What do you think?
Rate this book
Grasping At Straws
Born in the village of Matombo, Lwezi finds herself questioning the traditions and culture which seem to favour men at the detriment of women. Girls are excluded from school and are groomed for marriage from a very young age. Women are seen as sub humans who are born to serve men. At initiation school, as she prepares for her transition from childhood to womanhood, Lwezi makes a thoughtless sacrifice in an attempt to save her friend. Circumstances take an unexpected twist and she finds herself tangled deeper into the Nxumalo web of secrets.
This book delves deep into traditions, rituals and cultures of the chiefdom of Matombo, a fictional village set up in rural Zimbabwe. The cultures described are borrowed from various past and present day rural Zimbabwean practices. Themes of patriarchy, chieftancy, initiation of girls into womanhood, child marriages, burial rites, reverence of ancestors as well as the role of sangomas (Seers) in the community are addressed.
This book delves deep into traditions, rituals and cultures of the chiefdom of Matombo, a fictional village set up in rural Zimbabwe. The cultures described are borrowed from various past and present day rural Zimbabwean practices. Themes of patriarchy, chieftancy, initiation of girls into womanhood, child marriages, burial rites, reverence of ancestors as well as the role of sangomas (Seers) in the community are addressed.
305 pages, Hardcover
Published March 1, 2020
32 people are currently reading
369 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 18, 2020
Let me get this off the way first:
1. I found it so difficult to connect with Lwezi in the early pages of the book. It was difficult to read a book published in 2020 with such a naive, old fashioned young character. I forgave her character when she was still in the village- but when she came to the city and worse the people she came to were well advanced with life, not just normal people from the city but I am talking the private school material (and yet Lwezi does not even know a phone- let alone owning it as it might be too much to ask- but knowing it, knowing house structures, tv, tarred roads and many more) Lord have mercy I failed. I felt the author made the worlds to be tooooooo apart, though it’s fiction but haibo she stressed me.
2. It was still a shock to me to realize there are villages that till this day still believe and be granted that girls cannot go to school. This I had to ask one of my Zim friends and she confirmed- It is sad indeed, not when we even have women who are leaders in their villages.
Now that I have removed above on the way- Yvonne being Yvonne does not like when we know characters and how they should behave. She has that power of changing what you thought you knew to something else. I was not ready for the change of Lwezi’s character from a naive girl that allowed his brothers to shut her up to be this vocal girl and that could claim a prince and end up in her hut, leave his comfortable bed and warm sheets to the floor on the grassmat with an uneducated girl. The power of Lwezi is amazing!! Her power changed the respected and feared chief of the Matombo village to accept her though she is a nobody, a commoner.
Lwezi could be a proof to those that are taught “when you speak something to existence it shall happen”, the power of words- Lwezi always wanted to be married to royalty, and had his name written on her back during initiation, little did she know Ngqabutho will end up in her hut deflowering her and becoming her soulmate.
Reading the book you will be shocked when reading about the themes the author has addressed in this book which include, family secrets, culture and traditional issues in some villages, girls initiation, patriarchal system , teenage pregnancy, rape that is not recognized because it’s taken as part of tradition, forced marriage and many more.
My only worry towards the end was how Cass was conceived. Is isiko of ‘helping your infertile brother, knowingly or unknowingly’ not recognized by ancestors? Why is my loving chief being punished for this? I love that chief for he is able to put down his chief hat and be a father, he allows his kids to be. But like the author wrote- “Ignorance is not innocence, it’s an enemy even to its owner”. But like I said the author hates complaisance-when you love your character so much, she just brings a twist unexpectedly-
The author of The Y in Your man in silent at it again!!! Now we see Lwezi grasping at straws but is Ms Universe not in her favour, like all the time? Let us see what book 2 has instore for the little one and the recent truths that just been unveiled in the royal house.
1. I found it so difficult to connect with Lwezi in the early pages of the book. It was difficult to read a book published in 2020 with such a naive, old fashioned young character. I forgave her character when she was still in the village- but when she came to the city and worse the people she came to were well advanced with life, not just normal people from the city but I am talking the private school material (and yet Lwezi does not even know a phone- let alone owning it as it might be too much to ask- but knowing it, knowing house structures, tv, tarred roads and many more) Lord have mercy I failed. I felt the author made the worlds to be tooooooo apart, though it’s fiction but haibo she stressed me.
