply touch the readers’ souls and tested their beliefs, but she didn’t. The book was rushed, and a lot was lost. Many scenarios were unnecessary and felt like repetitions.
I would have given the book a score of 2, but because of its message, I will settle for a 3. May all ruthless abusers who lie and maintain good societal images that earn them love and respect and excellent reputations be exposed, severely punished and banished from mother earth.
Reading about Treasure’s home life and what was happening within the confines of her home brought vivid memories of my own family and I couldn’t help but weep and continue to pray for my mother. I am still struggling to understand why men brutally ill-treat their loving wives and children physically, verbally, emotionally and financially, and believe that a societal “cultural” shift is necessary to remedy the situation.
What happened to Treasure before her departure to Johannesburg was not her fault, but she should take responsibility for the decisions she made in the city of gold, and the consequences. Apart from the teachings everybody gets from family, school and people around us, we all have a natural instinct to guide us, and that would unapologetically always tell us when something is too good to be true, and advise us to run for dear life.
I will forever be baffled by the rich who, with everything they can access and indulge in at their disposal, opt for horrific carnal practices. The lure of money and material possessions diligently delivers fresh prey to them, ensuring that the clandestine and horrific sexual rituals are maintained, seemingly forever.
Given the story line, Jackie Phamotse could have given more. She could have been more descriptive and introduced twists and turns that would deeply touch the readers’ souls and tested their beliefs, but she didn’t. The book was rushed, and a lot was lost. Many scenarios were unnecessary and felt like repetitions.
I would have given the book a score of 2, but because of its message, I will settle for a 3. May all ruthless abusers who lie and maintain good societal images that earn them love and respect and excellent reputations be exposed, severely punished and banished from mother earth.
January 28, 2018
I found bare quite interesting. Jackie managed to show us the trauma and suffering young woman go through to maintain their lives. Be it supporting their families or supporting their need to be socially accepted on social media and among their peers. She revealed the dangers of living under a blesser ( which we all knew really ) and at the same time added a great unusual element with the hockey club and her blessers wife being so open and welcoming. However I feel the book was poorly written, the story line seemed to drag on a little too much and the end had no actual climax. I commend Jackie for a beautiful read and self publishing the book, that alone gives black young woman a lot of inspiration but she could use with better paragraphs and dialect and more proofreading and editing next time.
January 8, 2018
Interesting
This book has a really good story but the way it’s written is not the best. I’m proud of the author for going for her dreams. Keep writing girl, you can only get better from here
This book has a really good story but the way it’s written is not the best. I’m proud of the author for going for her dreams. Keep writing girl, you can only get better from here
January 22, 2018
Nicely written, I think every young girl growing in SA should get a copy.
January 23, 2018
Amazing read finished it in one day
September 23, 2024
I have to stress this before you read it, there are so many things wrong with this book. I had not heard of the author until a copy fell into my lap and upon doing 5 minutes of research, my suspicions were confirmed, the author, Jackie Phamotse, is a business woman - that is what's wrong with this book.
Writing this review was not easy, the first draft echoed pure disappointment from beginning to end. Looking at the cover, I was excited and mesmerized that a woman took the liberty to write from her own experience the nature of the blesser and blessee relations in present-day Johannesburg. So much bravery in one heart, finally, someone would speak out on the things some of us have seen taking place amongst our peers and heard of explicitly from close friends. Imagine that after all that anticipation - and a whole day of my life (yes, that is how long it took me to read it), I was annoyed.
Given the platform that Ms Phamotse has, knowing the magnitude of what she wrote and what it might mean for her readers; there are so many things she could have done better. While looking for reviews online, I came across this article on News24, 'My rapist is now a Deputy Minister'. In it, Phamotse reveals snippets of the truths behind the book which, to be quite honest, would have made for much better reading than the shady versions she shares in her book.
The story begins at the earliest memorable childhood of the main character, Treasure. A child. Yet the author sounds a lot like a black girl (from a modest background) in a fancy school. Nothing about her memories are childlike, every encounter with her family is bitter and detached. As though the character grew up in advance and returned to her younger self with preconceived hate for the world.
The tragedies appeal to the empathy each human being contains but, there is nothing about the book that would move an avid reader to tears. So much is an observation rather than an experience and, the reader can feel that.
In her desperation to be relevant and "ride the wave" of the current climate of femicide brought on by such relationships; in our country, on our continent and the world at large, the author forgot to appeal to the average woman.
