A Family Affair

Author: Sue Nyathi
Publisher: Pan Macmillan
Reviewer: Gail Gilbride
“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single woman of childbearing age must be in want of a husband.” (Jane Austen)
The Mafus are a traditional family of five, whose lives are all inextricably linked. Pastor Abraham and his wife Phumla seek to save their daughters’ souls, as well as to lead their church community in Bulawayo.  
Xoliswa, the spirited sibling, returns home after some time abroad. She is looking to begin afresh   and heading up the family business seems like a good place to start. The rebellious Yandisa has finally met the love of her life and she’s ready to leave her past behind her. Zandile is the newly wed daughter, who fully embraces a traditional role. She will be the one to show what happily ever after brings…
In many ways, I saw myself in all three women. So often our lives are dependent on fate, marital status and the way our partners choose to behave. In A Family Affair, each sister holds a devastating secret close to her heart, one which could ruin them all.
Sue Nyathi deftly tackles patriarchy, abuse and social disparities, as she takes us on an emotional rollercoaster ride. Her sensitivity and deep understanding of human nature, gives rise to richly rounded characters, who have flaws we can all identify with. Nyathi is also a master storyteller and I found myself reading late into the night!
Once again, the author creates a sisterhood I connect to and am fascinated by. I highly recommend A Family Affair, as well as all Nyathi’s previous novels.  
Heads up. Sue Nyathi is the one to watch, as she is indeed a shooting star!