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The Polygamist
The Polygamist weaves a tale about four women whose lives become intertwined as a result of their love for one man. Set in modern-day Zimbabwe, the story is narrated through the four female protagonists. Joyce is the legitimate first wife of Jonasi Gomora. She has four kids, a shiny black Mercedes Benz and a life every woman is envious of. Joyce believes she has the perfect marriage until Matipa rears her coiffed head.
Matipa is an ambitious, educated high flyer with an eye for the good things in life. She does not want to sit around waiting for a guy to realise his potential, she wants instant gratification, which comes in the form of Jonasi. He personifies everything she wants in a man. And so her driving ambition is usurp Joyce’s role as Jonasi’s wife and lover.
Essie is the girl next door from the poverty-stricken township where Jonasi grew up in. She lacks Joyce’s sophistication and Matipa’s intelligence, but she cared for Jonasi long before he became the man he is. So Essie plays the role of second fiddle knowing he’ll always come back to her
Lindani is a beautiful young girl who has nothing going for her but her greatest assets: her beauty and her body. She hopes this lethal combination will be enough to ensnare the affections of a man who will marry her and leave her taken care of, no longer having to worry about how she’ll keep a solid roof over her head. Then she meets Jonasi and thinks all her problems have been answered, not knowing they have only just begun….
Told in a gripping, accessible and somewhat shockingly frank style, Sue Nyathi takes readers on a journey beyond the bedroom door of a polygamous man and his four Mrs Rights. Yet lurking below the surface the question remains: is this kind of marriage practice really legitimate in a society plagued by HIV/Aids?
Smart, sassy and sexy, The Polygamist shows that sometimes marriage isn’t what you envisioned – rather than being a secure refuge it can be a battlefield!
Matipa is an ambitious, educated high flyer with an eye for the good things in life. She does not want to sit around waiting for a guy to realise his potential, she wants instant gratification, which comes in the form of Jonasi. He personifies everything she wants in a man. And so her driving ambition is usurp Joyce’s role as Jonasi’s wife and lover.
Essie is the girl next door from the poverty-stricken township where Jonasi grew up in. She lacks Joyce’s sophistication and Matipa’s intelligence, but she cared for Jonasi long before he became the man he is. So Essie plays the role of second fiddle knowing he’ll always come back to her
Lindani is a beautiful young girl who has nothing going for her but her greatest assets: her beauty and her body. She hopes this lethal combination will be enough to ensnare the affections of a man who will marry her and leave her taken care of, no longer having to worry about how she’ll keep a solid roof over her head. Then she meets Jonasi and thinks all her problems have been answered, not knowing they have only just begun….
Told in a gripping, accessible and somewhat shockingly frank style, Sue Nyathi takes readers on a journey beyond the bedroom door of a polygamous man and his four Mrs Rights. Yet lurking below the surface the question remains: is this kind of marriage practice really legitimate in a society plagued by HIV/Aids?
Smart, sassy and sexy, The Polygamist shows that sometimes marriage isn’t what you envisioned – rather than being a secure refuge it can be a battlefield!
193 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
January 26, 2020
The story is a good one, and the writers sound relatable, as if they really do exist. But they should probably have come to life a little more. The multi narrative approach was brilliant for this story. Joyce was my favourite.
The writing itself doesn't have much depth, it's barely quotable. Her style is more straightforward story telling versus creative, poetic writing which lingers on.
The editing was my biggest issue. I picked up some editing issues - tenses, typos - and that slowed down my reading at first.
Good book overall. I'd say mission accomplished by Sue Nyathi. I couldn't put it down. I probably wouldn't read it again, but I'd recommend it to someone who loves fiction.
The writing itself doesn't have much depth, it's barely quotable. Her style is more straightforward story telling versus creative, poetic writing which lingers on.
The editing was my biggest issue. I picked up some editing issues - tenses, typos - and that slowed down my reading at first.
Good book overall. I'd say mission accomplished by Sue Nyathi. I couldn't put it down. I probably wouldn't read it again, but I'd recommend it to someone who loves fiction.
March 5, 2019
I really liked the book. The storyline is strong and socially relevant and the characters are well developed.
It is a basic love story riddled with ghetto issues. Jonasi, the main male character, is a self-made millionaire married to Joyce, the typical long-suffering wife, and they have 4 kids. The more power and wealth Jonasi accumulated, the more he felt that he deserved to meander outside the covenant of his marriage and "sow his wild oats".
Enters Matipa who climbed the corporate ladder by "servicing" her boss, Jonasi. Essie, Jonasi's "sofasilahlane kasi" girlfriend and later 2nd wife, is bitter because she was an "open secret" and stayed and lived in the township.
Lindani, Jonasi's last squeeze, was young, with curves in the right places and "tight" and taught. Typical "Arm candy" looking for someone to bankroll her lifestyle.
The themes explored throughout "The polygamist" are universal: greed, lust, infidelity, power wars, unhealthy family dynamics, children born out of wedlock.
The author really captured the true essence of these themes and highlighted their impact on these families. We are not only told of Joyce's journey, but also of Matipa's parents' reaction to her cohabitation with a married man. We are shown how Elsie's ghetto-mentality kept her tied to Jonasi. How Lindani's fairy-tale life unravelled infront of her eyes.
The essence for me was how the other women in Jonasi's life were just taking what they felt they deserved without acknowledging that Jonasi was who he was because Joyce had anchored him.
Let this be a lesson to all "Fab" girls who think that they can hook their greedy talons into someone like Jonasi, that while they are sipping "Gin 'n Juice" there is a woman behind who makes sure that those tailored shirts are ironed, that the man looks good because she prepares healthy meals at home, that the man is able to unwind in their company because of the woman at home who worries on his behalf.
In the end, Jonasi dies from an AIDS related disease leaving all of them infected with the HIV virus.
Polygamy, in this book, was abused by Jonasi. He used it as a shield to cover his infidelity. I thought that if a man wanted a second or third wife, all parties were consulted and would all arrive at a mutually beneficial agreement. Infidelity in whatever form, leaves a devastating trail of destruction.
Note to girls: don't ever marry in secret. If you are getting married and you are the only one who knows, it is anything but a marriage. Weddings happen everyday but marriages are built on a solid foundation
29062016 after re-rereading this book, my opinions have changed a bit. Firstly, I'm angry. Very angry. Angry at Jonasi, at Joyce. Matipa, Essie and Lindani. Angry at how we, the society, perpetuates stereotypes. Turn a blind eye at morally wrong things.
Jonasi was an abusive misogynistic man. He was all macho and no heart. Love doesn't hurt. Love is not blind. Love is not possessive. Love is freedom. Love is trust. Love is not jealous.
Jonasi was not everyman but he was most men. Living his tertiary schooldays' fantasies. Forgetting that he was now OLDER with adult responsibilities therefore he had the responsibility to conduct himself like an adult.
It is a basic love story riddled with ghetto issues. Jonasi, the main male character, is a self-made millionaire married to Joyce, the typical long-suffering wife, and they have 4 kids. The more power and wealth Jonasi accumulated, the more he felt that he deserved to meander outside the covenant of his marriage and "sow his wild oats".
Enters Matipa who climbed the corporate ladder by "servicing" her boss, Jonasi. Essie, Jonasi's "sofasilahlane kasi" girlfriend and later 2nd wife, is bitter because she was an "open secret" and stayed and lived in the township.
Lindani, Jonasi's last squeeze, was young, with curves in the right places and "tight" and taught. Typical "Arm candy" looking for someone to bankroll her lifestyle.
The themes explored throughout "The polygamist" are universal: greed, lust, infidelity, power wars, unhealthy family dynamics, children born out of wedlock.
The author really captured the true essence of these themes and highlighted their impact on these families. We are not only told of Joyce's journey, but also of Matipa's parents' reaction to her cohabitation with a married man. We are shown how Elsie's ghetto-mentality kept her tied to Jonasi. How Lindani's fairy-tale life unravelled infront of her eyes.
The essence for me was how the other women in Jonasi's life were just taking what they felt they deserved without acknowledging that Jonasi was who he was because Joyce had anchored him.
Let this be a lesson to all "Fab" girls who think that they can hook their greedy talons into someone like Jonasi, that while they are sipping "Gin 'n Juice" there is a woman behind who makes sure that those tailored shirts are ironed, that the man looks good because she prepares healthy meals at home, that the man is able to unwind in their company because of the woman at home who worries on his behalf.
In the end, Jonasi dies from an AIDS related disease leaving all of them infected with the HIV virus.
Polygamy, in this book, was abused by Jonasi. He used it as a shield to cover his infidelity. I thought that if a man wanted a second or third wife, all parties were consulted and would all arrive at a mutually beneficial agreement. Infidelity in whatever form, leaves a devastating trail of destruction.
Note to girls: don't ever marry in secret. If you are getting married and you are the only one who knows, it is anything but a marriage. Weddings happen everyday but marriages are built on a solid foundation
29062016 after re-rereading this book, my opinions have changed a bit. Firstly, I'm angry. Very angry. Angry at Jonasi, at Joyce. Matipa, Essie and Lindani. Angry at how we, the society, perpetuates stereotypes. Turn a blind eye at morally wrong things.
Jonasi was an abusive misogynistic man. He was all macho and no heart. Love doesn't hurt. Love is not blind. Love is not possessive. Love is freedom. Love is trust. Love is not jealous.
Jonasi was not everyman but he was most men. Living his tertiary schooldays' fantasies. Forgetting that he was now OLDER with adult responsibilities therefore he had the responsibility to conduct himself like an adult.
September 20, 2012
I found this book in at airport Exclusive Books – my favourite place to buy books. I bought it because I liked the idea of reading some African chick-lit. I am not a fan of chick-lit but was interested to see how traditional African chick-lit might differ from Western chick-lit.
The starting point of the story was pretty uniquely African – it is the story of the four wives of a Zimbabwean man, Jonasi, told by each of the women. I know Africans are not the only polygamist people, but I’m mostly sure it is the only place where it is legal.
Set in Zimbabwe this is a story of wealth and indulgence I would not have associated with that country. And that in itself made it interesting. We have all forgotten that Zimbabwe was once a rich, flourishing country. By the end of the story both Zimbabwe and Jonasi have become destroyed by bad decisions, over indulgence and HIV.
I am not sure if this book really is just a silly bit of chick-lit or if a parallel could be drawn between the life of Jonasi and that of Zimbabwe itself. The uncertainty is largely because the book is not very well written. It is very chatty in style and that works for the surface story, but it does mean that if there is any deeper stuff going on, it is hard to see.
The book was also an opportunity to look at the viability of this kind of sexually open relationship in a time of HIV and Aids, but does not manage to engage in any serious comment, again because of the poor writing.
Nyathi has some terrible writing tics which should have been edited out. No one wants to read a paragraph with ‘literally’ or ‘I tell you’ three or four times. It is lazy writing and lazy editing. The same sense of chatting to your friends over a coffee could have been achieved using better writing.
I have seen reviews in which Nyathi’s writing style has been described as sassy and sexy. I must disagree. Sexy and sassy do not mean badly constructed and repetitive. The book is also unnecessarily, and sometimes erroneously, wordy. This is true of many new African writers I have found and I do understand why it happens, but editors should be pruning things a little. The editor of this book did Nyathi a disservice.
That being said it is still very readable and not particularly challenging, an easy dip into the lives of these five people that is immediately forgettable.
I will read another Zimbabwean book because I don’t think it fair that this book be a whole country’s contribution to this collection.
The starting point of the story was pretty uniquely African – it is the story of the four wives of a Zimbabwean man, Jonasi, told by each of the women. I know Africans are not the only polygamist people, but I’m mostly sure it is the only place where it is legal.
Set in Zimbabwe this is a story of wealth and indulgence I would not have associated with that country. And that in itself made it interesting. We have all forgotten that Zimbabwe was once a rich, flourishing country. By the end of the story both Zimbabwe and Jonasi have become destroyed by bad decisions, over indulgence and HIV.
I am not sure if this book really is just a silly bit of chick-lit or if a parallel could be drawn between the life of Jonasi and that of Zimbabwe itself. The uncertainty is largely because the book is not very well written. It is very chatty in style and that works for the surface story, but it does mean that if there is any deeper stuff going on, it is hard to see.
The book was also an opportunity to look at the viability of this kind of sexually open relationship in a time of HIV and Aids, but does not manage to engage in any serious comment, again because of the poor writing.
Nyathi has some terrible writing tics which should have been edited out. No one wants to read a paragraph with ‘literally’ or ‘I tell you’ three or four times. It is lazy writing and lazy editing. The same sense of chatting to your friends over a coffee could have been achieved using better writing.
I have seen reviews in which Nyathi’s writing style has been described as sassy and sexy. I must disagree. Sexy and sassy do not mean badly constructed and repetitive. The book is also unnecessarily, and sometimes erroneously, wordy. This is true of many new African writers I have found and I do understand why it happens, but editors should be pruning things a little. The editor of this book did Nyathi a disservice.
That being said it is still very readable and not particularly challenging, an easy dip into the lives of these five people that is immediately forgettable.
I will read another Zimbabwean book because I don’t think it fair that this book be a whole country’s contribution to this collection.
December 2, 2022
The storyline is quite flat, predictable and overly dramatic. I know her other books were received quite well, so I have hope for them.
The language was pretty good but there was nothing else that I could say I enjoyed. There’s an attempt to showcase the extent of the economic collapse in Zimbabwe but it falls quite short. As we only catch glimpses of it throughout the book and not a coherent view.
I would sit this book out, it’s not much of a good read.
The language was pretty good but there was nothing else that I could say I enjoyed. There’s an attempt to showcase the extent of the economic collapse in Zimbabwe but it falls quite short. As we only catch glimpses of it throughout the book and not a coherent view.
I would sit this book out, it’s not much of a good read.
July 2, 2019
I loved everything about the polygamist.
Jonasi - As untamed as he was, he had my heart. He represented the typical 'boy grew up without money and has now made it and can now afford as many girls as he wants' guy. I loved how he did right by all of them. I get that cheating is wrong but he gave the best of himself to all of them (financially at least). His ending broke my heart. I suspected that he was heading down that path but I wished he was an exception.
Lindani - My girl! She made me laugh so hard and she represented the type of girl we all know. The beautiful girl who dates married men for money and is extremely good in bed! I love how she matured in the end and took care of her HIV unlike her boyfriend/Mans. I felt sorry for her when she couldn't conceive anymore. Farai did that girl very very wrong. I blame him (to some extent) for how she turned out. I can go on and on about Lindani because I loved her character. She broke my heart when she slept with the son. That was very low, even for her.
Matipa: She made me proud. She went straight for the jugular. She knew what she wanted and she went for it without apologies. I laughed when she got bashed by Joyce in the dressing room. She made me proud when she said no to the abuse. I was only proud for 2 seconds! She left her kids just like that and went on to live her best life.
Essie: I didn't understand why a man like Jonasi would love a woman like Essie! It all made sense when I realised that she used Juju on him! She was more of a motherly figure to him. There's a sex scene between Essie and Jonasi in the middle of the road at night that I will never forget.
Joyce: My brave, sweet Joyce. In all of this she was the real victim. She represents many wives. The wife who's there for her man when he has nothing, helps him, cheers for him, gives her best years to him and gives him children, stability and a happy home. Then when Mister makes it, he cheats on her and disrespects her. Yet in the end, when he has nothing again and is sick and dying, she's the one on his side. Her part broke my heart the most because she's the reality of most wives. Many times I wanted her to leave Jonasi but I understood why she stayed. Then she had to deal with Matipa's children! No man, Jonasi did this woman very wrong.
TheStoryline: Beautifully written in simple English. Very relatable because we all know a Matipa, a Joyce, a Lindani and an Essie. I wish she had given us more. It ended to soon . I hope there's a part 2. I feel like more can be told after Jonasi's death. What happens to the woman? We see Lindani already fishing for a man at the funeral, who is her next victim? Did the son she slept with (Garikayi) get HIV or did he go on PreP at least?
Was there a will left by the way? I want to know who was left with what. I have a feeling Lindani gets nothing since she was having sex next door while her Bae was busy dying.
Setting: Set in Zimbabwe around recession time. It was vivid in my eyes because I know a lot of people who suffered financially the way Jonasi did.
The story touches on HIV and doesn't romanticize promiscuity.
After this read, I can not wait to get my hands on The Gold Diggers. The author's craft has me sold.
Jonasi - As untamed as he was, he had my heart. He represented the typical 'boy grew up without money and has now made it and can now afford as many girls as he wants' guy. I loved how he did right by all of them. I get that cheating is wrong but he gave the best of himself to all of them (financially at least). His ending broke my heart. I suspected that he was heading down that path but I wished he was an exception.
Lindani - My girl! She made me laugh so hard and she represented the type of girl we all know. The beautiful girl who dates married men for money and is extremely good in bed! I love how she matured in the end and took care of her HIV unlike her boyfriend/Mans. I felt sorry for her when she couldn't conceive anymore. Farai did that girl very very wrong. I blame him (to some extent) for how she turned out. I can go on and on about Lindani because I loved her character. She broke my heart when she slept with the son. That was very low, even for her.
Matipa: She made me proud. She went straight for the jugular. She knew what she wanted and she went for it without apologies. I laughed when she got bashed by Joyce in the dressing room. She made me proud when she said no to the abuse. I was only proud for 2 seconds! She left her kids just like that and went on to live her best life.
Essie: I didn't understand why a man like Jonasi would love a woman like Essie! It all made sense when I realised that she used Juju on him! She was more of a motherly figure to him. There's a sex scene between Essie and Jonasi in the middle of the road at night that I will never forget.
Joyce: My brave, sweet Joyce. In all of this she was the real victim. She represents many wives. The wife who's there for her man when he has nothing, helps him, cheers for him, gives her best years to him and gives him children, stability and a happy home. Then when Mister makes it, he cheats on her and disrespects her. Yet in the end, when he has nothing again and is sick and dying, she's the one on his side. Her part broke my heart the most because she's the reality of most wives. Many times I wanted her to leave Jonasi but I understood why she stayed. Then she had to deal with Matipa's children! No man, Jonasi did this woman very wrong.
TheStoryline: Beautifully written in simple English. Very relatable because we all know a Matipa, a Joyce, a Lindani and an Essie. I wish she had given us more. It ended to soon . I hope there's a part 2. I feel like more can be told after Jonasi's death. What happens to the woman? We see Lindani already fishing for a man at the funeral, who is her next victim? Did the son she slept with (Garikayi) get HIV or did he go on PreP at least?
Was there a will left by the way? I want to know who was left with what. I have a feeling Lindani gets nothing since she was having sex next door while her Bae was busy dying.
Setting: Set in Zimbabwe around recession time. It was vivid in my eyes because I know a lot of people who suffered financially the way Jonasi did.
The story touches on HIV and doesn't romanticize promiscuity.
After this read, I can not wait to get my hands on The Gold Diggers. The author's craft has me sold.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2020
Had to re-read this book, had missed Sue's writing. Jonasi, Jonasi, Jonasi🤦🏾♀️. The story is of a Zimbabwean self-made business tycoon Jonasi with his 4 wives(Joyce, Matipa, Essie, and Lindani) who narrates their lives with him. Each character is properly developed and the storyline relatable as it unfolds.
Joyce is the official first wife, the one he builds his empire with, and the mother of 4 children. She loves her husband as her first but soon realizes life has other plans for her. You are Mrs. Gomora; they should respect you." “How can they when my own husband doesn’t!”
Matipa is a focused working-class power woman who does everything she can to climb the success ladder including being Jonasi's woman knowing very well that the dude is married.
you lose something it was never meant for you.” Shit, when you lose something it's because you didn't fight hard enough to get it.
Essie is Jonasi's first love, his township sweetheart that he traditionally married even before Joyce. She is his grounding when the success gets to his head---they have known each other all their lives.
"Men are all the same. They just want their egos pampered and Jonasi is no different."
Lindani is a slay queen who has her body only on offer and is delighted to be in the care of Jonasi(and other men) with the many trips overseas and being spoilt by him.
Jonasi was a selfish man who hides behind polygamy so that he could have the different women he wanted without really officiating it with the first wife and he reaped the results of it in the end. Themes highlighted in the book include infidelity, family dynamics, greed, marital rape and abuse, HIV. Great read.
Joyce is the official first wife, the one he builds his empire with, and the mother of 4 children. She loves her husband as her first but soon realizes life has other plans for her. You are Mrs. Gomora; they should respect you." “How can they when my own husband doesn’t!”
Matipa is a focused working-class power woman who does everything she can to climb the success ladder including being Jonasi's woman knowing very well that the dude is married.
you lose something it was never meant for you.” Shit, when you lose something it's because you didn't fight hard enough to get it.
Essie is Jonasi's first love, his township sweetheart that he traditionally married even before Joyce. She is his grounding when the success gets to his head---they have known each other all their lives.
"Men are all the same. They just want their egos pampered and Jonasi is no different."
Lindani is a slay queen who has her body only on offer and is delighted to be in the care of Jonasi(and other men) with the many trips overseas and being spoilt by him.
Jonasi was a selfish man who hides behind polygamy so that he could have the different women he wanted without really officiating it with the first wife and he reaped the results of it in the end. Themes highlighted in the book include infidelity, family dynamics, greed, marital rape and abuse, HIV. Great read.
November 28, 2021
If the phrase guilty pleasure means anything to you or if Urban Fiction is your jam, pick this book up NOW! This was a page turning, can’t put down, raw, make you angry, LOL, and shake your head messy ass book. These types of books are what I call “for your entertainment only” books. I was definitely wow’ed and entertained.
August 5, 2018
What a remarkable story it was, I wouldn’t mind re reading it again, cheating will always be there it is clearly shown in this book Joyce was pretty but still got cheated on, Matipa a sex bomb shell but still got cheated on such is life.
September 17, 2021
This book was so entertaining! I laughed, I cried and occasionally got angry. Much respect to Sue Nyathi for her ability to tell a well-rounded story with characters that stay with you.
March 26, 2022
Jonasi yeses , the dog, the women beater. Sies this character irritated the mess out of me I don't want to lie I wanted to punch him in the book. Jonasi is a self- made businessman who owns a bank (J&J Holdings). He has 4 wives since he is a polygamist 😒 (Joyce, Essie, Manipal and Lindani). Each wife narrates how they met him and how their lives are with him.
Joyce is the first legal wife, she met him when she was 16 and he was 21. She was his cheerleader and supported her man in building his empire. If they had medals for being Jonasi's cheerleader, she would've gotten first place. She loved her husband and the fairytale life she thought they lived. They had 4 children. Everything looked perfect until Jonasi showed his true colors.
Matipa is a boss chick, very focused educated woman, who only wants to climb to the top and be very successful, but Jonasi happens and Jonasi explains that her brains attracted him, because wow the girl was said to be not beautiful so they wondered what made Jonasi traditionally marry her and have 2 children together(twin girls).
Tete Essie as most called her, she is Jonasi's first love, he was the first wife Jonasi married traditionally because she was first before Joyce. She is kept away in the township, yabo when they say know your place. Essie knew her place, she stayed in the background and was never seen, most people thought she was related to Jonasi as she would come to family events but never showed signs of jealousy or claim Jonasi in front of people. Jonasi abused her a lot, and not once did she ever complain.
Lindani is a hustler for life (my girl🤣🤣) a slay queen, very beautiful and she knew how to suck money out of you. She only had her body to offer because upstairs there was nothing shame. She had many men that she took care of it was not only Jonasi.
Jonasi was an abuser and he abused all these women. He hit them and sexually assaulted them. Jonasi only cared about himself, he said it himself that one woman would have never satisfied him. He is an @$$ that's it. And I'm glad he died of AIDS related disease. Leaving 2 of his wives with HIV
Joyce is the first legal wife, she met him when she was 16 and he was 21. She was his cheerleader and supported her man in building his empire. If they had medals for being Jonasi's cheerleader, she would've gotten first place. She loved her husband and the fairytale life she thought they lived. They had 4 children. Everything looked perfect until Jonasi showed his true colors.
Matipa is a boss chick, very focused educated woman, who only wants to climb to the top and be very successful, but Jonasi happens and Jonasi explains that her brains attracted him, because wow the girl was said to be not beautiful so they wondered what made Jonasi traditionally marry her and have 2 children together(twin girls).
Tete Essie as most called her, she is Jonasi's first love, he was the first wife Jonasi married traditionally because she was first before Joyce. She is kept away in the township, yabo when they say know your place. Essie knew her place, she stayed in the background and was never seen, most people thought she was related to Jonasi as she would come to family events but never showed signs of jealousy or claim Jonasi in front of people. Jonasi abused her a lot, and not once did she ever complain.
Lindani is a hustler for life (my girl🤣🤣) a slay queen, very beautiful and she knew how to suck money out of you. She only had her body to offer because upstairs there was nothing shame. She had many men that she took care of it was not only Jonasi.
Jonasi was an abuser and he abused all these women. He hit them and sexually assaulted them. Jonasi only cared about himself, he said it himself that one woman would have never satisfied him. He is an @$$ that's it. And I'm glad he died of AIDS related disease. Leaving 2 of his wives with HIV
December 25, 2020
Totally loved the storyline, couldn't put the book down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2016
I had an absolute blast reading this book...I experienced all sorts of emotions, excited and happy for Joyce and Jonasi right at the time when their lives were going so well. Other emotions of shock, sadness, utter disgust. Sue Nyathi takes you in a gripping journey that takes you through the mind of a woman in love, a woman in love with a powerful man, a man who lives a polygamous lifestyle with an unsuspecting wife, who only later realises her marriage has been a sham all along. The story is relatable and candid. You will struggle to divide your attention to other things going on around, it grips you wholeheartedly.
The Polygamist is a story of four women whose lives are connected because of their love for one man, Jonasi Gomora. The story is told through the narration of the four women.
Joyce met Jonasi while waiting for her chauffer back home while they were both still at school. She later got married to Jonasi and is the legitimate first wife. She has four children by Jonasi, lives a luxurious life of driving expensive cars and a wardrobe full of expensive labels. She believes she has the best life and is happily married until Matapa makes an entrance into her life and turns her life upside down. Matapa is younger, ambitious, & smart and goes for what she wants. She wants to climb the corporate ladder working at J&J, Jonasi’s company, but end up climbing over Jonasi and eventually get her big break as an Assistant Director. Jonasi is intrigued by Matapa’s intelligence and of-course sexual prowess. Matapa rocks Joyce’s world to the point of no return, Jonasi even asked for a divorce in order to marry Matapa.
After Joyce and Jonasi’s 17th wedding anniversary party, Jonasi take Joyce on a cruise and rekindles his love for his wife and Matapa goes to China to refocus. Returning back she’s determined to get what she wants from Jonasi – a marriage which Jonasi succumbs to in order to win Matapa back.
Essie is introduced in the story after Matapa’s China expedition but she’s been there all along. She is Jonasi’s first love I believe, but strayed and fell pregnant with someone else’s child. She further has two children with Jonasi and is the one person that Jonasi does not have to pretend when he is with. She is the girl-next-door, ghetto fabulous and grew up with Jonasi and has known him before he was the man he became. Jonasi always goes back to Essie for sadza and to listen to his stories, she knows for sure he always comes back to her and Jonasi has not neglected her financially until he could not manage to.
Lindani is a beautiful young girl whose greatest assets are her body and beauty. She is lonely, sleeps with any available man and is hoping Farai marries her for security reasons. After countless abortions she decides she is done with abortions and will keep the baby she is carrying and rekindles her activities with Jonasi who sets her up in Matapa’s old house believing he is the father of the unborn child. She lives a luxurious life but one that soon comes to an end as she has to care for a sick and dying Jonasi until she cannot handle it any longer. Joyce once again comes through for the father of her children, and Jonasi dies in her arms.
After reading this book you cannot help but ask the question about the legitimacy of the polygamous marriages practice especially in times where the prevalence of HIV/AIDS is so widespread; where men have insatiable appetite for multiple women and not to mention the "Blesser" culture.
The Polygamist is a story of four women whose lives are connected because of their love for one man, Jonasi Gomora. The story is told through the narration of the four women.
Joyce met Jonasi while waiting for her chauffer back home while they were both still at school. She later got married to Jonasi and is the legitimate first wife. She has four children by Jonasi, lives a luxurious life of driving expensive cars and a wardrobe full of expensive labels. She believes she has the best life and is happily married until Matapa makes an entrance into her life and turns her life upside down. Matapa is younger, ambitious, & smart and goes for what she wants. She wants to climb the corporate ladder working at J&J, Jonasi’s company, but end up climbing over Jonasi and eventually get her big break as an Assistant Director. Jonasi is intrigued by Matapa’s intelligence and of-course sexual prowess. Matapa rocks Joyce’s world to the point of no return, Jonasi even asked for a divorce in order to marry Matapa.
After Joyce and Jonasi’s 17th wedding anniversary party, Jonasi take Joyce on a cruise and rekindles his love for his wife and Matapa goes to China to refocus. Returning back she’s determined to get what she wants from Jonasi – a marriage which Jonasi succumbs to in order to win Matapa back.
Essie is introduced in the story after Matapa’s China expedition but she’s been there all along. She is Jonasi’s first love I believe, but strayed and fell pregnant with someone else’s child. She further has two children with Jonasi and is the one person that Jonasi does not have to pretend when he is with. She is the girl-next-door, ghetto fabulous and grew up with Jonasi and has known him before he was the man he became. Jonasi always goes back to Essie for sadza and to listen to his stories, she knows for sure he always comes back to her and Jonasi has not neglected her financially until he could not manage to.
Lindani is a beautiful young girl whose greatest assets are her body and beauty. She is lonely, sleeps with any available man and is hoping Farai marries her for security reasons. After countless abortions she decides she is done with abortions and will keep the baby she is carrying and rekindles her activities with Jonasi who sets her up in Matapa’s old house believing he is the father of the unborn child. She lives a luxurious life but one that soon comes to an end as she has to care for a sick and dying Jonasi until she cannot handle it any longer. Joyce once again comes through for the father of her children, and Jonasi dies in her arms.
After reading this book you cannot help but ask the question about the legitimacy of the polygamous marriages practice especially in times where the prevalence of HIV/AIDS is so widespread; where men have insatiable appetite for multiple women and not to mention the "Blesser" culture.
July 23, 2016
I liked the story but it was hard for me to take because of the bitterness of the characters and this was evident in how they expressed themselves; using profanity amply.
I give it 3.5 stars because I liked the story and the lessons it gave. I am taking away half a star because there were some glaring narration issues with tenses stumbling all over each other on some parts and for the editors to have overlooked this is shattering. Nevertheless a reader is able to infer the correct tense and carry on with the business of reading, however it does get irritating as you progress and become aware of these tense mix-ups that slipped through.
I discovered beforehand that the title was not indicative of the narrator, in this case it was narrators. I had expected the story to be told from the point of view of the polygamist and to get to understand what informed his decisions. I found this protagonist loathsome to the core. He is misogyny and self-hate personified. It is the collision of a selfish person who finds themselves occupying a space that is riddled with double standards and injustices born of a life plagued by the misfortunes of oppressed predecessors.
Coming from what is considered a low class birth, he saw the injustices early and wanted to exploit what he could. He was fortunate to have male privilege on top of an above average functioning brain and he made sure those [who crossed his path] without this advantage paid for it by being the pawns for the fulfilment of his selfish desires.
The world could do without women like these who loved a man such as Jonasi. They are what keep the female gender successfully oppressed century after century.
The world can also do without the Jonasis of this world and anyone resembling him in real life aught to ask themselves why they are being to another, a person they themselves would not like to have cross their path because I know that those who do unkind things do not want the same directed at them. Why do you feel entitled to hurt others and deserving of not being hurt yourself?
This story was jam packed and the characters very realistic. The description of people's physical traits was almost palpable when it came to some characters.
Great story Sukoluhle!
I give it 3.5 stars because I liked the story and the lessons it gave. I am taking away half a star because there were some glaring narration issues with tenses stumbling all over each other on some parts and for the editors to have overlooked this is shattering. Nevertheless a reader is able to infer the correct tense and carry on with the business of reading, however it does get irritating as you progress and become aware of these tense mix-ups that slipped through.
I discovered beforehand that the title was not indicative of the narrator, in this case it was narrators. I had expected the story to be told from the point of view of the polygamist and to get to understand what informed his decisions. I found this protagonist loathsome to the core. He is misogyny and self-hate personified. It is the collision of a selfish person who finds themselves occupying a space that is riddled with double standards and injustices born of a life plagued by the misfortunes of oppressed predecessors.
Coming from what is considered a low class birth, he saw the injustices early and wanted to exploit what he could. He was fortunate to have male privilege on top of an above average functioning brain and he made sure those [who crossed his path] without this advantage paid for it by being the pawns for the fulfilment of his selfish desires.
The world could do without women like these who loved a man such as Jonasi. They are what keep the female gender successfully oppressed century after century.
The world can also do without the Jonasis of this world and anyone resembling him in real life aught to ask themselves why they are being to another, a person they themselves would not like to have cross their path because I know that those who do unkind things do not want the same directed at them. Why do you feel entitled to hurt others and deserving of not being hurt yourself?
This story was jam packed and the characters very realistic. The description of people's physical traits was almost palpable when it came to some characters.
Great story Sukoluhle!
December 1, 2018
This debut novel by a Zimababwean, published by a company owned by a former student, is a morality tale in which almost everyone wins and loses some of the time, and where those who feel they are on the way up have a fall coming very soon.
The story is a familiar one, and Nyathi uses unashamed descriptions of exciting, satisfying sex to explain Jonah's attraction to a series of women. That he is rich is also a major part of his appeal. The women characters are well enough developed to each have their own identity, but not well enough to have satisfyingly individual personalities.
Descriptions of Jonah's brutal violence towards each of the women is written in a way that is disturbing, but kept me reading to see if the women would take their lives in their own hands.
Overall, it is a good offering from a new writer. However, the characters and plot need to deepen and become a bit more complex to make a more rewarding read in the next novel.
The story is a familiar one, and Nyathi uses unashamed descriptions of exciting, satisfying sex to explain Jonah's attraction to a series of women. That he is rich is also a major part of his appeal. The women characters are well enough developed to each have their own identity, but not well enough to have satisfyingly individual personalities.
Descriptions of Jonah's brutal violence towards each of the women is written in a way that is disturbing, but kept me reading to see if the women would take their lives in their own hands.
Overall, it is a good offering from a new writer. However, the characters and plot need to deepen and become a bit more complex to make a more rewarding read in the next novel.
January 30, 2021
The Filth!
I picked up this filth but fantastic read because of Crystal A.K.A Melanatedreader. The Polygamist made me laugh, upset and at the end sympathetic. Yes, I said sympathetic. If you pick it up you will definitely understand why, if your a person with a heart. This book is pretty much about a man who marries multiple women (hint the title) but they find out about each other in the most craziest ways. Honestly, I don’t have one bad thing to say about this book. Sue gave me highs and lows, she brought out a lot of emotions, where I wanted to fight at some points but she made me laugh my behind off too. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone.
I picked up this filth but fantastic read because of Crystal A.K.A Melanatedreader. The Polygamist made me laugh, upset and at the end sympathetic. Yes, I said sympathetic. If you pick it up you will definitely understand why, if your a person with a heart. This book is pretty much about a man who marries multiple women (hint the title) but they find out about each other in the most craziest ways. Honestly, I don’t have one bad thing to say about this book. Sue gave me highs and lows, she brought out a lot of emotions, where I wanted to fight at some points but she made me laugh my behind off too. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone.
February 12, 2017
The Polygamist is a tragic novel by Sue Nyathi, and it explores complexities of a polygamous relationships.
It is a fresh take on different shapes a multiple spouse relation can take.
In it, Sue tells a story of a woman whose husband's philandering causes her heartache, but she sticks to with and protects his honour until the very end.
8/10
It is a fresh take on different shapes a multiple spouse relation can take.
In it, Sue tells a story of a woman whose husband's philandering causes her heartache, but she sticks to with and protects his honour until the very end.
8/10
February 6, 2015
Loved it. Read it in two seatings. If you enjoy fiction then this is your book.
July 6, 2015
Its a great thrill
August 1, 2021
“Everyone finds some sort of escapism from an unhappy home. “
Joyce- “Mama I don’t want another man.” The strength of this woman is amazing. She is the only one I found to be loyal throughout. She had given herself completely to the idea of love and happily ever after. She has always been the go to woman when things got tough. She is everyone pillar throughout. She was way too good for that man.
“We are. In my heart, we are still together.”
Essie- “ What is it then? Joycie and the kids bothering you?” Bitter, she lied to her self thinking that he loved her more than others. She thought she had accepted him for who he is but at the back of her mind she was secretly wishing to have what Joyce had.
“Isn’t Joyce throwing you a surprise party.”
Matipa- “And for the record mama, I’m not second best. It’s not my fault Joyce was born earlier.” I couldn’t stop laughing at how much she fooled at her at the beginning. I admire her for refusing to settle for anything less. Love might have blinded her for a while but when it mattered she chose herself.
“I love you and your kids.”
Lindani- “I want the security that comes with marriage. The security of belonging.” She was very loyal to what she wanted. Money is the only language that she speaks and understands. She managed to give Jonasi a taste of his own medicine in the end and she rejected the burden of having to take care of him. The be loyal to yourself first type of a wife.
“One day I will get old and no man will want me so I need to get a life policy now and that’s marriage.”
Jonasi – “ I love you and I’m not going to divorce you. The only time you are going to stop being my wife is when I leave this house in a coffin. I wanted to understand him, I wanted to know what was the cause of his actions but I found no reason at all. At some point I thought maybe it started with Essie actions but the truth is he is definitely one of the most selfish man who had ever lived.
“You can be his children in the next life. In this life he only had three kids .”
Joyce- “Mama I don’t want another man.” The strength of this woman is amazing. She is the only one I found to be loyal throughout. She had given herself completely to the idea of love and happily ever after. She has always been the go to woman when things got tough. She is everyone pillar throughout. She was way too good for that man.
“We are. In my heart, we are still together.”
Essie- “ What is it then? Joycie and the kids bothering you?” Bitter, she lied to her self thinking that he loved her more than others. She thought she had accepted him for who he is but at the back of her mind she was secretly wishing to have what Joyce had.
“Isn’t Joyce throwing you a surprise party.”
Matipa- “And for the record mama, I’m not second best. It’s not my fault Joyce was born earlier.” I couldn’t stop laughing at how much she fooled at her at the beginning. I admire her for refusing to settle for anything less. Love might have blinded her for a while but when it mattered she chose herself.
“I love you and your kids.”
Lindani- “I want the security that comes with marriage. The security of belonging.” She was very loyal to what she wanted. Money is the only language that she speaks and understands. She managed to give Jonasi a taste of his own medicine in the end and she rejected the burden of having to take care of him. The be loyal to yourself first type of a wife.
“One day I will get old and no man will want me so I need to get a life policy now and that’s marriage.”
Jonasi – “ I love you and I’m not going to divorce you. The only time you are going to stop being my wife is when I leave this house in a coffin. I wanted to understand him, I wanted to know what was the cause of his actions but I found no reason at all. At some point I thought maybe it started with Essie actions but the truth is he is definitely one of the most selfish man who had ever lived.
“You can be his children in the next life. In this life he only had three kids .”
February 18, 2026
3.01! Was chilling around with this then the library return date arrived and I had to push through in a day haha and I’m glad I did!
It was understatedly funny, but funny in the style of old nollywood movies, think stolen bible era. I mean, you could be on some serious shit happening and then characters would say some outrageously funny line, you’d have to pause and laugh. More prominently though was the style of fiction where the plot line was predictable and you go through all the drama and shenanigans to ultimately learn a certain lesson. I think this is a genre present in Southern African, tbh African, fiction and in that regard, this was a good one. It gave us the wildest characters but did not really try to rub in the lesson but just showed us that if you f’ around, you will find out.
Anyway, as per that genre of films and books, lots of gaps are left in the storytelling and the ostensibly good characters who don’t stray are rewarded. Can’t complain I wasn’t happy for Joyce but I’m more glad that the author left good breathing room for the other characters. One thing that would have been really good would be better editing. Read the ebook and there were quite a few typos and treated sentences. Whoever got the cash for proofreading, if any, should dash some back to the author.
All in all, it was really enjoyable and put me in the mood for more early 2000s style of Afro-fic that really understood the traditional storytelling assignment where stories were meant to pass along a moral lesson, just in a fun memorable way.
PS: as is with most African fiction, there’s trauma. I’d call this trauma lite and funny but just warning that there are some heavy ass triggers in here.
PPS: as a follow up to above postscript, I really truly and wholly want a trauma free African fiction novel. Lmk if you have an recs because at this rate I’m getting too inured to it that I thought this was light touch (and I can rationally tell you, it wasn’t)
It was understatedly funny, but funny in the style of old nollywood movies, think stolen bible era. I mean, you could be on some serious shit happening and then characters would say some outrageously funny line, you’d have to pause and laugh. More prominently though was the style of fiction where the plot line was predictable and you go through all the drama and shenanigans to ultimately learn a certain lesson. I think this is a genre present in Southern African, tbh African, fiction and in that regard, this was a good one. It gave us the wildest characters but did not really try to rub in the lesson but just showed us that if you f’ around, you will find out.
Anyway, as per that genre of films and books, lots of gaps are left in the storytelling and the ostensibly good characters who don’t stray are rewarded. Can’t complain I wasn’t happy for Joyce but I’m more glad that the author left good breathing room for the other characters. One thing that would have been really good would be better editing. Read the ebook and there were quite a few typos and treated sentences. Whoever got the cash for proofreading, if any, should dash some back to the author.
All in all, it was really enjoyable and put me in the mood for more early 2000s style of Afro-fic that really understood the traditional storytelling assignment where stories were meant to pass along a moral lesson, just in a fun memorable way.
PS: as is with most African fiction, there’s trauma. I’d call this trauma lite and funny but just warning that there are some heavy ass triggers in here.
PPS: as a follow up to above postscript, I really truly and wholly want a trauma free African fiction novel. Lmk if you have an recs because at this rate I’m getting too inured to it that I thought this was light touch (and I can rationally tell you, it wasn’t)
May 8, 2020
This book was very interesting. It was such an easy and light read. It’s one of those books where each chapter keeps you anxious about what will happen next.
From the beginning, this man annoyed me. I didn’t like how he treated these women. He was selfish, entitled, disrespectful, condescending and also physically, emotionally and sexually abusive. These are not traits of a good man yet the women wanted to stay in his life so much.
The book highlights the reality of society and what a lot of women go through. Every day, a woman decides to stay in a marriage or relationship that she should not stay in because of what people will say, of financial constraints, for the children, the shame of her marriage not working out and the fear of being alone and starting afresh.
If someone stays in an unconducive relationship, no matter what you say, if they are not ready, they will not leave. So, as a good friend or family member, be the support they need. Listen when they need to talk, offer a shoulder to cry on, sit with them in silence...just be there.
Learnings from the story:
1. What glitters is not always gold;
2. The grass is not always greener on the other side;
3. Wives/fiancés/girlfriends, no matter how rich and wealthy your Bae is, always save for a rainy day. You don’t know when he will decide he will no longer provide for you. You don’t want to find yourself left wanting;
4. Take time to learn someone and their character. Just because they have money does not mean they are a good person. They may be able to buy you anything you want materially but they can’t buy you peace of mind, love, happiness and contentment;
5. Your spiritual, emotional, health, mental and physical wellbeing are more important than all the money your Bae can give you
From the beginning, this man annoyed me. I didn’t like how he treated these women. He was selfish, entitled, disrespectful, condescending and also physically, emotionally and sexually abusive. These are not traits of a good man yet the women wanted to stay in his life so much.
The book highlights the reality of society and what a lot of women go through. Every day, a woman decides to stay in a marriage or relationship that she should not stay in because of what people will say, of financial constraints, for the children, the shame of her marriage not working out and the fear of being alone and starting afresh.
If someone stays in an unconducive relationship, no matter what you say, if they are not ready, they will not leave. So, as a good friend or family member, be the support they need. Listen when they need to talk, offer a shoulder to cry on, sit with them in silence...just be there.
Learnings from the story:
1. What glitters is not always gold;
2. The grass is not always greener on the other side;
3. Wives/fiancés/girlfriends, no matter how rich and wealthy your Bae is, always save for a rainy day. You don’t know when he will decide he will no longer provide for you. You don’t want to find yourself left wanting;
4. Take time to learn someone and their character. Just because they have money does not mean they are a good person. They may be able to buy you anything you want materially but they can’t buy you peace of mind, love, happiness and contentment;
5. Your spiritual, emotional, health, mental and physical wellbeing are more important than all the money your Bae can give you
February 26, 2018
Every so often one finds a gem that requires you to stop your life until you finish the story. You find one of those books you carry in your handbag incase you find yourself in a long queue, you take it with you to the toilet and you cannot focus on anything until the story is complete. This is one of those gems.
Sue Nyathi engages you from page 1. I found myself stopping mid paragraph to think of all the ways I would react in some of the situations. I cursed, I laughed, I put my hands on my head in dispair. She is that brilliant
The story is about the charismatic, good looking human aphrodisiac called Jonasi Gomora, whose love for women runs as deep as his billions. He has mastered the art of lying and deceit and playing the women he is fornicating with like a chess master. Imagine marrying 2 wives without the knowledge of your first wife and convincing her that one was a mistress and she has been dumped and is no longer in the picture? But unfortunately his lies and his ways finally caught up with him and his choices are a classic example of Newton’s Third Law of Motion.
The beauty that is this book is that many women can relate to the female characters. A lot of women have dated a Jonasi and suffered the consequences. She touched on 2 relevant issues in society today: Monogamy and HIV/AIDS and how directly proportional they are to each other. I absolutely look forward to more of her work
Sue Nyathi engages you from page 1. I found myself stopping mid paragraph to think of all the ways I would react in some of the situations. I cursed, I laughed, I put my hands on my head in dispair. She is that brilliant
The story is about the charismatic, good looking human aphrodisiac called Jonasi Gomora, whose love for women runs as deep as his billions. He has mastered the art of lying and deceit and playing the women he is fornicating with like a chess master. Imagine marrying 2 wives without the knowledge of your first wife and convincing her that one was a mistress and she has been dumped and is no longer in the picture? But unfortunately his lies and his ways finally caught up with him and his choices are a classic example of Newton’s Third Law of Motion.
The beauty that is this book is that many women can relate to the female characters. A lot of women have dated a Jonasi and suffered the consequences. She touched on 2 relevant issues in society today: Monogamy and HIV/AIDS and how directly proportional they are to each other. I absolutely look forward to more of her work
November 6, 2025
Set in Zimbabwe, this novel is a bold and captivating exploration of wealth, patriarchy, and the complicated lives built around one man’s ambition. At its centre is Jonasi — a self-made business tycoon whose rise from humble beginnings to staggering wealth brings not only success, but also chaos and heartbreak.
Jonasi’s four wives — Joyce, Matipa, Essie, and Lindani — are well-developed characters, each entering his life at different stages: before the riches, during his climb, and after he reaches the top. As the story unfolds, it’s hard not to feel sympathy for each woman in her own way. Through them, the novel examines how love, loyalty, and dependence become entangled in a society where women’s worth is often measured by their relationship to a man.
The writing captures the glittering world of indulgence and the darker undercurrents beneath it — power, control, jealousy, and regret. At times, the prose could use a bit of tightening and editing, but the emotional honesty of the story keeps it engaging.
Ultimately, this is more than a tale of a flawed man and his wives. It’s a sharp commentary on patriarchy, misogyny, and the burdens of motherhood in a world that demands women sacrifice too much for security. Every action in Jonasi’s world has a consequence — and no amount of wealth can erase them.
Richly layered, thought-provoking, and full of human complexity, this novel lingers long after the final page.
Jonasi’s four wives — Joyce, Matipa, Essie, and Lindani — are well-developed characters, each entering his life at different stages: before the riches, during his climb, and after he reaches the top. As the story unfolds, it’s hard not to feel sympathy for each woman in her own way. Through them, the novel examines how love, loyalty, and dependence become entangled in a society where women’s worth is often measured by their relationship to a man.
The writing captures the glittering world of indulgence and the darker undercurrents beneath it — power, control, jealousy, and regret. At times, the prose could use a bit of tightening and editing, but the emotional honesty of the story keeps it engaging.
Ultimately, this is more than a tale of a flawed man and his wives. It’s a sharp commentary on patriarchy, misogyny, and the burdens of motherhood in a world that demands women sacrifice too much for security. Every action in Jonasi’s world has a consequence — and no amount of wealth can erase them.
Richly layered, thought-provoking, and full of human complexity, this novel lingers long after the final page.
August 26, 2022
This book is about 4 women connected to Jonasi and their love for him. The story is through the narration of the women. Jonasi is the main character in the book and it is set in Zimbabwe. A self made millionaire, an abusive, narcissistic man. He has 4 wives :
Joyce - the woman who picks up all the pieces after everything is said and done. She represents the wives that we see in today's society, who stay with abusive husbands, been cheated and disrespected . The bekezeling types. The one he has built an empire with. the first one he comes van toeka af with.
Matipha - this is the girl who climb the success ladder, dated this man knowing very well that he is married, knows what she wants and how to get there, she put her foot down on the abuse and leaving 2 of her kids behind running away from this man .
Essie - she is this man township sweetheart , married this man traditionally and before his 1st wife.
Lindani - a girl everyone knows in their community , a slay queen and has nothing t0 offer the men she sleeps with but her body. She represents the type of girl who dates and sleep with men for money, sex , soft life to finance her lifestyle and really good in bed.
In the end Jonasi dies from Aids and leaving them infected with HIV.
Well written in simple English , relatable, easy read. A book about infidelity, family dynamics, marital rape , abuse and HIV.
Joyce - the woman who picks up all the pieces after everything is said and done. She represents the wives that we see in today's society, who stay with abusive husbands, been cheated and disrespected . The bekezeling types. The one he has built an empire with. the first one he comes van toeka af with.
Matipha - this is the girl who climb the success ladder, dated this man knowing very well that he is married, knows what she wants and how to get there, she put her foot down on the abuse and leaving 2 of her kids behind running away from this man .
Essie - she is this man township sweetheart , married this man traditionally and before his 1st wife.
Lindani - a girl everyone knows in their community , a slay queen and has nothing t0 offer the men she sleeps with but her body. She represents the type of girl who dates and sleep with men for money, sex , soft life to finance her lifestyle and really good in bed.
In the end Jonasi dies from Aids and leaving them infected with HIV.
Well written in simple English , relatable, easy read. A book about infidelity, family dynamics, marital rape , abuse and HIV.
February 14, 2026
About The Book
The Polygamist is about a self-made Wealthy businessman who just can't be satisfied by having one woman. However, his polygamy does not follow the accepted cultural polygamy known to Africans, he cheats and then marries. He doesn't reveal to his wife that he is taking another, let alone ask for permission. The storyline is set in Zimbabwe but has considerably less political commentary than other books by the same author.
Writing Style
The story of each character in the book is narrated by the character. The writing style makes it sound like the character is chatting with you, the reader; telling you about their lovestory with this rich man. It flips between the characters with each chapter having a different character from the previous chapter speaking. I have noticed grammatical errors in other books by Sue but I think there were quite more on this book or maybe I have lost tolerance for them.
The writing is not deep, there is barely any character or story development. It reads like someone writing in their diary. It is an easy read.
My Feelings
The book was okay. I somehow enjoyed it. Reading it wasn't a drag but something I looked forward to mostly because I was interested to see how the dynamics play out. The writing style itself didn't really create a great reading experience but I liked that it was as if the characters are speaking to me.
The Polygamist is about a self-made Wealthy businessman who just can't be satisfied by having one woman. However, his polygamy does not follow the accepted cultural polygamy known to Africans, he cheats and then marries. He doesn't reveal to his wife that he is taking another, let alone ask for permission. The storyline is set in Zimbabwe but has considerably less political commentary than other books by the same author.
Writing Style
The story of each character in the book is narrated by the character. The writing style makes it sound like the character is chatting with you, the reader; telling you about their lovestory with this rich man. It flips between the characters with each chapter having a different character from the previous chapter speaking. I have noticed grammatical errors in other books by Sue but I think there were quite more on this book or maybe I have lost tolerance for them.
The writing is not deep, there is barely any character or story development. It reads like someone writing in their diary. It is an easy read.
My Feelings
The book was okay. I somehow enjoyed it. Reading it wasn't a drag but something I looked forward to mostly because I was interested to see how the dynamics play out. The writing style itself didn't really create a great reading experience but I liked that it was as if the characters are speaking to me.
March 17, 2021
"Love is not something you can apportion and put on a scale and weigh."
-Sue Nyathi
Whew! This is the kind of book that keeps you awake at night wanting to know how the story will play out.
The Polygamist is set in Zimbabwe and is written in the narrative of four women who, one way or another, all end up marrying (legally & illegally) the same man: Jonasi. Some knew about the other women while others found out yeaaaarrs later; thus, drama!
Wealth and indulgence plays a big role in this story. And in the end, most of the characters faced the consequences of their self-indulgence & selfishness. I feel like this book can open up healthy conversations on the way some men feel a sense of entitlement and ownership of the woman they've paid a dowry for. Jonasi often told his wives that they "belonged" to him and that he "owned" them; therefore, he could do to them as he pleased (which was painful to read).😳😡
My biggest issue (and i usually don't point it out if it's minor), was errors in conventions: typos, grammatical errors and etc. It slowed me down a bit, which took away from the story.
Still, I would definitely read her other books because I strongly believe that writers improve with each book they write. I do recommend this book.
-Sue Nyathi
Whew! This is the kind of book that keeps you awake at night wanting to know how the story will play out.
The Polygamist is set in Zimbabwe and is written in the narrative of four women who, one way or another, all end up marrying (legally & illegally) the same man: Jonasi. Some knew about the other women while others found out yeaaaarrs later; thus, drama!
Wealth and indulgence plays a big role in this story. And in the end, most of the characters faced the consequences of their self-indulgence & selfishness. I feel like this book can open up healthy conversations on the way some men feel a sense of entitlement and ownership of the woman they've paid a dowry for. Jonasi often told his wives that they "belonged" to him and that he "owned" them; therefore, he could do to them as he pleased (which was painful to read).😳😡
My biggest issue (and i usually don't point it out if it's minor), was errors in conventions: typos, grammatical errors and etc. It slowed me down a bit, which took away from the story.
Still, I would definitely read her other books because I strongly believe that writers improve with each book they write. I do recommend this book.
March 1, 2020
Hard to put down kind of book
This has been one of the books that have been hard to put down. Intriguing and interesting to read.
Failed to understand Jonasi as an individual for his lack of drive to want to live and protect himself. Failed to understand why he wasn't driven when he found his son having sex with Lindani. It's like he had just given up in life.
Essie reminded me of the typical traditional women who strongly believed in nyangas and sangomas. Even if it's to portray the picture of being ghetto, had problems accepting her line of logic and thinking.
Joyce was my favorite character, a mix bag of all emotions at different parts of her life. Kinda have questions in my mind which I had hoped the book would have answered. Does it mean that Matipa was not positive for her to not know that Jonasi had the virus. Were the last ladies in Jonasi life the only ones that had the virus?
Over-all I would say Sue Nyathi gained a fan in me. Loved her writing and her flow of words and scenarios created by each narrative. Looking forward to read her other material and hope it measures up to the picture this work has portrayed.
This has been one of the books that have been hard to put down. Intriguing and interesting to read.
Failed to understand Jonasi as an individual for his lack of drive to want to live and protect himself. Failed to understand why he wasn't driven when he found his son having sex with Lindani. It's like he had just given up in life.
Essie reminded me of the typical traditional women who strongly believed in nyangas and sangomas. Even if it's to portray the picture of being ghetto, had problems accepting her line of logic and thinking.
Joyce was my favorite character, a mix bag of all emotions at different parts of her life. Kinda have questions in my mind which I had hoped the book would have answered. Does it mean that Matipa was not positive for her to not know that Jonasi had the virus. Were the last ladies in Jonasi life the only ones that had the virus?
Over-all I would say Sue Nyathi gained a fan in me. Loved her writing and her flow of words and scenarios created by each narrative. Looking forward to read her other material and hope it measures up to the picture this work has portrayed.
October 6, 2024
Sue Nyathi is an exceptional storyteller. Every time I pick up one of her books, I’m completely drawn into the world she creates and the lives of her characters. In [insert book title], she introduces us to Jonasi, a man who believes he can have it all. Jonasi is involved with four different women, each with her own distinct personality and traits. What’s fascinating is how each woman adds something unique to his life, but at the same time, his greed and dissatisfaction come through. He’s unable to stay loyal to one person, and inevitably, his deceptive actions catch up with him.
I found this book highly enjoyable because, despite being fiction, it reflects real-life issues—relationships, betrayal, and the consequences of one’s choices. That’s the magic of Nyathi’s writing. It allows readers to experience a full range of emotions, from love to frustration, and often, you might find yourself connecting with the characters on a deeper level.
If you’re looking for a compelling story that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking, I highly recommend this book.
I found this book highly enjoyable because, despite being fiction, it reflects real-life issues—relationships, betrayal, and the consequences of one’s choices. That’s the magic of Nyathi’s writing. It allows readers to experience a full range of emotions, from love to frustration, and often, you might find yourself connecting with the characters on a deeper level.
If you’re looking for a compelling story that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking, I highly recommend this book.
April 11, 2026
My first read from Sue Nyathi
The Polygamist point to the hypocrisy of men who want all the cake and they eat it with greed, an appetite that never gets satisfied.
Jonasi, is a rags to riches man who marries and cheats not only one but four women, three of whom bear him children. He’s misogynistic, and abusive and every terrible stereotype of badly behaved men you can think of.
I wished the women could grow stiffer backbones and kick him to the curb but alas - they each devised means to stay for their own ill fated motives. In the end, no one really wins.
I loved the writer’s conversational writing style. It was like listening to a story told by your neighborhood’s bigger gossiper 😆
The Polygamist point to the hypocrisy of men who want all the cake and they eat it with greed, an appetite that never gets satisfied.
Jonasi, is a rags to riches man who marries and cheats not only one but four women, three of whom bear him children. He’s misogynistic, and abusive and every terrible stereotype of badly behaved men you can think of.
I wished the women could grow stiffer backbones and kick him to the curb but alas - they each devised means to stay for their own ill fated motives. In the end, no one really wins.
I loved the writer’s conversational writing style. It was like listening to a story told by your neighborhood’s bigger gossiper 😆
January 11, 2023
The Polygamist is told primarily from the point of view of 4 women, all married/partnered with Jonasi, a wealthy businessman in Zimbabwe. This was a lot like reading a soap opera - lots of drama, lots of fighting, lots of romance - or at least seduction. It was an engaging read and I particularly liked the way Nyathi tells the story from the perspective of each of the women. You get to see the way they each make choices to do what they think is best for their lives, while still acknowledging the framework that they are working within. The prologue gives you the ending - to go from there into the drama of the relationships gave some gravity to the soap opera feel of the novel.
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