2. It was still a shock to me to realize there are villages that till this day still believe and be granted that girls cannot go to school. This I had to ask one of my Zim friends and she confirmed- It is sad indeed, not when we even have women who are leaders in their villages.
Now that I have removed above on the way- Yvonne being Yvonne does not like when we know characters and how they should behave. She has that power of changing what you thought you knew to something else. I was not ready for the change of Lwezi’s character from a naive girl that allowed his brothers to shut her up to be this vocal girl and that could claim a prince and end up in her hut, leave his comfortable bed and warm sheets to the floor on the grassmat with an uneducated girl. The power of Lwezi is amazing!! Her power changed the respected and feared chief of the Matombo village to accept her though she is a nobody, a commoner.
Lwezi could be a proof to those that are taught “when you speak something to existence it shall happen”, the power of words- Lwezi always wanted to be married to royalty, and had his name written on her back during initiation, little did she know Ngqabutho will end up in her hut deflowering her and becoming her soulmate.
Reading the book you will be shocked when reading about the themes the author has addressed in this book which include, family secrets, culture and traditional issues in some villages, girls initiation, patriarchal system , teenage pregnancy, rape that is not recognized because it’s taken as part of tradition, forced marriage and many more.
My only worry towards the end was how Cass was conceived. Is isiko of ‘helping your infertile brother, knowingly or unknowingly’ not recognized by ancestors? Why is my loving chief being punished for this? I love that chief for he is able to put down his chief hat and be a father, he allows his kids to be. But like the author wrote- “Ignorance is not innocence, it’s an enemy even to its owner”. But like I said the author hates complaisance-when you love your character so much, she just brings a twist unexpectedly-
The author of The Y in Your man in silent at it again!!! Now we see Lwezi grasping at straws but is Ms Universe not in her favour, like all the time? Let us see what book 2 has instore for the little one and the recent truths that just been unveiled in the royal house.
January 21, 2021
Beautiful 10/10 recommend, beautifully written
August 6, 2021
Actual rating : 4.5
TW : death of a parent, grief, rape
Can't wait to read book two.
TW : death of a parent, grief, rape
Can't wait to read book two.
June 26, 2022
Wonderful read, I loved the humor
April 13, 2021
“You know it’s a cold world when you have to turn to the graves for a shoulder to lean on.”
The cover
I loved the covered. The raising of a young lady carrying fire in her heard.
Lwezi has come far, she has conquered and has achieved a lot of things that the society of Matombo considers impossible. She was honest about what she wants in life and the universe has been providing accordingly. She wanted the chief’s son and was unapologetic about it and got exactly that. She is a child who has practical raised here self so she was bound to make some mistakes.
The brothers are plain cruel and they are punishing the wrong person for whatever anger issues they have towards their mother. All of them have failed her and soon as their mother passed they saw her as nothing but an object which they can use to get quick money.
Nomasonto is now an example of the bitter old woman of their society. They did not turn out like that because they wanted to but because circumstances have led them to that . Their lives revolves around pleasing men in all ways possible. It has been instilled so much in their brains that it became the only the only truth they know. Dreams of true love and what it means to being young have disappeared along the way.
Ngqabutho the crown prince who is a hero in my eyes. The young man has a lot on his shoulder and his father has been kind by letting him enjoy his youth from time to time. When he loves, he loves deeply and his intentions are always pure. Love has disappointed him when it comes to complete honesty and he was also not entirely honest. He is a man who goes to great lengths for the people he loves.
The chief is a great father to his son Ngqabutho. He has raised him well even thou he might have neglected his other children by paying more attention to the one who is a crown prince. Love has disappointed him that he sees it as something of little enjoyment but not to hold forever. It is because he has once experienced love that he understands his son position but also want to shield him from the pain of holding onto something that you will eventually lose.
“As the door shuts with a bang, I wonder if it will ever open again.”
The cover
I loved the covered. The raising of a young lady carrying fire in her heard.
