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Beauty's Gift: A Novel
The Five Firm Friends – Edith, Cordelia, Amanda, Doris and Beauty – are five sassy career women who confront life head-on. But when Beauty suddenly becomes ill and, after six short weeks, passes away, their world is thrown into confusion. On her death bed Beauty begs Amanda to promise her one thing – that she and the rest of the FFF will not waste their lives as she has done. All because of an unfaithful husband … ‘Ukhule,’ she begs of Amanda. May you live a long life, and may you become old.
Beauty’s Gift is a moving tale of how four women decide to change their own fate as well as the lives of those closest to them. This is Sindiwe Magona at her very best – writing about social issues, and not keeping quiet. Speak up, she says to women in Africa. Stand up, and take control of your lives.
206 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2008
12 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
Sindiwe Magona
61 books88 followersSindiwe Magona is a South African writer.
Magona is a native of the former Transkei region. She grew up in Bouvlei near Cape Town, where she worked as a domestic and completed her secondary education by correspondence. Magona later graduated from the University of South Africa and earned her Masters of Science in Organisational Social Work from Columbia University.
She starred as Singisa in the isiXhosa classic drama Ityala Lamawele.
She worked in various capacities for the United Nations for over 20 years, retiring in 2003.
In the 2013 computer-animated adventure comedy film Khumba she was the voice actor for the character Gemsbok Healer.
She is Writer-in-Residence at the University of the Western Cape and has been a visiting Professor working at Georgia State University.
Magona is a native of the former Transkei region. She grew up in Bouvlei near Cape Town, where she worked as a domestic and completed her secondary education by correspondence. Magona later graduated from the University of South Africa and earned her Masters of Science in Organisational Social Work from Columbia University.
She starred as Singisa in the isiXhosa classic drama Ityala Lamawele.
She worked in various capacities for the United Nations for over 20 years, retiring in 2003.
In the 2013 computer-animated adventure comedy film Khumba she was the voice actor for the character Gemsbok Healer.
She is Writer-in-Residence at the University of the Western Cape and has been a visiting Professor working at Georgia State University.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 11, 2023
"Beauty's Gift" revolves around five firm friends whose lives are like a well crocheted sweater. When one of them dies, they are forced to take a hard look at themselves as black women from the townships who, though are living privileged lives, are grappling like every black woman the world over, with institutionalized patriarchy.
Reading this book will force you to examine your life as a black woman, your role as a black woman and how, black women, have become gatekeepers of patriarchal structures. During my read, I was battling with an issue within my family, and on approaching this with my sister-in-law, I was told "uth'uzokhona". I was so hurt and enraged at the same time. This is the reason we don't ever talk about important issues in our lives because we are supposed to be " strong and be able to handle our business" but men, ah well, will "always be men" right!!?!?!! They need to be babied from cradle to grave.
Beauty's friends will not be shut down and have their feelings simmered. Their needs overlooked. They say no to unnecessary dramas which do not serve them well. They fight for what they believe in and take no prisoners. They look out for no 1 because they each have only one life to live and living it on their terms they will. Beauty's Gift is a call to open up and spit in "this is how things are done"'s face. Take charge of your life as a woman, most especially as a black woman, because girl, ain't nobody doin' it for you.
Mama Sindiwe has written a book which will speak to women's hearts. The diction and languaging of things, especially in IsiXhosa, made it so much more powerful. Though fiction, this novel displays the maternal nurturing and a guiding hand from one who has lived and writes with the authority of experience.
I am gifting all my girlfriends copies of Beauty's Gift because the universe knows we all need this type of gift❤❤❤❤❤❤✊✊✊
Reading this book will force you to examine your life as a black woman, your role as a black woman and how, black women, have become gatekeepers of patriarchal structures. During my read, I was battling with an issue within my family, and on approaching this with my sister-in-law, I was told "uth'uzokhona". I was so hurt and enraged at the same time. This is the reason we don't ever talk about important issues in our lives because we are supposed to be " strong and be able to handle our business" but men, ah well, will "always be men" right!!?!?!! They need to be babied from cradle to grave.
Beauty's friends will not be shut down and have their feelings simmered. Their needs overlooked. They say no to unnecessary dramas which do not serve them well. They fight for what they believe in and take no prisoners. They look out for no 1 because they each have only one life to live and living it on their terms they will. Beauty's Gift is a call to open up and spit in "this is how things are done"'s face. Take charge of your life as a woman, most especially as a black woman, because girl, ain't nobody doin' it for you.