Were it not for the words of those who have wisdom, as she so rightfully quotes,
“In order to live life you need to have life experience...”
This entire book would have been a short story a psychologist wrote based on a session she once had with an abused patient.
Please do not get me wrong, I do not mean to mollify her reality in any way; everything she went through was agonising, unforgivable and dehumanising in every sense. But there is a certain degree of responsibility that comes with sharing such a story, like the African proverb says,
“Those who want rain must also accept the mud.”
You cannot have one thing without the other. By her own right, Ms Phamotse refused to name one of the men who raped her, which she justifies by stating that she does not wish to relive the pain, as well as the fact that her safety and well being were compromised - that we can understand. But hear me out, what happens to the women who fall prey to such men? What happens to the young girls who are victims of their plight and are forced into selling themselves for the survival of their families? What happens to a country that is at the mercy of such men, when left in a position of power?
I digress... to drive home the point - the content is definitely relevant. The issues of rape culture, femicide, abuse... the general atmosphere of large cities around the world. Of hunger, of pain, of broken people, is a strong theme captured in the book.
I think it would have been better to cut the childhood "sob story" of a broken home into mere flashbacks in the current life of the character. I wish the character had felt pain in its purest form and not as an afterthought... while sipping copious amounts of wine in the bathtub of her Sandton apartment.
Writing this review was not easy, the first draft echoed pure disappointment from beginning to end. Looking at the cover, I was excited and mesmerized that a woman took the liberty to write from her own experience the nature of the blesser and blessee relations in present-day Johannesburg. So much bravery in one heart, finally, someone would speak out on the things some of us have seen taking place amongst our peers and heard of explicitly from close friends. Imagine that after all that anticipation - and a whole day of my life (yes, that is how long it took me to read it), I was annoyed.
Given the platform that Ms Phamotse has, knowing the magnitude of what she wrote and what it might mean for her readers; there are so many things she could have done better. While looking for reviews online, I came across this article on News24, 'My rapist is now a Deputy Minister'. In it, Phamotse reveals snippets of the truths behind the book which, to be quite honest, would have made for much better reading than the shady versions she shares in her book.
The story begins at the earliest memorable childhood of the main character, Treasure. A child. Yet the author sounds a lot like a black girl (from a modest background) in a fancy school. Nothing about her memories are childlike, every encounter with her family is bitter and detached. As though the character grew up in advance and returned to her younger self with preconceived hate for the world.
The tragedies appeal to the empathy each human being contains but, there is nothing about the book that would move an avid reader to tears. So much is an observation rather than an experience and, the reader can feel that.
In her desperation to be relevant and "ride the wave" of the current climate of femicide brought on by such relationships; in our country, on our continent and the world at large, the author forgot to appeal to the average woman.
Were it not for the words of those who have wisdom, as she so rightfully quotes,
“In order to live life you need to have life experience...”
This entire book would have been a short story a psychologist wrote based on a session she once had with an abused patient.
Please do not get me wrong, I do not mean to mollify her reality in any way; everything she went through was agonising, unforgivable and dehumanising in every sense. But there is a certain degree of responsibility that comes with sharing such a story, like the African proverb says,
“Those who want rain must also accept the mud.”
You cannot have one thing without the other. By her own right, Ms Phamotse refused to name one of the men who raped her, which she justifies by stating that she does not wish to relive the pain, as well as the fact that her safety and well being were compromised - that we can understand. But hear me out, what happens to the women who fall prey to such men? What happens to the young girls who are victims of their plight and are forced into selling themselves for the survival of their families? What happens to a country that is at the mercy of such men, when left in a position of power?
I digress... to drive home the point - the content is definitely relevant. The issues of rape culture, femicide, abuse... the general atmosphere of large cities around the world. Of hunger, of pain, of broken people, is a strong theme captured in the book.
I think it would have been better to cut the childhood "sob story" of a broken home into mere flashbacks in the current life of the character. I wish the character had felt pain in its purest form and not as an afterthought... while sipping copious amounts of wine in the bathtub of her Sandton apartment.
September 26, 2018
Such an important topic, it had much promise. But between the very detailed amd multiple sex/rape scenes and the young (not to say childish) style of writing, it was what I guess 50 shades must be like... I was left cringing a lot. Still, support and dedication to openly write about such a difficult thing that is still ongoing.
February 3, 2018
The title, BARE, befitted the storyline, especially its ending. The setting (time and place) for the events in Treasure’s life was real, believable and helped to bring the story to life. Characters were few and it was easy to remember who was who, and the roles that they played. Jackie’s style of writing and the language she used was simple, and I was fine with it.
Reading about Treasure’s home life and what was happening within the confines of her home brought vivid memories of my own family and I couldn’t help but weep and continue to pray for my mother. I am still struggling to understand why men brutally ill-treat their loving wives and children physically, verbally, emotionally and financially, and believe that a societal “cultural” shift is necessary to remedy the situation.
What happened to Treasure before her departure to Johannesburg was not her fault, but she should take responsibility for the decisions she made in the city of gold, and the consequences. Apart from the teachings everybody gets from family, school and people around us, we all have a natural instinct to guide us, and that would unapologetically always tell us when something is too good to be true, and advise us to run for dear life.
I will forever be baffled by the rich who, with everything they can access and indulge in at their disposal, opt for horrific carnal practices. The lure of money and material possessions diligently delivers fresh prey to them, ensuring that the clandestine and horrific sexual rituals are maintained, seemingly forever.
Given the story line, Jackie Phamotse could have given more. She could have been more descriptive and introduced twists and turns that would deeply touch the readers’ souls and tested their beliefs, but she didn’t. The book was rushed, and a lot was lost. Many scenarios were unnecessary and felt like repetitions.
I would have given the book a score of 2, but because of its message, I will settle for a 3. May all ruthless abusers who lie and maintain good societal images that earn them love and respect and excellent reputations be exposed, severely punished and banished from mother earth.
Reading about Treasure’s home life and what was happening within the confines of her home brought vivid memories of my own family and I couldn’t help but weep and continue to pray for my mother. I am still struggling to understand why men brutally ill-treat their loving wives and children physically, verbally, emotionally and financially, and believe that a societal “cultural” shift is necessary to remedy the situation.
What happened to Treasure before her departure to Johannesburg was not her fault, but she should take responsibility for the decisions she made in the city of gold, and the consequences. Apart from the teachings everybody gets from family, school and people around us, we all have a natural instinct to guide us, and that would unapologetically always tell us when something is too good to be true, and advise us to run for dear life.
I will forever be baffled by the rich who, with everything they can access and indulge in at their disposal, opt for horrific carnal practices. The lure of money and material possessions diligently delivers fresh prey to them, ensuring that the clandestine and horrific sexual rituals are maintained, seemingly forever.
Given the story line, Jackie Phamotse could have given more. She could have been more descriptive and introduced twists and turns that would deeply touch the readers’ souls and tested their beliefs, but she didn’t. The book was rushed, and a lot was lost. Many scenarios were unnecessary and felt like repetitions.
I would have given the book a score of 2, but because of its message, I will settle for a 3. May all ruthless abusers who lie and maintain good societal images that earn them love and respect and excellent reputations be exposed, severely punished and banished from mother earth.
Read
February 21, 2018Not my kind of read. This book is so emotionally draining for me. Tim is such an evil man I don't wish for anyone to come across....not even my worst enemy.
June 19, 2018
Jackie takes us through the unfortunate journey of a young girl living in a democratic South Africa.
Thank you for sharing your story!
Read
November 7, 2023For all the gold in Joburg or all the tea in China, I would never put myself in such intersexions🤢
April 17, 2018
Absolutely riveting and captivating read
Jackie has an amazing talent for writing and applaud her for sharing her story. I hope this book helps the thousands of women out there in the same situation.
Jackie has an amazing talent for writing and applaud her for sharing her story. I hope this book helps the thousands of women out there in the same situation.
July 8, 2018
Nope. Not worth it.
July 18, 2018
Good lessons on the story as a whole.
Poor writing and story telling. Lacks logical flow.
Poor writing and story telling. Lacks logical flow.
July 27, 2018
A simple read with a disappointment of an ending. I could have really spent the time ready anything else which would have been better.
December 30, 2019
I did not enjoy this book, from watching Jackie's interviews I expected more. It was unnecessarily long and I was put off by a lot of the dialogue, it just seemed to lack something.
November 12, 2020
Learned a lot from this book
January 17, 2018
Powerful book
Powerful book to empower women. Great read. WOMEN, FIND YOUR VOICE AND LIVE WITHIN YOUR POWER! You are enough. Jackie Phamotse.
Powerful book to empower women. Great read. WOMEN, FIND YOUR VOICE AND LIVE WITHIN YOUR POWER! You are enough. Jackie Phamotse.
July 17, 2022
I couldn't put it down, it's really a must have, especially for teenage girls.
July 14, 2018
I love a South African story and love to see young female writers tackling societal issues and for that, I applaud Jackies effort. I think she is a promising author and I look forward to reading future books written by her.
However, for some reason I just didn’t develop any attachment to the main character (though I empathize with the traumatic events in her life). I neither loved nor hated her- she felt very flat to me. I really wanted to feel something towards her which is probably why I finished this book in one day- I had hoped to connect with Treasure somewhere in the book!
I felt the author felt rushed to finish this book hence loose ends (i.e Her relationship with her father & siblings post her moms death/ Daphne- I don’t understand why she was introduced only to have no impact at all/ Her relationship with Lintle/ What happens to Treasure post-ending). I also found the ending disappointing & didn’t make sense to me. I am not an English Major but in some parts, the writing just didn’t flow well.
That said, the hockey club lifestyle was insightful & I was often left wondering which parts of Treasure & the events in the story the author had taken out of her own life experiences.
However, for some reason I just didn’t develop any attachment to the main character (though I empathize with the traumatic events in her life). I neither loved nor hated her- she felt very flat to me. I really wanted to feel something towards her which is probably why I finished this book in one day- I had hoped to connect with Treasure somewhere in the book!
I felt the author felt rushed to finish this book hence loose ends (i.e Her relationship with her father & siblings post her moms death/ Daphne- I don’t understand why she was introduced only to have no impact at all/ Her relationship with Lintle/ What happens to Treasure post-ending). I also found the ending disappointing & didn’t make sense to me. I am not an English Major but in some parts, the writing just didn’t flow well.
That said, the hockey club lifestyle was insightful & I was often left wondering which parts of Treasure & the events in the story the author had taken out of her own life experiences.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2019
Fast paced to a boring end
This book is frustrating it starts off well,but somewhere in Treasure's High school life the author loses the structure of the story.
She starts taking the reader through all sorts of dark expressions of how she feels about being abused and taken advantage of. Throughout the book a reader is taken through gruesome scenes of sexual abuse and devastating consequences. Treasure the character gets convicted of her ways numerous times and she never takes responsibilty or action to make a change instead she keeps playing victim and leaving the reader confused on what she really wants.
Jackie's book could have been a 5 especially because she writes so well and I appreciate the efforts to edit the book properly and I like that she used quotes from black people south african mainly that was so cool for me .Now because she never lands the story of Treasure I gave it a 2. It was just unacceptable to hang the reader like that.
If you want to read on a blesser lifestyle game I recommend Angela Makholwa's
book Blessed Girl she doesn't write as well as Jackie,but the story keeps it's structure and there is an ending.
This book is frustrating it starts off well,but somewhere in Treasure's High school life the author loses the structure of the story.
She starts taking the reader through all sorts of dark expressions of how she feels about being abused and taken advantage of. Throughout the book a reader is taken through gruesome scenes of sexual abuse and devastating consequences. Treasure the character gets convicted of her ways numerous times and she never takes responsibilty or action to make a change instead she keeps playing victim and leaving the reader confused on what she really wants.
Jackie's book could have been a 5 especially because she writes so well and I appreciate the efforts to edit the book properly and I like that she used quotes from black people south african mainly that was so cool for me .Now because she never lands the story of Treasure I gave it a 2. It was just unacceptable to hang the reader like that.
If you want to read on a blesser lifestyle game I recommend Angela Makholwa's
book Blessed Girl she doesn't write as well as Jackie,but the story keeps it's structure and there is an ending.
Read
February 8, 2018Treasure is a girl who has been terribly hurt by a number of men in her life whom she trusted and loved. Her story is a painful one of witnessing her mother's abuse by her father, being gang raped and being manipulated and controlled by an older man who provides for her needs. Treasure is a lonely soul who loses touch with all her loved ones and finds herself all alone in the suburb of Sandton where she has access to all the fine things in life but still feels hollow. I enjoyed reading the book albeit it being painful. I struggled to marry the quotes at the beginning of each chapter with the contents of that particular chapter. For me the ending was an anti climax as it didn't really bring closure to how the life of being a blessee ultimately affected her as it seems she continued to live in Sandton. It would have been great to take it a little further so we know why she is ending up in a hotel once again sleeping with another blesser
May 28, 2018
I was expecting depth and a clear understanding of being "blessed". I think this was a badly written book in that, it felt like a rush to print (written 3 hrs before distribution).
The positive is that one could connect with the characters. The author was smart to use a few characters enabling us to connect and be in touch with the cycle and re-cycle of sexual favors.
A life style is created and long before it matures then it crumbles.
The positive is that one could connect with the characters. The author was smart to use a few characters enabling us to connect and be in touch with the cycle and re-cycle of sexual favors.
A life style is created and long before it matures then it crumbles.
September 15, 2022
This book is interesting because it touches on domestic violence, rape, coming of age, innocent ‘puppy’ love , heartbreak, sports, school, education, alcohol, and yet… the primary focus is on the alleged negative consequences of transactional sex & materialism, which didn’t even comprise the majority of the book, sensationalism at best, I daresay!
On the topic of rape and just sexual intercourse in general, it does have a lot of sexually explicit scenes (one might say there’s one per chapter, and this book has a lot of short ‘chapters’, so, go figure…), do the math. The main character goes through a lot of sexual assault. She literally gets raped - a lot. So, uh, you have been warned, in case you get triggered.
Anyways, the first half of the book, seems statistically relevant in the context of South Africa (one has to make such notes because the author is impossible to ignore all over social media, and this book is allegedly based on [her] reality).
But the second half - where the main character partakes in debauchery in the city…not only feels rushed, but it does seem as if the author is feeding into sensationalism: the older men vs younger women obsession that the world seems to have.
[Side Note: An accurate observation about this obsession was better articulated by Twitter User @neo_url in her blog “The One Thing You Should Know” In An Article / Blog Post Titled: “Slay queens, sugar babies and blessees: South Africa’s obsession with the urban black Jezebel” Published April 15 2018, Accessed September 15 2022, link: https://theonethingyoushouldknow.word... ]
This book could have sufficed as a short story or a dissertation, or even an essay. Based on the writing style, it would appeal to an adolescence, mainly because she (the author) does repeatedly claim that she is trying to ‘empower young girls’ and warn them about the consequences of older men, transactional sex, materialism AND THE BIG BAD CITY AND THE BIG BAD WOLVES, so maybe that’s why it’s delivered the way it is, she’s trying to speak to the Little Red Riders from the Hood(s)
On a positive note, I’m glad to observe that the main character, Treasure, jogs, that’s great. Running is great.
Oh, and I really hope that all those brands that she explicitly names in this book, sponsored her, felt like I was being advertised to there for a second.
On the topic of rape and just sexual intercourse in general, it does have a lot of sexually explicit scenes (one might say there’s one per chapter, and this book has a lot of short ‘chapters’, so, go figure…), do the math. The main character goes through a lot of sexual assault. She literally gets raped - a lot. So, uh, you have been warned, in case you get triggered.
Anyways, the first half of the book, seems statistically relevant in the context of South Africa (one has to make such notes because the author is impossible to ignore all over social media, and this book is allegedly based on [her] reality).
But the second half - where the main character partakes in debauchery in the city…not only feels rushed, but it does seem as if the author is feeding into sensationalism: the older men vs younger women obsession that the world seems to have.
[Side Note: An accurate observation about this obsession was better articulated by Twitter User @neo_url in her blog “The One Thing You Should Know” In An Article / Blog Post Titled: “Slay queens, sugar babies and blessees: South Africa’s obsession with the urban black Jezebel” Published April 15 2018, Accessed September 15 2022, link: https://theonethingyoushouldknow.word... ]
This book could have sufficed as a short story or a dissertation, or even an essay. Based on the writing style, it would appeal to an adolescence, mainly because she (the author) does repeatedly claim that she is trying to ‘empower young girls’ and warn them about the consequences of older men, transactional sex, materialism AND THE BIG BAD CITY AND THE BIG BAD WOLVES, so maybe that’s why it’s delivered the way it is, she’s trying to speak to the Little Red Riders from the Hood(s)
On a positive note, I’m glad to observe that the main character, Treasure, jogs, that’s great. Running is great.
Oh, and I really hope that all those brands that she explicitly names in this book, sponsored her, felt like I was being advertised to there for a second.
October 21, 2024
My Takeaways from "Bare"
Reading "Bare" by Jackie Phamotse was a profound experience that left me with a newfound appreciation for the power of vulnerability, resilience, and hope.
I was deeply moved by Phamotse's courage to share her personal struggles. Her vulnerability inspired me to embrace my own imperfections and seek support from others. I learned that it's okay to not be okay, and that reaching out for help can be a sign of strength, not weakness.
Phamotse's resilience in the face of adversity was truly awe-inspiring. Her story taught me that no matter how difficult life gets, there's always a way to overcome challenges. It's about finding strength within yourself and believing in your ability to persevere.
Self-love was another key takeaway from the book. Phamotse's journey highlighted the importance of accepting oneself unconditionally. By embracing her flaws and imperfections, she was able to find inner peace and confidence. I realized that self-love is essential for building healthy relationships and living a fulfilling life.
"Bare" also served as a cautionary tale about the dangers of toxic relationships. Phamotse's experiences reminded me of the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing my own well-being. It's okay to walk away from situations that are harmful or unhealthy.
The book also emphasized the importance of healing from trauma. Phamotse's journey underscored the power of seeking support and engaging in therapeutic processes. I learned that healing takes time and effort, but it's essential for moving forward and living a fulfilling life.
I was particularly struck by the power of community in providing support and encouragement during difficult times. Phamotse's experiences reminded me of the importance of building strong relationships and seeking support from others.
Finally, "Bare" was a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking out against injustice and abuse. Phamotse's decision to share her story was a courageous act that can empower others to do the same.
Overall, "Bare" was a transformative experience that taught me valuable lessons about vulnerability, resilience, self-love, healing, and the power of the human spirit. It's a book that I highly recommend to anyone seeking inspiration and hope.
Reading "Bare" by Jackie Phamotse was a profound experience that left me with a newfound appreciation for the power of vulnerability, resilience, and hope.
I was deeply moved by Phamotse's courage to share her personal struggles. Her vulnerability inspired me to embrace my own imperfections and seek support from others. I learned that it's okay to not be okay, and that reaching out for help can be a sign of strength, not weakness.
Phamotse's resilience in the face of adversity was truly awe-inspiring. Her story taught me that no matter how difficult life gets, there's always a way to overcome challenges. It's about finding strength within yourself and believing in your ability to persevere.
Self-love was another key takeaway from the book. Phamotse's journey highlighted the importance of accepting oneself unconditionally. By embracing her flaws and imperfections, she was able to find inner peace and confidence. I realized that self-love is essential for building healthy relationships and living a fulfilling life.
"Bare" also served as a cautionary tale about the dangers of toxic relationships. Phamotse's experiences reminded me of the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing my own well-being. It's okay to walk away from situations that are harmful or unhealthy.
The book also emphasized the importance of healing from trauma. Phamotse's journey underscored the power of seeking support and engaging in therapeutic processes. I learned that healing takes time and effort, but it's essential for moving forward and living a fulfilling life.
I was particularly struck by the power of community in providing support and encouragement during difficult times. Phamotse's experiences reminded me of the importance of building strong relationships and seeking support from others.
Finally, "Bare" was a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking out against injustice and abuse. Phamotse's decision to share her story was a courageous act that can empower others to do the same.
Overall, "Bare" was a transformative experience that taught me valuable lessons about vulnerability, resilience, self-love, healing, and the power of the human spirit. It's a book that I highly recommend to anyone seeking inspiration and hope.
October 21, 2024
This is quite a tragic tale that tells the story of Treasure, a bright, young and intelligent girl from Westanaria who had dreams of doing something great for herself. Her family wasn’t picture perfect but she was more than determined to crawl out from the hole of poverty and actually make out something for herself. She was studious, getting good grades until she was gangraped at a club and there began her hate for men.
Through the help of her lesbian partner, she decides to pursue her dreams as a model in Sandton city and about that time, she reconnects with an old friend, Lintle who opens her eyes to the world of the blessers and soon she meets with her own blesser, Tim who lavishes on her even though he’s married with kids. Soon, she’s a well-known socialite but this comes at a cost because Tim owns her entirely now and controls her every move. He rapes her, forces her to have an abortion. I’d say he was all loving and caring at the beginning before he showed Treasure his true colors.
Lintle’s boyfriend, Paul soon exposes Tim’s secret of how morally depraved he actually is, sleeping with men and women alike but this didn’t get Treasure to leave him because she was already in too deep.
It was just a whole lot of messy situation with such sick depravity and it’s just sad that the quest for the finer things of life derailed Treasure so much that she didn’t even get the University education she was supposed to get just because her older lover wouldn’t allow it.
The writing style of this book is not what I’m used to but the author did well to keep each page interesting, thereby avoiding a drop off or disinterest. This story is basically a cautionary tale with major insight into what seems to be the order of the day in South Africa, what with young girls selling their bodies to live the glamorous life. It’s quite sad and the author backed it up with scriptural verses and I really loved to see that. It’s just sad sha!
Through the help of her lesbian partner, she decides to pursue her dreams as a model in Sandton city and about that time, she reconnects with an old friend, Lintle who opens her eyes to the world of the blessers and soon she meets with her own blesser, Tim who lavishes on her even though he’s married with kids. Soon, she’s a well-known socialite but this comes at a cost because Tim owns her entirely now and controls her every move. He rapes her, forces her to have an abortion. I’d say he was all loving and caring at the beginning before he showed Treasure his true colors.
Lintle’s boyfriend, Paul soon exposes Tim’s secret of how morally depraved he actually is, sleeping with men and women alike but this didn’t get Treasure to leave him because she was already in too deep.
It was just a whole lot of messy situation with such sick depravity and it’s just sad that the quest for the finer things of life derailed Treasure so much that she didn’t even get the University education she was supposed to get just because her older lover wouldn’t allow it.
The writing style of this book is not what I’m used to but the author did well to keep each page interesting, thereby avoiding a drop off or disinterest. This story is basically a cautionary tale with major insight into what seems to be the order of the day in South Africa, what with young girls selling their bodies to live the glamorous life. It’s quite sad and the author backed it up with scriptural verses and I really loved to see that. It’s just sad sha!
April 19, 2025
The storytelling in this book
📖BARE: TheBlessers Game by @jackie_phamotse
"Then he threw her to the ground, her life laid bare for all to see, just as she was."
"You don't see that in this life, those who pay your bills OWN YOU."
This is the story of Treasure... a life of horror and grief that never seems to end. It's about loss of her identity, all dreams broken.
Growing up in a dysfunctional household she could not wait to get away from home. It finally happened when she left for boarding school in Lesotho and then later to Johannesburg... and in between, things happened that just slashed pieces of her soul out of her. As one of the characters in the book described it to her in a scene: "You're just a walking dead body,... ;you might as well jog your way to the morgue. You're hollow inside;..."
This is the reality of many young women that would "sell their souls" for a rich and famous lifestyle and have to pay with their bodies. In our country they call the providers Blessers.
Lost identity. Lost morals. Lost integrity. It ends bad.
"Feedom without a moral sense is no freedom at all. It's a dark and deadly cul-de-sac."
Trigger warnings
*explicit scenes
*gender based voilence
*domestic violence
*sexual abuse
Jackie opens up things in this book that is not talked about. Like her father Mr Thabo Edwick Phamotse said and I qoute: "My daughter, stand firm and tell African stories that no one dares to share to."
I saw a review on Takealot on this book and the person mentioned that every young person on their way to university or any tertiary institution needs to read this book. Now I understand why.
📖BARE: TheBlessers Game by @jackie_phamotse
"Then he threw her to the ground, her life laid bare for all to see, just as she was."
"You don't see that in this life, those who pay your bills OWN YOU."
This is the story of Treasure... a life of horror and grief that never seems to end. It's about loss of her identity, all dreams broken.
Growing up in a dysfunctional household she could not wait to get away from home. It finally happened when she left for boarding school in Lesotho and then later to Johannesburg... and in between, things happened that just slashed pieces of her soul out of her. As one of the characters in the book described it to her in a scene: "You're just a walking dead body,... ;you might as well jog your way to the morgue. You're hollow inside;..."
This is the reality of many young women that would "sell their souls" for a rich and famous lifestyle and have to pay with their bodies. In our country they call the providers Blessers.
Lost identity. Lost morals. Lost integrity. It ends bad.
"Feedom without a moral sense is no freedom at all. It's a dark and deadly cul-de-sac."
Trigger warnings
*explicit scenes
*gender based voilence
*domestic violence
*sexual abuse
Jackie opens up things in this book that is not talked about. Like her father Mr Thabo Edwick Phamotse said and I qoute: "My daughter, stand firm and tell African stories that no one dares to share to."
I saw a review on Takealot on this book and the person mentioned that every young person on their way to university or any tertiary institution needs to read this book. Now I understand why.
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