Lwezi has come far, she has conquered and has achieved a lot of things that the society of Matombo considers impossible. She was honest about what she wants in life and the universe has been providing accordingly. She wanted the chief’s son and was unapologetic about it and got exactly that. She is a child who has practical raised here self so she was bound to make some mistakes.
The brothers are plain cruel and they are punishing the wrong person for whatever anger issues they have towards their mother. All of them have failed her and soon as their mother passed they saw her as nothing but an object which they can use to get quick money.
Nomasonto is now an example of the bitter old woman of their society. They did not turn out like that because they wanted to but because circumstances have led them to that . Their lives revolves around pleasing men in all ways possible. It has been instilled so much in their brains that it became the only the only truth they know. Dreams of true love and what it means to being young have disappeared along the way.
Ngqabutho the crown prince who is a hero in my eyes. The young man has a lot on his shoulder and his father has been kind by letting him enjoy his youth from time to time. When he loves, he loves deeply and his intentions are always pure. Love has disappointed him when it comes to complete honesty and he was also not entirely honest. He is a man who goes to great lengths for the people he loves.
The chief is a great father to his son Ngqabutho. He has raised him well even thou he might have neglected his other children by paying more attention to the one who is a crown prince. Love has disappointed him that he sees it as something of little enjoyment but not to hold forever. It is because he has once experienced love that he understands his son position but also want to shield him from the pain of holding onto something that you will eventually lose.
“As the door shuts with a bang, I wonder if it will ever open again.”
March 17, 2020
Being with him feels like coming home"
The heart wants what it wants but societal traditions are working against you this indeed is grasping at straws. The book is about Lezwi a village girl from Matombo, uneducated as per their custom but intelligent in her own type of way who ends up with the prince Ngqabutho "Ngqa" in an unconventional way, with many hurdles and secrets in their path and families. Can they survive it, as their love strong enough though I cannot wait for book 2 to see how the chieftaincy and family drama unfolds?
The book speaks a lot of their culture and how women are portrayed: "meant to be seen and not heard" such an eye-opener.
The heart wants what it wants but societal traditions are working against you this indeed is grasping at straws. The book is about Lezwi a village girl from Matombo, uneducated as per their custom but intelligent in her own type of way who ends up with the prince Ngqabutho "Ngqa" in an unconventional way, with many hurdles and secrets in their path and families. Can they survive it, as their love strong enough though I cannot wait for book 2 to see how the chieftaincy and family drama unfolds?
The book speaks a lot of their culture and how women are portrayed: "meant to be seen and not heard" such an eye-opener.
December 27, 2024
Hay marn, khanime ndinibalisele!
Have you ever read a book and actually felt the title slap you across the face because it just made that much sense? That’s what happened here. This is the first Yvonne book that didn’t stress me—like, at all. It was smooth sailing in the best way possible. From start to finish, it had me hooked. Everything I didn’t expect, and then some, especially with that title and the way the story began.
So here’s the tea: You’re the sweet, naive, only daughter in a family of boys, cherished and protected. Your bestie? The wild child, the one everyone in the village whispers about, calling her all kinds of names—including a slxt. Growing up in a community where a woman’s worth is tied to her virginity and obedience, the two of you navigate life together. But then, life flips the table.
Initiation school—a rite of passage. For your bestie, it becomes a nightmare. Her virginity gets exposed (or so everyone thinks), and the village does what it does best: shame her. No one knows the real story—that her innocence was stolen by her boyfriend. You were there. You heard the cries, the pleas. And later, you helped clean up the mess.
But you couldn’t take it. Watching her crumble under the weight of their judgement, you shout the boldest lie you can muster: “I’m also not a virgin!” CHAOS. The villagers lose their minds, your family is nowhere to be seen, and in the madness, you accidentally(not) drop another bomb: “It was the Chief’s son.” Whew.
Your life spirals. You’re put on trial. Your so-called brothers see this as their chance to offload you onto a toothless old man as his fourth wife. But wait—it gets worse. In a desperate moment, you expose one of your brothers for sleeping with his sister-in-law. Big mistake. He storms into your room, ready to make you pay by attempting to rape you. You’re saved at the last second, but your ‘saviour’ turns around and beats you for being “disobedient.”
And just when you think this can’t get any worse, the village’s Prince—yes, an actual Prince—steps in to rescue you from marrying Grandpa Toothless. Things start looking up… until you remember he’s already engaged to someone else, thanks to some ancient family agreement. Heartbreaking, right?
But the drama doesn’t stop there. You fall pregnant with his child, and when his aunt finds out, she kicks you out like yesterday’s trash. Your prince’s ex convinces you that an abortion is your only way out, but nobody warns you about the curse that follows shedding royal blood. When the truth finally comes out, it shakes your relationship with the Prince and unravels more family secrets than you ever thought possible.
By the end, you’ve learned that your saintly mother had her skeletons, the noble Chief isn’t so noble, and oh—your big brother? Yeah, he’s also the Prince’s half-brother.
Grapsing at Straws owes me absolutely nothing! Yvonne came, saw, and conquered with this one. Forbidden romance? Secrets? Lies? Family drama that makes you question everything? It delivered all that and then some. And with that ending? I’m packing my bags for Joburg just so I can read book two.
Have you ever read a book and actually felt the title slap you across the face because it just made that much sense? That’s what happened here. This is the first Yvonne book that didn’t stress me—like, at all. It was smooth sailing in the best way possible. From start to finish, it had me hooked. Everything I didn’t expect, and then some, especially with that title and the way the story began.
So here’s the tea: You’re the sweet, naive, only daughter in a family of boys, cherished and protected. Your bestie? The wild child, the one everyone in the village whispers about, calling her all kinds of names—including a slxt. Growing up in a community where a woman’s worth is tied to her virginity and obedience, the two of you navigate life together. But then, life flips the table.
Initiation school—a rite of passage. For your bestie, it becomes a nightmare. Her virginity gets exposed (or so everyone thinks), and the village does what it does best: shame her. No one knows the real story—that her innocence was stolen by her boyfriend. You were there. You heard the cries, the pleas. And later, you helped clean up the mess.
But you couldn’t take it. Watching her crumble under the weight of their judgement, you shout the boldest lie you can muster: “I’m also not a virgin!” CHAOS. The villagers lose their minds, your family is nowhere to be seen, and in the madness, you accidentally(not) drop another bomb: “It was the Chief’s son.” Whew.
Your life spirals. You’re put on trial. Your so-called brothers see this as their chance to offload you onto a toothless old man as his fourth wife. But wait—it gets worse. In a desperate moment, you expose one of your brothers for sleeping with his sister-in-law. Big mistake. He storms into your room, ready to make you pay by attempting to rape you. You’re saved at the last second, but your ‘saviour’ turns around and beats you for being “disobedient.”
And just when you think this can’t get any worse, the village’s Prince—yes, an actual Prince—steps in to rescue you from marrying Grandpa Toothless. Things start looking up… until you remember he’s already engaged to someone else, thanks to some ancient family agreement. Heartbreaking, right?
But the drama doesn’t stop there. You fall pregnant with his child, and when his aunt finds out, she kicks you out like yesterday’s trash. Your prince’s ex convinces you that an abortion is your only way out, but nobody warns you about the curse that follows shedding royal blood. When the truth finally comes out, it shakes your relationship with the Prince and unravels more family secrets than you ever thought possible.
By the end, you’ve learned that your saintly mother had her skeletons, the noble Chief isn’t so noble, and oh—your big brother? Yeah, he’s also the Prince’s half-brother.
Grapsing at Straws owes me absolutely nothing! Yvonne came, saw, and conquered with this one. Forbidden romance? Secrets? Lies? Family drama that makes you question everything? It delivered all that and then some. And with that ending? I’m packing my bags for Joburg just so I can read book two.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2020
What a read!!!
Some elements of this story made me angry at the beginning.
It's understandable that some villages are still ruled under patriarchal laws, women are still oppressed and belittled but getting to know the soft and caring side of the Chief that was presented in the story I felt like he could have done some slight changes to help women rather than always following unfair traditions.
I failed to overlook how naive our main character is, as much as she comes from a disadvantaged family but her cluelessness was not appealing. A vaguest notion of technology and morden lifestyle could have saved her many unpleasant encounters.
This is a beautiful story set in Zimbabwe mostly narrated in a perspective of a girl who respected her culture and hoped the ancestors will change her fate, she hoped for a better life, she loved a boy she traditionally shouldn't have.In this journey she becomes a person she never imagined she would be, makes uninformed decisions without thinking of consequences.
I loved how the author presents the difference between the village life and that of the city, the authenticity and modernism is easily imaginable, the characters were suitably developed and easy to connect with.
I loved how the author presented the traditional healer / sangoma in the story, she was one of my favorite characters, her willingness to appeal for others and keep peace was beautiful to read about.
If you haven't picked up this book, I suggest you do.
🌹
Some elements of this story made me angry at the beginning.
It's understandable that some villages are still ruled under patriarchal laws, women are still oppressed and belittled but getting to know the soft and caring side of the Chief that was presented in the story I felt like he could have done some slight changes to help women rather than always following unfair traditions.
I failed to overlook how naive our main character is, as much as she comes from a disadvantaged family but her cluelessness was not appealing. A vaguest notion of technology and morden lifestyle could have saved her many unpleasant encounters.
This is a beautiful story set in Zimbabwe mostly narrated in a perspective of a girl who respected her culture and hoped the ancestors will change her fate, she hoped for a better life, she loved a boy she traditionally shouldn't have.In this journey she becomes a person she never imagined she would be, makes uninformed decisions without thinking of consequences.
I loved how the author presents the difference between the village life and that of the city, the authenticity and modernism is easily imaginable, the characters were suitably developed and easy to connect with.
I loved how the author presented the traditional healer / sangoma in the story, she was one of my favorite characters, her willingness to appeal for others and keep peace was beautiful to read about.
If you haven't picked up this book, I suggest you do.
🌹
February 5, 2023
This book follows the journey of a girl from a village called Matombo who attempts to succeed in an environment that seems to promote unequal gender opportunities through cultural beliefs. Lwezi is a beautiful, good hearted and naïve young girl who often finds herself in unfortunate situations.
The book was quite an easy read for me. At times I found it quite predictable but I still looked forward to seeing if my predictions would be true. I love how the author showed that although some of the traditions need to be followed as they could result in loss of life, some of them could be easily avoided and nothing would happen. After this read, I am convinced that Yvonne Maphosa is obsessed with Akon, at least with this book his songs were not played all the time. One thing I have taken to heart and I feel was emphasized on the books is that 'every beginning comes from an ending'. This means that at times one must be willing to let go of the past in order to begin a new journey. It might be scary, but something must end in order for something to begin.
I hope in book 2 Lwezi is less naïve, more matured and is at least able to protect herself from some threats and betrayal.
The book was quite an easy read for me. At times I found it quite predictable but I still looked forward to seeing if my predictions would be true. I love how the author showed that although some of the traditions need to be followed as they could result in loss of life, some of them could be easily avoided and nothing would happen. After this read, I am convinced that Yvonne Maphosa is obsessed with Akon, at least with this book his songs were not played all the time. One thing I have taken to heart and I feel was emphasized on the books is that 'every beginning comes from an ending'. This means that at times one must be willing to let go of the past in order to begin a new journey. It might be scary, but something must end in order for something to begin.
I hope in book 2 Lwezi is less naïve, more matured and is at least able to protect herself from some threats and betrayal.
March 15, 2020
When Lwezi, an illiterate girl from a poor family, claims to have been deflowered by the Chief's son, I thought how apt the title: Grasping at Straws! But I had to banish the thought quickly as she and Ngqabutho quickly took to each other, even though he was a star student about to embark on a university career. Their love defies social class and education barriers, but the path to love is not smooth, even roses have thorns! Yvonne has a way of engaging readers from the very beginning, good character development, and several twists in the plot. No characters are simple: Lwezi, a simple rural girl, changes from the day she is supposed to graduate from initiation school, Chief Nxumalo has a deep secret that has to come out if he hopes to save his "nephew", Ngqabutho is groomed to be the next chief, yet apparently he is not the eldest son. Get yourself a copy and immerse yourself in ancient traditions, their mysteries, and how they are juxtaposed with modern city life.
May 23, 2020
Girl you have proved once again why you are my fave writer and i have been assured that my support will never be doubted when it comes to your kind of ‘novel language’ if you know what i mean.I have created Ngqa,Sonto,Cass and the king in my mind and obviously Lwezi.I laughed most of the time lol and i have been smitten by the love lwezi and ngqa share.I also have learnt a lot regarding culture,kingship and our ancestors(something ive always heard from elders).Cant wait for the y book 3 and grasping book 2 and babes its only fair we get one of them before december if http://possible.So long please suggest any reads that are almost your fashion,please!!! Once again🙌🏽👏🏽🙏🏽🥂.Well crafted,you are adored babegirl.
March 12, 2020
First of all Yvonne is that B,excuse my bluntness... And Lwezi is so relatable for me through out the entire book even... The story line is so easy to follow and the plot twists my GOD! I was never ready, sbwl book 2 for dinner tonight but ke patience is a virtue... If you go through reviews before buying the book, I guarantee it's worth every cent you're gonna spend
March 19, 2020
This book is so amazing the Author never disappoint I can’t wait for book 2. To see that has the Chief decided and what will happen to my favorite characters Lwezi n Ngqabutho of wish I’ve given them my own names team LweButho ❤️ I loved the book so much kudos to Yvonne for never disappointing us n teaching us more about our neighboring Countries.
August 18, 2021
Yvonne Maphosa keeps you turning pages with this tale of love.
What I find most interesting is the fact that she also touches on a number of social issues as well. She touches on patriarchy and how it affects women, but she also addresses how it also traps the men involved.
Definitely a must read. Can't wait to get my hands on Book two.
What I find most interesting is the fact that she also touches on a number of social issues as well. She touches on patriarchy and how it affects women, but she also addresses how it also traps the men involved.
Definitely a must read. Can't wait to get my hands on Book two.
March 14, 2020
When i held this book i could'nt put it down, work was a very big disturbance in completing it. I enjoyed this read. I loved the insight into the culture. The sangoma was my favorite characters.How I wish book 2 was already hear!! Keep up the good work.
March 19, 2020
I literally read this book in less than 24 hours and i was done. It keeps you yearning for more and i was unable to put it down. The is a turmoil i my head trying to think what is going to happen next. I cannot wait for book 2
April 23, 2020
8Big up to Yvonne your work is amazing.
This book took me on a roller-coaster of emotions and has left me wanting more, can't wait to see what book 2 brings...... Will love conquer all or will tradition be a barrier to the young couple....... I am ready!!!!
This book took me on a roller-coaster of emotions and has left me wanting more, can't wait to see what book 2 brings...... Will love conquer all or will tradition be a barrier to the young couple....... I am ready!!!!
June 9, 2020
Lovely book indeed...It represents our African culture
I love the way it portrays our different societies...I used to think most people are an alien to our tradition but no, maybe I was wrong...
Well done❤
I love the way it portrays our different societies...I used to think most people are an alien to our tradition but no, maybe I was wrong...
Well done❤
February 15, 2021
I honestly could not put this book down, literally read it in 3 days! I love how the author draws us in to this story and just makes it come alive. What better way than tell a story of forbidden love?
February 15, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed both books. She is now one of my fav authors. The book was easy to read and the humour from her previous books is present. So hard to put down, so will now download her books on Friday so I have the whole weekend to finish. A definite 👍🏾 from me.
Read
March 17, 2020Takes you through all kinds of best emotions, you wont be able to put it down till the book is finished.
March 21, 2020
My only issue is that it’s part of a series. I wish I could read one book and be done. Unfortunately now I’m anxiously waiting for part 2😔
May 3, 2021
What a good read! It evoked all sorts of emotions in me. I couldn't put the book down. Well done Yvonne
December 20, 2020
A good ride (V Motaung)
The story lines sweep the reader along with them, side to side, up and down, round and round..bringing out deep feelings of connections with the characters
The story lines sweep the reader along with them, side to side, up and down, round and round..bringing out deep feelings of connections with the characters
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews