Happiness is a four-letter word

by Cynthia Jele, Nozizwe Cynthia Jele

Nandi, Zaza, Tumi and Princess are four ordinary friends living life in the fast and fabulous lanes of Joburg. Suddenly, no amount of cocktails can cure the stress that simultaneously unsettles their lives.Nandi’s final wedding arrangements are nearly in place so why is she feeling on edge?Zaza, the “trophy wife”, waits for the day her affair comes to light and her husband gives her a one-way ticket back to the township.Tumi has only one wish to complete her perfect life – a child. But when her wish is granted, it’s not exactly how she pictured it.And Princess? For the first time ever, she has fallen in love – with Leo, a painter who seems to press all the right buttons. But soon she discovers – like her friends already have – that life is not a bed of roses, and happiness never comes with a manual . . .

Genres: Fiction, Romance, South Africa, Africa

256 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2010

Reviews

[Ntombezinhle Nzama · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beauty that is in Friendship! I loved journeying through the lives of these beautiful women. Zaza and her craziness! Princess and her drama! Nandi and her confusion and the Sweet Tumi... It goes to show that whatever you may be going through, having good and supportive friends always makes the load lighter

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mesmerizing read indeed. I couldn't put it down. I was so sucked in by Zaza and her notoriety, Tumi and her great faith in Tshepo, Princess and Leo and Nandi and Thomas. Cynthia Jele knows how to weave a story together.

From the beginning the book totally captured my attention. Nandi's nightmare about her wedding. Throw in the return of Chris in the mix. We know too well Nandi's need for closure. It's an all consuming emotion but she just had to take things a bit too far. "The one who got away" should remain "away". Nothing good ever transpired from that association.

Zaza needed excitement back in her life. I get that, but an affair definitely has disastrous consequences. I am glad she got back to her senses an ended it. A relationship is never about one person. Tumi. What a woman. She held steadfastly to her vows. Tshepo is a lucky man. Damn lucky. Any other woman would've left him. My heart broke for Tumi though. Years and years of trying for a baby and bang! this young woman falls pregnant without even trying. What a blow! I was rooting for Leo but he became who I thought he was. A thieving artiste but I pray that they, him and Princess, work out.

Brilliant setting. Cynthia eased me into these 4 friends' lives so gently that there was no ambiguity about the characters. The plot was believable and dealt with contemporary issues. Love. Lust. Betrayal. Trust. Relationships. Fertility. Yearning and that big white elephant in the room " Unrequited love".

The language and diction matched the setting perfectly. The storylines flowed seamlessly and I loved that the chapters were titled.

Very well written and was totally captivated by the mini plots.

4 giant stars to the author.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I watched the movie when it came out last year before I read the book, I thoroughly enjoyed it but I realised the book is more detailed (as always) and the movie cut out a lot of things. But all in all, great read...well written and it was absolutely relatable.

Cynthia Jele took us through such an absorbing story where I found myself screaming at Nandi for being so stupid for entertaining Chris even though he put her through so much emotional turmoil to breaking down in tears when Leo raided Princess' house and took everything just to indulge his filthy drug use habit. Tumi's story on the other hand really broke me, the institute of marriage in this day and age is just so redundant. Men are out there ignoring their vows, cheating and having children outside of their marriage and their wives have to swallow the truth, grin and bear it. As for Zaza, now that's another story altogether. She had it all, marriage, financial freedom, a loving and supportive husband and she chose to ignore all that and throw it all away by having an extramarital affair which almost cost her everything.

I loved how she displayed the ladies friendship and how they were supportive and there for each other over the years. Also, they kept it real with one another - when someone was in the wrong, they called them out on it...fair and square.

This is a definite read for the ladies!!!

[Elliot Mogosi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book, characters felt real and life like, the plot, the setting, etc. It was like I was watching my favourite series. One thing I really did not like was how the character of Leo became Princess's living nightmare, I actually thought he was a good guy, I guess I'm a little naive. I thought the author will put him in a better light as to make people see foreigners as good and not as evildoers. Please note this is just my opinion. I'll recommend this book to anyone, more especially to women.

[Mary-Anne Lekoma · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was an easy read, not my usual cup of tea but it worked. The perfect book to get me out of my 7 month reading slump. Just easy mindless reading. The women are funny and relatable. Zaza's affair made me nervous on her behalf. The ending was ok, not completely dissapointing just ok.

[Tumelo Moleleki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was 293 pages long and not 256 like this website says... not sure why there is that difference.

I have read on other reviews where it is said that there was a blow-by-blow account of each character's thoughts and feelings at every moment and for the life of me I cannot find anywhere in the book where it rang true for my reading experience.

The lessons in this book are huge but I find that I don't like that there are so many double standards in society. Tumi and Tshepo's situation as well as Zaza and Bheki's were the most irksome for me. On the one, the shoe is on the one foot while on the other it is reversed. The 'my situation is not the same as yours' righteous argument always rears its ugly head when confrontations ensue about bad choices made.

Another thing is, if I were Thomas, how could I trust someone so flaky? She starts a situation and when the chickens come home to roost she feels entitled to attention and attentiveness and is okay to get it elsewhere when not getting it from me? What kind of warped thinking is this, and yet I have been exposed to aspects of this thought 'leadership' among those I have known in my life.

I did not like the fact that it rang so true to real life in that people who mess up seem to get off scot-free in a way. Personally I wanted more agony and heartache for the people who made bad choices but the writer did not let us in on the torture these characters experienced before all was forgiven. It seemed the victims suffered more than the perps and were still willing to let bygones be bygones way too easily. I guess some people have forgiveness in abundance.

Well done Cynthia on an engaging read.

[Nqobile Msiza · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, I loved the book way more than the movie (and trust me, I enjoyed the movie too!). This story hits differently because it’s all about those real, authentic friendships that get you through the messy, hard stuff. It made me realize how important it is to hold tight to what you have instead of constantly chasing what’s missing. Sure, the ladies seem to have these perfect, glamorous lives on the surface, but they each have their own battles; and the best part? They’ve got each other’s backs every single step of the way. It’s like friendship goals on a whole new level. If you want a juicy, heartfelt read about love, loyalty, and the messy magic of life, this book’s got you covered!

[Vuvu Vena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a reread for me. First read the book when it came out 9 years ago so you can imagine how I feel about it now and how much more I relate with the characters being in their age range. You can view the review on my blog www.vuvuvenareads.com

[Bala Mudaly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Happiness is a Four-Letter Word
By Cynthia Jele
I read Happiness is a Four-Letter Word (2010) after being very impressed with Jele’s recent novel The Ones with Purpose. While I found the latter deep and moving, Happiness was a relatively light and entertaining read. Of course, this may be because I’m a male, a grandfather and have no experience of life in Johannesburg.
Happiness is a Four-Letter Word is about four thirty something urban career women (Zaza, Nandi, Tumi and Princess) who have forged an enduring friendship (fab-four) which serves as anchor in their fast moving, uncertain lives. From the prolific favourable reviews online, it is obvious to me that Happiness proved to be a big hit among young women readers. They seem to be captivated by and identity with these four earnest women who are in constant pursuit of the perfect lifestyle inclusive of the right guy, the right career, and the right dose of material/sensual comfort - all of which together equate for them the essence of ultimate happiness. But that perfect life seems not within their grasp. They mostly feel troubled and not entirely in control. Each of the women at some painful moment of personal crisis realises that nothing, but nothing, is for sure
The novel reminded me of a popular American TV series called Sex in the City. Urban life it seems accentuates a universal human condition. We bring on dissatisfaction and suffering for ourselves. And yet yearn for stability and certainty. We fool ourselves repeatedly in believing that the grass is sweeter over the fence in the neighbour’s field – and we go for it. Jele gets her characters to voice this dilemma.
Zaza: What I do know is the big house and the cars and money doesn’t guarantee one’s happiness. Sometimes you have everything and yet have nothing.’
Tembi: ‘Happiness? Do you even know this happiness?’
Nandi: ‘Why aren’t we satisfied with what we have? Why are we always picking holes, finding areas of dissatisfaction in our jobs and our relationships and everywhere else? What are we searching for?
Zaza: ‘She (Thembi) thinks we modern women don’t know what we want.’
Jele, herself says in a revealing interview that at the time she wrote Happiness Is a Four-Letter Word she remembered ‘wanting everything—love, money, a good job, great friendships, health—everything.’
Hence the central theme of novel seems to be the journey towards maturity of four young women living in the fast lane of urban affluence. Theirs is a make-believe world where old-fashioned values and certainties unravel at apace. They learn the realities of life (about happiness and relationships) the hard way. In the process, each of the four women holds the mirror for the others – and of course for young readers too.
The novel is also uniquely South African in that it is about four black women, most likely born in townships on the outskirts of Johannesburg during the dying days of Apartheid, who then grow up and lapping up middle-class urban opportunities in new South Africa.
I found the novel an easy read, the writing clear and immediate. There was enough tension and pace to mostly hold my attention. However, I found the ending somewhat of a damp squib, although I’m not sure what I expected.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading this book. The women taught me that indeed having everything can mean absolutely nothing to you when you lack satisfaction.

What stood out the most for me was how big Tumi’s heart is. Even after such intense pain and disappointment from her husband she still had the heart to forgive him!? She’s certainly a better woman than me.

As for Nandi!? Oh she deserves everything Thomas gave to her.
I’m still wondering if Princess’ mother’s passing was an accident or what…
Her father should be behind bars for all I know.


Leo truly disappointed me and to be quite honest I expected that from him. Big ups to Princess for forgiving him after that torment.

Overall this was such a great read. I’d definitely recommend this book to all young women who are in the dating pool or are newlyweds.

[Sainang Tsotetsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's one of the very few books I've read twice. I fell in love with Cynthia Jele's art of story telling as early as the first chapter. It's easy to read, follow and it's entertaining. In this book Cynthia beautifully portrays the beauty and dynamics of friendship, in a way that makes one wish to belong to a similar group of friends. The characters of Tumi, Princess, Zaza and Nandi made me imagine a similar group of male friends. It's truly engaging. I've lost count of the number of people I've recommended this book.

[Scott Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the type of book I usually read. The metaphors were corny and some of the characters' thoughts were cringeworthy. What the book lacks in depth it makes up for in conviction. It made me call my ex-girlfriend. Not sure why the movie reduced the sisterhood from 4 women to 3 but I wasn't compelled to watch it. A good holiday read if you're contemplating lost love.

[Sarah Makumbe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading the book, could not put it down. Relatable book that explores the themes of friendship, marriage and different forms of abuse. The author balances the four main characters throughout the book.

[Rirhandzu Rissenga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely written novel, very easy to read. It was such a roller coaster typical life of jhb women. The movie only depicted half of the story and sad to see that Tumi’s character was left out in the movie.

[Vania EM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I watched the movie years ago, enjoyed it quite a lot and the book is even better. I now understand where some of the characters were coming from. It's something that’s difficult to convey on screen. Will continue to read the author. Her style is pleasant.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book after I had watched the movie.

[Sipho Lukhele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book. Felt like I was part of the friendship circle.

Well done Ms. Jele, I am a big fan now :-)

[Preethi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its a very easy to read book that deals with relevant issues that women face : love, infidelity, infertility, work, friendship... That being said, I don't need to be told every single thought every single character had at every single moment. I was also disappointed with the outcomes of some of the characters story arc's.. It seems that its okay for bad people to do bad things and move on.

[Refiloe Nkadimeng ********** · Rating 4 out of 5]

The moment i started from the fisrt page , i did not want to put it down. Very well written telling the story about four ladies who are in search for happiness or should i say destinity. I cannt wait for the second book....

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

This South African novel about a high knit friend group was a so so rea. The men all seem unreliable and irresponsible and the women seem to accept their behavior. Additionally,the author left too many open ends for my liking.

[Zozo Mogoera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read. Stories i could relate to. Made sure i finished book before i saw movie. Enjoyed both. Thought they could have cast better for some of the male roles.

Nozizwe is a peach. Thoroughly enjoyed time spent with her during our review.

[Christiana Ajilore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable read, especially in relation to each of the characters realistic life struggles. It was also good to read a book that showed the good and complexity of "love" whilst also getting a sense of a true friendship amongst the women.

[Tiah]

A light read for the beach, of friendship and relationship challenges.

[Sisikelelwe Tshofela]

I would have enjoyed a more interesting plot..good anyhow

[Nicky Ramarumo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the book.

[Ntebaleng Molewa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book and felt like I could connect with all of the characters.
Cynthia Jele is someone to look out for. She writes beautifully!

[Café Africa Africa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sex and the city in african style!

[Annabell · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a charming and easy read. Couldnt put it down - read it in two days. I can relate to aspects of each character. Def must read.

[Nu Madela · Rating 5 out of 5]

intriguing

[Lungile]

Fun!