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Into the Sun
In a village in Venda, Thandeka has a chance encounter with a business tycoon that offers her the words of comfort she has been longing to hear. They don’t exchange names but she is shocked to learn from a friend that he is a serial womaniser. Gundo is delighted when the beautiful woman he met in Venda shows up as a cleaner at his company in Johannesburg. He would love to get to know Thandeka better. He doesn’t realise that she has been misinformed about his identity and his intentions . . .
480 pages, Paperback
Published July 10, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 25, 2020
Into The Sun is Takalani M's fourth book and her first standalone novel.
It is no different from The Royal Mistress series in that it is anchored by big romantic love relationship. Thandeka and Gundo, an unlikeliest pair to meet, bump into each other one early evening in rural Venda. Gundo is in in a hurry to get home, not really concentrating on the road or his driving, while Thandeka is walking home, a basket of fresh eggs balanced on her head, lost in thought relieving the memory of her daughter's stillbirth.
As fate would have it, Gundo and Thandeka cross paths in Johannwsburg a few weeks later. He, a suave, wralthy and powerful business owner and she, a shy nondescript, her words, cleaner in his company.
Creatively, Takalani M ticks all the boxes. Into the Sun is romance mixed with the erotic sprinkled with a little fantasy. Who doesn't love it when the protagonists end up in a great place after undergoing strife? Adversity is great in romantic stories. It tests the protagonists' characters, but when our favourite couple ends up in a good place, that gives us so much pride in celebrating black love. The narrating is different. Takalani gives us two first person narrating. Man and woman. Gundo and Thandeka are strong as a couple and are prepared to face any challenge together and celebrate all their wins together. Gundo has a past which Thandeka grapples with, and their dynamic relationship gives them the courage to fight together.
More than Into the Sun being about love, romance, loyalty and fantastic sex, it mirrors contemporary black South African societies. The complexities of merged families, healthcare disparities, the wage gap, migration challenges, underdevelopment of rural communities, attitudes and beliefs in black post-partum depressive patients, the psychological impact of a stillbirth, paternity challenges; more than the misrepresentation of a child's paternity, the loss of that child from the misrepresentation. Which made me examine why as a society we insist that a child belongs to her father. There's no question as far as a mother of a child is concerned, but when things go awry, in an unbalanced and dysfunctional relationship, the woman is always threatened with the eminent loss of her children.
Into the Sun interrogates apartheid policies and how our black communities were designed. So far from our places of work that we ended up spending more time going to and from work, than working. Betrayal and the complex nature of co-parenting. Child maintenance complexities. How much is enough? We see black women and sacrifice play out in Thandeka's choices. The celebration of female relationships. Siblings rivalry. The loss of parents and child-headed homes. Unrequited love and the length women will go to just to rekindle a faltering flame.
Reproduction and infertility and the burden women place on themselves for an infertile partner. Manhood and masculinity reared their heads when a dark force was introduced in Gundo and Thandeka's relationship. So many important themes came out of Into the Sun.
The product placement was so beautiful to see. Got it. Believe in it. Flaunt it!
Into the Sun is a great romantic story. The content is hypnotic. It is a huge book, 474 pages, allow yourself some rest. Allow yourself to be hypnotised...
Our stories are powerful. Our stories are beautifully told. Our people write amazing stories.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. IF YOU LOVE LOVE, IF YOU BELIEVE IN LOVE...Into the Sun is the one for you.
It is no different from The Royal Mistress series in that it is anchored by big romantic love relationship. Thandeka and Gundo, an unlikeliest pair to meet, bump into each other one early evening in rural Venda. Gundo is in in a hurry to get home, not really concentrating on the road or his driving, while Thandeka is walking home, a basket of fresh eggs balanced on her head, lost in thought relieving the memory of her daughter's stillbirth.
As fate would have it, Gundo and Thandeka cross paths in Johannwsburg a few weeks later. He, a suave, wralthy and powerful business owner and she, a shy nondescript, her words, cleaner in his company.
Creatively, Takalani M ticks all the boxes. Into the Sun is romance mixed with the erotic sprinkled with a little fantasy. Who doesn't love it when the protagonists end up in a great place after undergoing strife? Adversity is great in romantic stories. It tests the protagonists' characters, but when our favourite couple ends up in a good place, that gives us so much pride in celebrating black love. The narrating is different. Takalani gives us two first person narrating. Man and woman. Gundo and Thandeka are strong as a couple and are prepared to face any challenge together and celebrate all their wins together. Gundo has a past which Thandeka grapples with, and their dynamic relationship gives them the courage to fight together.
More than Into the Sun being about love, romance, loyalty and fantastic sex, it mirrors contemporary black South African societies. The complexities of merged families, healthcare disparities, the wage gap, migration challenges, underdevelopment of rural communities, attitudes and beliefs in black post-partum depressive patients, the psychological impact of a stillbirth, paternity challenges; more than the misrepresentation of a child's paternity, the loss of that child from the misrepresentation. Which made me examine why as a society we insist that a child belongs to her father. There's no question as far as a mother of a child is concerned, but when things go awry, in an unbalanced and dysfunctional relationship, the woman is always threatened with the eminent loss of her children.
Into the Sun interrogates apartheid policies and how our black communities were designed. So far from our places of work that we ended up spending more time going to and from work, than working. Betrayal and the complex nature of co-parenting. Child maintenance complexities. How much is enough? We see black women and sacrifice play out in Thandeka's choices. The celebration of female relationships. Siblings rivalry. The loss of parents and child-headed homes. Unrequited love and the length women will go to just to rekindle a faltering flame.
Reproduction and infertility and the burden women place on themselves for an infertile partner. Manhood and masculinity reared their heads when a dark force was introduced in Gundo and Thandeka's relationship. So many important themes came out of Into the Sun.
The product placement was so beautiful to see. Got it. Believe in it. Flaunt it!
Into the Sun is a great romantic story. The content is hypnotic. It is a huge book, 474 pages, allow yourself some rest. Allow yourself to be hypnotised...
Our stories are powerful. Our stories are beautifully told. Our people write amazing stories.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. IF YOU LOVE LOVE, IF YOU BELIEVE IN LOVE...Into the Sun is the one for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2020
I always find such pleasure in reading Takalani's books
August 22, 2020
This book is an African version of Mills and boons😜😜: a journey of Thandeka and Gundo how they met, fell in love with each other and the chaos they had to endure for them to be together. Into the sun represents a place of peace, love and happiness. Takalani addresses issues of death and loss; exes in a marriage; postpartum depression and complicated family dynamics. If you are a sucker for romance, I highly recommend it.
May 13, 2021
I was intrigued to read this book but I think my expectations were a little high. This is an African Romance Novel and unfortunately not really my cup of tea at all. It reminded me a little of the Mills and Boons I used to read as a young adult. I found that the writing was just a little too simplistic for me with not enough meaty bits. It is however an enjoyable read if the emotional ups and downs of romance is your genre.
With thanks to NB publishers for my review copy in exchange for an honest review.
With thanks to NB publishers for my review copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2021
Took my time reading this book. I'm a sucker for love stories, but I must say it got a bit predictable for me at some point..great read nonetheless!
December 19, 2020
The queen of romance released this book and just by reading the title, you know it is all about love. Like her previous books, she sticks to what she knows better: Venda, love, drama and these loving Venda men... So if you are a lover of non-hectic content , where love wins in the midst of it all, and you still believe in love, get yourself a copy.
When Thandeka lost her parents, her extended family rejected them (her and brother, Thulani). When she settled in Venda, she found love but she had met a loser- he left her when she was heavily pregnant- what most losers do vele.
She later found love because life does give us second chances. It was very early in the story when the two fell for each other which then posed questions like, okey now they love each other, then what is in these other pages? Like most people who are lucky to find love, it is never easy. Thandeka and Gundo fight battles, day and night from their X-lovers. But I do not blame the Xs, who would want to lose Mr Radzilani? Though the x-wife had her drama
and reminded me of Linda from the royal mistress, Mashudu takes the cup. Haibo, witchcraft ye daylight🙄. In fact, I am not happy that the author did not give this character what she deserves. Like maybe have an incident where she will be hit by a runaway truck. That honeymoon scene killed me.
The story touches on themes like infedility, witchcraft, love, alcoholism, child neglect, depression and many more. Beautifully written, the drama keeps you turning those pages and it is an easy read.
Thanks Takie, you know how to give hope to the hopeless. Where there is love, there's a way indeed... They can try all the tricks in the book, if you meant for each other, you will walk into the sun...
When Thandeka lost her parents, her extended family rejected them (her and brother, Thulani). When she settled in Venda, she found love but she had met a loser- he left her when she was heavily pregnant- what most losers do vele.
She later found love because life does give us second chances. It was very early in the story when the two fell for each other which then posed questions like, okey now they love each other, then what is in these other pages? Like most people who are lucky to find love, it is never easy. Thandeka and Gundo fight battles, day and night from their X-lovers. But I do not blame the Xs, who would want to lose Mr Radzilani? Though the x-wife had her drama
and reminded me of Linda from the royal mistress, Mashudu takes the cup. Haibo, witchcraft ye daylight🙄. In fact, I am not happy that the author did not give this character what she deserves. Like maybe have an incident where she will be hit by a runaway truck. That honeymoon scene killed me.
The story touches on themes like infedility, witchcraft, love, alcoholism, child neglect, depression and many more. Beautifully written, the drama keeps you turning those pages and it is an easy read.
Thanks Takie, you know how to give hope to the hopeless. Where there is love, there's a way indeed... They can try all the tricks in the book, if you meant for each other, you will walk into the sun...
January 5, 2021
This book was soo good I couldn’t put it down loved how there were twists and turns but ultimately love won!!!
April 7, 2023
A roller coaster of emotions and so many twists! The author knows how to lure the reader in! Very descriptive while leaving enough room for mystery and allows the reader to imagine, making you feel like you are the characters. Some chapters feel dragged, allowing you the "frustration" to want to read further and not necessarily to stop reading the book but that's a very thin line between the two. There were quite the cliché parts, too: I found myself not knowing whether certain parts were placed there for the drama and the "juice" or they actually belonged in the story. I started reading the first 3 chapters and then left the book until 1 year later. Therefore, it definitely needed me to be in a very stormy part of my life to understand and feel it. There are "blank" parts that I wish could have been given a much louder voice, but I do understand the vision and focus of the author for this specific book.
December 12, 2022
Slow burn.
The story is a regular rags to riches - poor girl meets rich man, falls in love and they get together. But the story is more than just romance, it’s love, life and living it. The story followed their struggles to come together and the challenges of remaining together.
I liked that before they got married, their challenges seemed physical only but after marriage , the spiritual was added.
Themes
Loss of a child
Divorce
Heartbreak
Marital challenges - physical and spiritual
Postnatal depression
Dealing with ex’s
Work and career
The story is a regular rags to riches - poor girl meets rich man, falls in love and they get together. But the story is more than just romance, it’s love, life and living it. The story followed their struggles to come together and the challenges of remaining together.
I liked that before they got married, their challenges seemed physical only but after marriage , the spiritual was added.
Themes
Loss of a child
Divorce
Heartbreak
Marital challenges - physical and spiritual
Postnatal depression
Dealing with ex’s
Work and career
March 23, 2024
I won't lie, I found the book executingly long and I realized when I was too deep into into it that it's not as nice as I would've loved it to be. I loved the fact that it was simple and yet detailed, but the story bored me along the way. I have enjoyed books where one gets to see different characters views but I feel like on this book this worked against the storyline as it messed up the element of surprise for me.
September 19, 2020
I cried, wailed, danced, and rooted for Gundo and Thandeka. Loved it!
Read
March 15, 2021Takalani M is definitely on the road to success as a romance writer. In fact i think she is a happily modern version of the old Mills&Boon genre. She writes with fluidity, has a good story line which, despite the twists and turns, ultimately leads to the ending we all want to hear.
Into the Sun is a great read, capturing imagination and as lively as the author herself. If you’re looking for a light, easy to read romance then this is the one for you. Curl up on a lounger and prepare to be engrossed as the story unfolds.
Heroine Thandeka is the village girl from Venda who is nearly run over by a handsome stranger in her village. Gundo is there for the funeral of his son, she is still mourning the loss of her still born child and betrayal by her child’s father. In this surreal scenario they connect and share their grief and he gives her advice that resonates and comforts her. When Thandeka is recruited to work in Johannesburg as a cleaner for a big PR firm she finds, to her surprise, that he is the boss! But some confusion reigns through mistaken identity when Thandeka thinks he is a ‘player’ and tries to resist their mutual attraction. Ex-wife Diana is in the firm and uses all her conniving, wicked wiles to ensure their budding romance is scuppered. And so the story goes with a winding road to true love. I’m not going to give you spoilers but suffice to say things do start going Thandeka’s way but not without some nail biting drama.
Takalani M draws her characters well. We are behind Thandeka, wanting this strong and talented young woman to win and fulfil her own dreams. Gundo is a good man, deserving of empathy and his one true love.
This is Chick-Lit at its best so pick it up for a chilled weekend – after all - who doesn’t need a bit of love in their lives!
Into the Sun is a great read, capturing imagination and as lively as the author herself. If you’re looking for a light, easy to read romance then this is the one for you. Curl up on a lounger and prepare to be engrossed as the story unfolds.
Heroine Thandeka is the village girl from Venda who is nearly run over by a handsome stranger in her village. Gundo is there for the funeral of his son, she is still mourning the loss of her still born child and betrayal by her child’s father. In this surreal scenario they connect and share their grief and he gives her advice that resonates and comforts her. When Thandeka is recruited to work in Johannesburg as a cleaner for a big PR firm she finds, to her surprise, that he is the boss! But some confusion reigns through mistaken identity when Thandeka thinks he is a ‘player’ and tries to resist their mutual attraction. Ex-wife Diana is in the firm and uses all her conniving, wicked wiles to ensure their budding romance is scuppered. And so the story goes with a winding road to true love. I’m not going to give you spoilers but suffice to say things do start going Thandeka’s way but not without some nail biting drama.
Takalani M draws her characters well. We are behind Thandeka, wanting this strong and talented young woman to win and fulfil her own dreams. Gundo is a good man, deserving of empathy and his one true love.
This is Chick-Lit at its best so pick it up for a chilled weekend – after all - who doesn’t need a bit of love in their lives!
August 27, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️.8/5 stars
‘Into The Sun’ by Takalani M
This love story between Gundo, a rich business mogul, and Thandeka, a poor village girl, is filled with page-turning drama. When I started reading the first page of this book, I immediately captured, maybe due to my bias because of my love for romance. Takalani M gives us a multifaceted view of love and relationships in a modern South Africa.
Takalani M took us through twists and turns, and brought a WHOLE lot of drama. As fascinating and page-turning as it was, I do feel that some storylines/threads were unnecessary if they weren’t going to be developed. I was left longing to know more about certain chats and where they end up. Hopefully we find out in a possible sequel🤷🏻♀️
Have a look at the full review on my blog post, I go more in depth on my thoughts (#linkinbio)
‘Into The Sun’ by Takalani M
This love story between Gundo, a rich business mogul, and Thandeka, a poor village girl, is filled with page-turning drama. When I started reading the first page of this book, I immediately captured, maybe due to my bias because of my love for romance. Takalani M gives us a multifaceted view of love and relationships in a modern South Africa.
Takalani M took us through twists and turns, and brought a WHOLE lot of drama. As fascinating and page-turning as it was, I do feel that some storylines/threads were unnecessary if they weren’t going to be developed. I was left longing to know more about certain chats and where they end up. Hopefully we find out in a possible sequel🤷🏻♀️
Have a look at the full review on my blog post, I go more in depth on my thoughts (#linkinbio)
May 2, 2021
Just like I expected,Takie never disappoints......I found myself going through all Thandeka’s emotions ,healthy relationships emotions that makes it all worthwhile.....I like how she caught me off gourd with the engagement...I wasn’t expecting it ... I was thinking..oooh ...there we go again with a jealous boyfriend who can’t allow the girlfriend to live her life .... booom ...... I screamed so loud it was like it’s my own engagement....well done Takie.. I remain your biggest fan
August 20, 2026
Absolutely amazing. I was on the edge of my seat with each chapter. Takalani does a beautiful job of bringing you into a new world and making you absolutely love some characters while simultaneously really hating on others. I love that it is based within my country South Africa so it was much easier to visualize myself in the main character's shoes. A definite must read!
September 16, 2020
The Royal Mistress are still my favourite books.....I was hoping it was going to be similar. Its a fresh read the one that warms our hearts...
June 9, 2021
loved Gundo
Read
January 17, 2022My first book by Takalani and she's a great story teller
February 14, 2022
A good book which teaches us about humanity and love not based on what someone has
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2023
this is one of the best books i came to familirize myself with
January 5, 2024
Loved it. I cried my eyes out on on this one.
December 29, 2025
Ha
This was long and full of entertaining trials
This was long and full of entertaining trials
October 22, 2021
i enjoyed and loved this book so much ...Thandeka and Gundos love is strong and after everything they went through they still loved each other .i love it! Am looking forward to reading more of her books
January 22, 2022
Gundo- “Babe, what’s up? Are you being a woman nje? Or What? a sweet man. You cannot help but to forgive his little faults because even in them he wasn’t fully in control of things. Many times I wanted to slap him for his perfection because it made him too sweet and vulnerable to those who like taking advantage. I liked how he always bounced back from things and having a loving and supportive wife helped him a lot.
Thandeka- “Just give me time.” Her pain cuts deep. Her baby daddy/ex did a number on her but being the strong woman that she is even that couldn’t keep her down. She was hurting yet she woke up everyday and worked to provide .
I liked the patience she practiced with her brother, not giving up on him and remembering that somewhere done the line he was once a good and intelligent guy. Her patience paid off in the end.
Thandeka- “Just give me time.” Her pain cuts deep. Her baby daddy/ex did a number on her but being the strong woman that she is even that couldn’t keep her down. She was hurting yet she woke up everyday and worked to provide .
I liked the patience she practiced with her brother, not giving up on him and remembering that somewhere done the line he was once a good and intelligent guy. Her patience paid off in the end.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews