A tragically beautiful tale that ends with hope and self-acceptance.

Looking for a heart-wrenching yet hopeful read? Look no further than Jane van der Riet's debut novel.

In this beautifully crafted tale, we follow Leigh-Anne, a woman battling with anxiety, depression, and family secrets that threaten to upend her life. As her struggles spiral out of control, Leigh-Anne is faced with an important choice.

Van der Riet masterfully creates a cast of characters that will hook you from the very first page.

From the unapologetically socialist, feminist single mom Gwendal and her daughter to Leigh-Anne's colleagues at Phambili, their sub-plots add a light-hearted touch to an otherwise heavy story.

The monologue/diary style narrative takes you on Leigh-Anne's journey, allowing you to experience the ups and downs of battling through mental health issues, prejudice, racism, and isolation.

Told entire from Leigh-Anne's point of view, the author guides the reader on the intricacies of internalised racism, misogyny, and self-loathing. The reader experiences Leigh-Anne's attempts to wrestle with her affluence in the face of poverty and inequality, her vulnerabilities as a woman, and the feelings of ineptitude we all face as humans.

Her coping mechanisms are questionable at best, yet the author doesn't magically turn her into a superhuman. Leigh-Anne, and all the characters, are given agency to decide which destructive patterns to break and which to moderate.

I deeply value Van der Riet's decision to portray the characters' journeys of self-development in a realistic sense. The workaholic dad doesn't suddenly stop being a workaholic, the rebel teen doesn't rebel less, but there are small changes that show an openness to growth.

The ending was a tad stretched out for my taste, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment at all.

I should also mention that the book deals with topics such as rape, abuse, depression, suicide, death, racism, and female pleasure. The author skilfully handles these subjects with tact, however, if you're a sensitive reader, be forewarned.

Following her journey was cathartic in so many ways. This tragically beautiful tale ends with hope and self-acceptance, making it a must-read.

I couldn't put this book down, and I'm sure you won't be able to either.

A huge thank you to Penguin Random House South Africa for gifting me this incredible read.🙏

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