Mama Sindiwe has written a book which will speak to women's hearts. The diction and languaging of things, especially in IsiXhosa, made it so much more powerful. Though fiction, this novel displays the maternal nurturing and a guiding hand from one who has lived and writes with the authority of experience.
I am gifting all my girlfriends copies of Beauty's Gift because the universe knows we all need this type of gift❤❤❤❤❤❤✊✊✊
February 5, 2019
The story plays out in different NYs (Native Yards) across Gugulethu township and the surrounding suburbia. Magona as a gender and human rights activist uses her pen as a weapon to fight, educate and to inform on HIV & Aids. All the time condemning patriarchy misogyny and the endangerment of children.
In the novel, Magona concentrates on how the spread and reinfection of HIV is mainly attributable to the irresponsible and inconsiderate behaviour of the male species towards its women and children, as condoned by culture and tradition. It also portrays the often naivety, denial and gullibility of married women particularly with regards to their spouses' wayward tendencies.
A group of 5 friends affectionately named FFF(Five Firm Friends) Edith, Cordelia, Amanda, Doris and Beauty, receive a wake up call when one of them, Beauty dies a “stupid death “ (page 108), as a result of being infected with HIV by her philandering husband; keeping it all secret and not seeking medical intervention. On her death bed Beauty appealed to her surviving friends, not to emulate her, to speak out and to protect themselves against HIV. She prayed that they preserve themselves, live long and not let love kill them . One of the friends Edith, asks about Beauty, with extreme sadness and anger "But how could she get aids, married and faithful and all" (page 110).
Amanda's situation further depicts the fragility of marriage. Her husband Zakes, whom she had always trusted, vehemently refuses to test for HIV and to use a condom . Amanda then discovers by accident that Zakes had two kids with two different women whilst married to her . To her horror, her in laws knew about it all along, and instead urge her to accept and embrace the situation because, “ marriage is enduring... a woman sticks it out the best she knows how, that is what we do. That is what our mothers, and their mothers before them did. Stick it out. That is tradition "(page 189)
Magona is effective in her message . She does not only concentrate on the FFF. She paints a vivid picture of a community infected and affected by the HIV and AIDS pandemic. Where families attend funerals of loved ones almost every weekend. In some instances more than one funeral per weekend. She relates of twins where the one passed away on the day that the other was buried.
The book is strong in that it is balanced and non accusatory. Magona concedes that Aids is not a Black problem only. Nor are men the only spreaders. Also that such sensitive and controversial matters have to be discussed and tackled head on if we are to move forward, no matter how uncomfortable.
The tone is soothing, befitting that of a genuinely concerned and interested elder, mother and wife. Magona is non-judgemental , shows empathy and is steadfast in her approach.
The book left me feeling sad that most marriages, especially monogamous heterosexual unions are a hoax, overrated, highly dysfunctional and can actually be the death of us. It alludes to truths that we have witnessed in our communities, that we would rather sweep under the carpet.
The book is to be turned into a musical once Magona has secured funding. The message here needs to be spread, to assist couples to make informed decisions about marriage and what they may be getting themselves into, and also about STIs, specifically HIV .
In the novel, Magona concentrates on how the spread and reinfection of HIV is mainly attributable to the irresponsible and inconsiderate behaviour of the male species towards its women and children, as condoned by culture and tradition. It also portrays the often naivety, denial and gullibility of married women particularly with regards to their spouses' wayward tendencies.
A group of 5 friends affectionately named FFF(Five Firm Friends) Edith, Cordelia, Amanda, Doris and Beauty, receive a wake up call when one of them, Beauty dies a “stupid death “ (page 108), as a result of being infected with HIV by her philandering husband; keeping it all secret and not seeking medical intervention. On her death bed Beauty appealed to her surviving friends, not to emulate her, to speak out and to protect themselves against HIV. She prayed that they preserve themselves, live long and not let love kill them . One of the friends Edith, asks about Beauty, with extreme sadness and anger "But how could she get aids, married and faithful and all" (page 110).
Amanda's situation further depicts the fragility of marriage. Her husband Zakes, whom she had always trusted, vehemently refuses to test for HIV and to use a condom . Amanda then discovers by accident that Zakes had two kids with two different women whilst married to her . To her horror, her in laws knew about it all along, and instead urge her to accept and embrace the situation because, “ marriage is enduring... a woman sticks it out the best she knows how, that is what we do. That is what our mothers, and their mothers before them did. Stick it out. That is tradition "(page 189)
Magona is effective in her message . She does not only concentrate on the FFF. She paints a vivid picture of a community infected and affected by the HIV and AIDS pandemic. Where families attend funerals of loved ones almost every weekend. In some instances more than one funeral per weekend. She relates of twins where the one passed away on the day that the other was buried.
The book is strong in that it is balanced and non accusatory. Magona concedes that Aids is not a Black problem only. Nor are men the only spreaders. Also that such sensitive and controversial matters have to be discussed and tackled head on if we are to move forward, no matter how uncomfortable.
The tone is soothing, befitting that of a genuinely concerned and interested elder, mother and wife. Magona is non-judgemental , shows empathy and is steadfast in her approach.
The book left me feeling sad that most marriages, especially monogamous heterosexual unions are a hoax, overrated, highly dysfunctional and can actually be the death of us. It alludes to truths that we have witnessed in our communities, that we would rather sweep under the carpet.
The book is to be turned into a musical once Magona has secured funding. The message here needs to be spread, to assist couples to make informed decisions about marriage and what they may be getting themselves into, and also about STIs, specifically HIV .
January 4, 2021
The subject of HIV/AIDS has been talked about a lot in the world but mama Sindiwe's novel is a gift to all women to take charge of their lives. To safeguard their lives against the deadly diseases. Married women have died and some are still infected and faithfully die in the hands of their spouses. They are raped daily in the name of conjugal rights that husbands believe they deserve, be it you want sex or not. When they catch their husband's cheating, it has to be taken as normal 'all men cheat', and they are looked as dramatic if they question this issue. It is worse if you want out, people will ask you 'where do you think you will find a husband that does not cheat'. Maybe it is true, you might not get one but do you then stay and wait for the day he infects you? Do you ask him to use condoms with you? Do you deny him sex? Do you ask him to go for tests? The truth of the matter is, most men have killed their faithful wives and buried them with expensive caskets and stand tall in their graves and pretend to be grieving with touching messages for those who came to comfort him. The truth is, you will be dead and his life continues... So this novel touches on all these issues.
The story is about 5 friends affectionately called FFF- Five Firm Friends. They grew up together in Gugulethu, Capetown. They all had partners. Their wake up call came when one of their friend, Beauty, started getting sick. She was faithful but the deadly disease found her and on her death bed she left a message for her friends that 'ukhule'. She begs her friends to refuse to die like she did, to grow until they turn grey and appreciate their wrinkles. The gift she left them with was to take charge of their lives.
It is sad that when they started doing that, their partners would either refuse to take tests or they will force themselves should they want to abstain. One even learnt that her hubby had two kids she knew nothing about. It was worse when after she accidentally found this truth, she learned that his family knows and do not understand why she does not accept this and let it go because that is what men do.
The author in this novel is gifting women with knowledge of reclaiming your life as black woman. The tone is not harsh but her truth will make one think deeply about such matters. Society has its views and we are quick to judge when one takes a drastic decision to leave but hey it is about you not us. In her novel, mama Sindiwe is not judgemental or pointing fingers at anyone but leaves you as a reader to decide what you want to do. It is not about men but you as a woman, what do you want? Wake up black child!
The story is about 5 friends affectionately called FFF- Five Firm Friends. They grew up together in Gugulethu, Capetown. They all had partners. Their wake up call came when one of their friend, Beauty, started getting sick. She was faithful but the deadly disease found her and on her death bed she left a message for her friends that 'ukhule'. She begs her friends to refuse to die like she did, to grow until they turn grey and appreciate their wrinkles. The gift she left them with was to take charge of their lives.
It is sad that when they started doing that, their partners would either refuse to take tests or they will force themselves should they want to abstain. One even learnt that her hubby had two kids she knew nothing about. It was worse when after she accidentally found this truth, she learned that his family knows and do not understand why she does not accept this and let it go because that is what men do.
The author in this novel is gifting women with knowledge of reclaiming your life as black woman. The tone is not harsh but her truth will make one think deeply about such matters. Society has its views and we are quick to judge when one takes a drastic decision to leave but hey it is about you not us. In her novel, mama Sindiwe is not judgemental or pointing fingers at anyone but leaves you as a reader to decide what you want to do. It is not about men but you as a woman, what do you want? Wake up black child!
May 4, 2021
What a talented writer!
March 10, 2011
As I like to support local (South African)authors, I added it to my basket.
The FFF used to consist of Five Friends: Edith, Cordelia, Amanda, Doris and Beauty. But then Beauty passes away suddenly. Aids has claimed another victim. On her deathbed, she extracts a promise from Amanda. Ukuhle, she begs of Amanda. May you live a long life, and may you become old.
Because Beauty’s premature death was as a result of her unfaithful husband, the remaining friends all swear an oath: they won't have unprotected sex – not even with their husbands – and they will find out their own HIV status as well as that of their husbands/partners. This oath has surprising consequences.
Aids and its impact on African life is clearly a dominating theme. But this book offers so much more than that. It challenges oppression that masquerades as tradition and irresponsibility that hides behind love.
While dealing with a predominantly (but not exclusively) African problem, Magona points a delightfully irreverent finger at our prolific and polygamous President. In a gentle but strong - almost motherly - way she gives a masterly indictment of the predisposition of some African males to infidelity, promiscuity and reckless negligence towards the women who love them.
But she is clear-headed enough to also condemn the women who, in this time of Aids, passively accept this state of affairs (excuse the pun) because of ‘tradition’. Encouragingly, there are also characters – too few of them, the FFF’s lament – like Amanda’s brother PP, who are the best of what an African man can be. There is also the sympathetic portrayal of Selby, Doris’s fiancé, a good man who struggles with the transition from traditional sexual mores to a more modern, and responsible, attitude.
In an easy-to-read style, with touches of humour and deep poignancy, Magona has produced a novel that is about the evolution of the African soul towards a new kind of freedom; one in which both sexes take responsibility for their lives in an effort to curb a new and dangerous enemy: Aids.
As the remaining friends face challenges to their beliefs, and their relationships are tested and sometimes found wanting, a core message shines through: use your freedom responsibly.
‘Beauty’s Gift’ is a gift to all women, for it shows how a women’s strength and gentleness can be combined to effect changes in a world that is often violent, and even more often lonely. But the FFF’s have each other and, in their unity, lies their salvation.
The FFF used to consist of Five Friends: Edith, Cordelia, Amanda, Doris and Beauty. But then Beauty passes away suddenly. Aids has claimed another victim. On her deathbed, she extracts a promise from Amanda. Ukuhle, she begs of Amanda. May you live a long life, and may you become old.
Because Beauty’s premature death was as a result of her unfaithful husband, the remaining friends all swear an oath: they won't have unprotected sex – not even with their husbands – and they will find out their own HIV status as well as that of their husbands/partners. This oath has surprising consequences.
Aids and its impact on African life is clearly a dominating theme. But this book offers so much more than that. It challenges oppression that masquerades as tradition and irresponsibility that hides behind love.
While dealing with a predominantly (but not exclusively) African problem, Magona points a delightfully irreverent finger at our prolific and polygamous President. In a gentle but strong - almost motherly - way she gives a masterly indictment of the predisposition of some African males to infidelity, promiscuity and reckless negligence towards the women who love them.
But she is clear-headed enough to also condemn the women who, in this time of Aids, passively accept this state of affairs (excuse the pun) because of ‘tradition’. Encouragingly, there are also characters – too few of them, the FFF’s lament – like Amanda’s brother PP, who are the best of what an African man can be. There is also the sympathetic portrayal of Selby, Doris’s fiancé, a good man who struggles with the transition from traditional sexual mores to a more modern, and responsible, attitude.
In an easy-to-read style, with touches of humour and deep poignancy, Magona has produced a novel that is about the evolution of the African soul towards a new kind of freedom; one in which both sexes take responsibility for their lives in an effort to curb a new and dangerous enemy: Aids.
As the remaining friends face challenges to their beliefs, and their relationships are tested and sometimes found wanting, a core message shines through: use your freedom responsibly.
‘Beauty’s Gift’ is a gift to all women, for it shows how a women’s strength and gentleness can be combined to effect changes in a world that is often violent, and even more often lonely. But the FFF’s have each other and, in their unity, lies their salvation.
Read
August 8, 2019A beautiful bitter-sweet story that proves prose can be both poetic, political and powerful.
September 1, 2023
Oh, what a book 🙌🏽
May 15, 2009
I am currently reading this - started today but half way through the book. Its and easy read, simple and not too structured but what alarms me most and compels me to share with you is the oodles of emotion on each page. I dont know whether its because i am and emotional person who sees the pain women endure each day and one of the hardest things to look at objectively.
Oh my how i feel like tears are about to well up in each page. Each character conjures up feelings related to people i have know - people i know and the strange girls hitting clubs and bars this very second.
African woman wake up - african women take charge - well i have to finish it and i will share more.
I am heart broken - so heart broken by this story. Its all too real to me and to all the women i love and care about.
140509
I finished reading the book last night, so relevant to our lives today - i actually want to start a book club based just on this author - inevitabley it will evolve as all things do but - its important for young black women to read this author, she is the femail guidance some of us have never had the pleasure to experience - her characters in this book depict us through and through flaws and all - and ofcourse it depicts all are glory - our beauty our love and our strength.
These are the kind of words we need to hear, these are the words that will stop us from making ourselves victims from making ourselves lesser than.
I dont know what is to happen - but what i know for sure is i will not accept the status quo - i believe and hope for more, a quote i got ooff another authour Kathy Lette who says - Men are for free love because THEY DONT HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. What saddens me more than the statement is that i agree. And we do that as woment we let them get away with it - all because we dont want to be alone, or we want more for our kids and we are scared - i too am guilty - but is this any way to live...........
Mamu uMagona - has just been dubbed another mother of mine through penmenship.
Oh my how i feel like tears are about to well up in each page. Each character conjures up feelings related to people i have know - people i know and the strange girls hitting clubs and bars this very second.
African woman wake up - african women take charge - well i have to finish it and i will share more.
I am heart broken - so heart broken by this story. Its all too real to me and to all the women i love and care about.
140509
I finished reading the book last night, so relevant to our lives today - i actually want to start a book club based just on this author - inevitabley it will evolve as all things do but - its important for young black women to read this author, she is the femail guidance some of us have never had the pleasure to experience - her characters in this book depict us through and through flaws and all - and ofcourse it depicts all are glory - our beauty our love and our strength.
These are the kind of words we need to hear, these are the words that will stop us from making ourselves victims from making ourselves lesser than.
I dont know what is to happen - but what i know for sure is i will not accept the status quo - i believe and hope for more, a quote i got ooff another authour Kathy Lette who says - Men are for free love because THEY DONT HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. What saddens me more than the statement is that i agree. And we do that as woment we let them get away with it - all because we dont want to be alone, or we want more for our kids and we are scared - i too am guilty - but is this any way to live...........
Mamu uMagona - has just been dubbed another mother of mine through penmenship.
November 6, 2013
Sindiwe Magona's story of five friends struggling with the aftermath of AIDs in South Africa is a stunning evocation of the power and dignity of women, of the intricacies of tradition and relationships, and of the vitality and contradictions of township life. But most of all it is the story of a gift left by one of the friends to her four companions, that determination to choose life. The story is written in language that is simple, poetic, lyrical and life-affirming.
Be prepared to fall in love with this book.
Be prepared to fall in love with this book.
July 10, 2011
It shows the ravishes and consequences of AIDS in South African society, especially what black women have to endure.
September 10, 2021
The first third of this novel is FANTASTIC! - caplocks, exclamation marks and emotion all intentional!
HIV/AIDS is such a real problem in South Africa. Before Covid was a thing, every textbook in SA had a chapter on Aids, because it is such a prevalent risk here. "Beauty's Gift" looks at AIDS from the view of the marriage bed - where the unfaithful husband infects and kills his wife with the AIDS virus. The book begins so powerfully, describing the hardship African women face. One cannot help but think of the obvious problems: dealing with infidelity, burying their children, crime, rape, poverty, lack a of education... But 'Beauty's Gift' has a very tight focus. How not to get AIDS. This book looks at the quest of four African women who, because of Beauty's death, have decided that they would like to live to an old age. The problems they face, as married women, is that their greatest risk - their only risk - comes from their husbands.
I wish the latter part of the book was as powerful as the beginning. I don't think it was the mood I was in when reading, as I was really looking forward to picking 'Beauty's Gift' up on the second day. Unfortunately, the second half of the book felt like another AIDS lecture (everyone in this country has been exposed to hundreds if not thousands of these). I wanted questions answered, Hamilton held accountable, something!!! other than Beauty's death slipping into obscurity - which it would like every other AIDS related death out there.
The devastating thing with AIDs is that it is a disease that carries a burden of shame and guilt. That aspect is not shied away in this novel as we hear the ignorant gossip of uneducated people 'skinnering' (gossiping) about twins who both died of AIDS within a day of each other. I have to commend this novel for highlighting the number of innocent victims who are infected by a trusted partner, lessening the shame that is attached to being infected by this disease.
This novel also looks at the negative consequences of a patriarchal system, where women are just supposed to accept that their husbands cheat and still welcome them home because 'that is the right thing to do. Perhaps my interpretation here is naïve. I think Sindiwe Magona is actually challenging African women to norms and 'rules' they have grown up with - for their OWN HEALTH AND SAFETY. That is a powerful thought.
I want to close with the opening paragraph of this book: God knew the African woman was going to have a very, very hard life. That is why He gave her skin as tough as Mother Earth herself. He gave her that tough, timeless skin so that her woes would not be written all over her face, so that her face would not be a map to her torn and tattered heart.
HIV/AIDS is such a real problem in South Africa. Before Covid was a thing, every textbook in SA had a chapter on Aids, because it is such a prevalent risk here. "Beauty's Gift" looks at AIDS from the view of the marriage bed - where the unfaithful husband infects and kills his wife with the AIDS virus. The book begins so powerfully, describing the hardship African women face. One cannot help but think of the obvious problems: dealing with infidelity, burying their children, crime, rape, poverty, lack a of education... But 'Beauty's Gift' has a very tight focus. How not to get AIDS. This book looks at the quest of four African women who, because of Beauty's death, have decided that they would like to live to an old age. The problems they face, as married women, is that their greatest risk - their only risk - comes from their husbands.
I wish the latter part of the book was as powerful as the beginning. I don't think it was the mood I was in when reading, as I was really looking forward to picking 'Beauty's Gift' up on the second day. Unfortunately, the second half of the book felt like another AIDS lecture (everyone in this country has been exposed to hundreds if not thousands of these). I wanted questions answered, Hamilton held accountable, something!!! other than Beauty's death slipping into obscurity - which it would like every other AIDS related death out there.
The devastating thing with AIDs is that it is a disease that carries a burden of shame and guilt. That aspect is not shied away in this novel as we hear the ignorant gossip of uneducated people 'skinnering' (gossiping) about twins who both died of AIDS within a day of each other. I have to commend this novel for highlighting the number of innocent victims who are infected by a trusted partner, lessening the shame that is attached to being infected by this disease.
This novel also looks at the negative consequences of a patriarchal system, where women are just supposed to accept that their husbands cheat and still welcome them home because 'that is the right thing to do. Perhaps my interpretation here is naïve. I think Sindiwe Magona is actually challenging African women to norms and 'rules' they have grown up with - for their OWN HEALTH AND SAFETY. That is a powerful thought.
I want to close with the opening paragraph of this book: God knew the African woman was going to have a very, very hard life. That is why He gave her skin as tough as Mother Earth herself. He gave her that tough, timeless skin so that her woes would not be written all over her face, so that her face would not be a map to her torn and tattered heart.
January 8, 2021
I failed so miserably to connect with the storyline and the characters. I was not able to imagine Beauty's suffering as her deterioration and pain came through the lens of another character.
I enjoyed reading the introduction and found it more engaging that the story.
I guess the narration had an air of being somewhat subdued and the cuss words took away what little enjoyment I could have derived.
The story is narrated with flash backs in the beginning where it covers the death and burial of the one firm friend but it eventually unfolding chronologically with every chapter dated to give you and idea of the passage of time
I enjoyed reading the introduction and found it more engaging that the story.
I guess the narration had an air of being somewhat subdued and the cuss words took away what little enjoyment I could have derived.
The story is narrated with flash backs in the beginning where it covers the death and burial of the one firm friend but it eventually unfolding chronologically with every chapter dated to give you and idea of the passage of time
March 23, 2020
Beauty raises important points here about the Aids pandemic that is decimating the country and filling up graveyards, creating countless orphans.The author raise important points here aboute Aids pandemic that is decimating the country and filling up graveyards, creating countless orphans.
Blame seems to be laid at the hands of men who can't control themselves, and this seems rather facile. While it's true that women must demand their independence and rights, and protect themselves, the division between sexes that is laid bare in this book feels unnatural.
Blame seems to be laid at the hands of men who can't control themselves, and this seems rather facile. While it's true that women must demand their independence and rights, and protect themselves, the division between sexes that is laid bare in this book feels unnatural.
February 20, 2019
A really triggering bitter-sweet novel that speaks so much truth about what is happening to our Black Mothers and Sisters. Really enjoyed the way it flowed, however I can tell you this. It woke up some emotions about being a black women, and how we are treated in society, our families and the ones we deem to love the most. Thank you for this heart warming book Mam Sindi
February 27, 2019
Easy read. It highlighted how Black Women are treated by society, our families and loved ones. Black women are supposed to be strong all the time, suffer silently and be able to handle everything thrown at us.
July 20, 2019
"Ukhule" always choose life. This is the best take out from the book. Loved it!
January 8, 2020
A very touching book about HIV and the impact it has on women.
January 4, 2022
Too predictable 😴
August 3, 2024
Most thought-provoking novel I have ever read.
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December 5, 2010MY INTERVIEW WITH SINDIWE MAGONA:
Our gift of life is free
Author urges women to use right to live, writes Nicolette Scrooby
Born in Tsolo near Mthatha, she moved to the Cape Flats with her family when she was five years old.
Magona said beauty’s gift – her second novel – comes 10 years late. “The idea for the novel is unfortunately from the many people I knew, the many funerals I’ve been to ... including funerals of faithfully married women,” Magona said.
She always blames the husband for giving his wife HIV/Aids. “It got me very angry and planted sorrow in my heart.
“Our black men are raping women and children in the townships. What are we as women in this country? It makes me angry, and then some ANC person can say there are no rapes happening and then we have 16 Days of Activism, and then what? Give me a break.
“We live lives of misery where all our rights are trampled over. It’s lovely to talk about the Constitution, but try (to) make it a lived reality,” Magona said.
She decided that she could not call herself a writer if she did not tell this story about Beauty. “These are educated women, not nincompoops, who are dying of HIV/Aids.
“Black women and children, you are at risk. Your first duty is to protect yourself. It doesn’t matter if there’s good sex, a big house, bank account, ring. This doesn’t matter if you’re dead. Nothing in this world is above your right to live.
“If he’s screwing around, divorce him. It’s better that you are alive,” Magona said.
The motivational speaker, poet, playwright, story-teller and actor said there are numerous situations that have influenced her writing. “I have fond memories in the Eastern Cape of my grandparents; it was a time of free roaming, excitement and discovery.
“I got into writing when I began to grow as a human being ... grow out of the typical human ... grow into a woman. You can only dream what you know. My dreams began to grow by the grace of God when I broke out of the township.”
Magona went to the United States in 1981 to study, came back to South Africa in 1983 to do her masters and the following year she went to work for the United Nations anti-apartheid radio programmes until 2003, when she came back to South Africa.
She received an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters from Hatwick College, Oneonta, New York.
Among her published works are two autobiographical books To My Children’s Children and Forced to Grow; two collections of short stories Living, Loving and Lying Awake at Night and Push-Push and Other Stories; and a novel, Mother to Mother.
Her novel Mother to Mother, set to be turned into a movie by Universal Studios, is based on the life of American Stanford University student Amy Biehl, who was an anti-apartheid activist. She was killed by a group of radical members of the Pan Africanist Congress in 1993 while driving colleagues home to Cape Town’s Gugulethu Township.
She has received numerous awards in recognition of her work with women, children and the fight against apartheid and racism, but it was while working as a domestic worker that she learnt so much. “I learnt how to sit at the table, eat things I didn’t have at home. I’m grateful. For me it was a finishing school.”
People encouraged her to study, said Magona, and her mother told her, “Education is the husband who will never leave you”.
“The mother of all human rights is the right to live and hopefully more of us will realise the gift of life is free,” Magona said.
“Mind your life, mind yourself. Let’s use ourselves wisely, but the first step is to stay alive.”
(Published in the Daily Dispatch on May 9, 2009)
Our gift of life is free
Author urges women to use right to live, writes Nicolette Scrooby
Born in Tsolo near Mthatha, she moved to the Cape Flats with her family when she was five years old.
Magona said beauty’s gift – her second novel – comes 10 years late. “The idea for the novel is unfortunately from the many people I knew, the many funerals I’ve been to ... including funerals of faithfully married women,” Magona said.
She always blames the husband for giving his wife HIV/Aids. “It got me very angry and planted sorrow in my heart.
“Our black men are raping women and children in the townships. What are we as women in this country? It makes me angry, and then some ANC person can say there are no rapes happening and then we have 16 Days of Activism, and then what? Give me a break.
“We live lives of misery where all our rights are trampled over. It’s lovely to talk about the Constitution, but try (to) make it a lived reality,” Magona said.
She decided that she could not call herself a writer if she did not tell this story about Beauty. “These are educated women, not nincompoops, who are dying of HIV/Aids.
“Black women and children, you are at risk. Your first duty is to protect yourself. It doesn’t matter if there’s good sex, a big house, bank account, ring. This doesn’t matter if you’re dead. Nothing in this world is above your right to live.
“If he’s screwing around, divorce him. It’s better that you are alive,” Magona said.
The motivational speaker, poet, playwright, story-teller and actor said there are numerous situations that have influenced her writing. “I have fond memories in the Eastern Cape of my grandparents; it was a time of free roaming, excitement and discovery.
“I got into writing when I began to grow as a human being ... grow out of the typical human ... grow into a woman. You can only dream what you know. My dreams began to grow by the grace of God when I broke out of the township.”
Magona went to the United States in 1981 to study, came back to South Africa in 1983 to do her masters and the following year she went to work for the United Nations anti-apartheid radio programmes until 2003, when she came back to South Africa.
She received an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters from Hatwick College, Oneonta, New York.
Among her published works are two autobiographical books To My Children’s Children and Forced to Grow; two collections of short stories Living, Loving and Lying Awake at Night and Push-Push and Other Stories; and a novel, Mother to Mother.
Her novel Mother to Mother, set to be turned into a movie by Universal Studios, is based on the life of American Stanford University student Amy Biehl, who was an anti-apartheid activist. She was killed by a group of radical members of the Pan Africanist Congress in 1993 while driving colleagues home to Cape Town’s Gugulethu Township.
She has received numerous awards in recognition of her work with women, children and the fight against apartheid and racism, but it was while working as a domestic worker that she learnt so much. “I learnt how to sit at the table, eat things I didn’t have at home. I’m grateful. For me it was a finishing school.”
People encouraged her to study, said Magona, and her mother told her, “Education is the husband who will never leave you”.
“The mother of all human rights is the right to live and hopefully more of us will realise the gift of life is free,” Magona said.
“Mind your life, mind yourself. Let’s use ourselves wisely, but the first step is to stay alive.”
(Published in the Daily Dispatch on May 9, 2009)
March 9, 2012
This is chick lit but it is ambitious in that it, fictionally, wants to promote the AIDS cause. And for that it possibly deserves another star. It establishes the political climate in S.A. regarding AIDS as a non-threatening disease that can be healed with herbal remedies according to SA president, cited in the novel. And this was true. The novel, without giving the narrative away, questions traditional marriage and responsiblities, particularly the role of women. It is bold in questioning the role of men in SA, taking responsibility for having children outside the marriage, living according to the rule of monongamy within marriage, and, more importantly, taking responsibility for the AIDS virus spread. THe picture conveyed is that men are gods within their marriages and their wider spread families. This includes forgiveness for straying to potentially AIDS threatening but pleasurable experiences. These experiences endanger their wives and any future offspring. Finally a novel portrays African women as strong - strong enough to stand up to these traditional conventions in order to protect themselves, future offspring and act as role models to their already born children. For this reason, the book deserves more than 3 stars. It, like the central characters is a role model, hopefully effective in SA, where it is set and such role models are needed. I have been there and can relate.
January 14, 2014
Sindiwe Magona is an impressive author. This book follows the lives and relationships of 5 black women in their late 30's in cape town
When one of the women, Beauty, dies, they others resolve to take stock of their lives by forcing their partners to get HIV test.
Although it was just by chance, I'm glad I picked up this book. Its a very real portrayal of the circumstances most women find themselves faced with. Being infected with the AIDS virus whilst in a committed relationship is reality. Ladies, we really can't afford to take risks with our lives, its the only one's we have. Let's take charge and stop giving men power that doesn't belong to them
When one of the women, Beauty, dies, they others resolve to take stock of their lives by forcing their partners to get HIV test.
Although it was just by chance, I'm glad I picked up this book. Its a very real portrayal of the circumstances most women find themselves faced with. Being infected with the AIDS virus whilst in a committed relationship is reality. Ladies, we really can't afford to take risks with our lives, its the only one's we have. Let's take charge and stop giving men power that doesn't belong to them
May 23, 2016
The first paragraph had me hooked the entire time as I am an African women myself. I am disappointed that some of 1/4 women did not go for an HIV test even if they promised to have one. They were times when the booked bored me by talking about irrelevant things like the weather if it's not going to affect the situation in the book. I loved the simplistic use of imagery in this book - it was the first South African book I've ever read.
December 25, 2021
M
2021 alphabet of authors
A challenge to the patriarchy to change their ways and stop excusing infidelity by blaming tradition.
If you choose to be monogamous, be so. If you choose to be polyamorous, be so - but be honest.
Don't play around with people's lives. Life is too precious a commodity to be reckless with it. Choose life
This novel I read in one sitting. Easy to read but difficult to digest.
2021 alphabet of authors
A challenge to the patriarchy to change their ways and stop excusing infidelity by blaming tradition.
If you choose to be monogamous, be so. If you choose to be polyamorous, be so - but be honest.
Don't play around with people's lives. Life is too precious a commodity to be reckless with it. Choose life
This novel I read in one sitting. Easy to read but difficult to digest.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews