The Gold Diggers

Title: The Gold Diggers
Author: Sue Nyathi
Publisher: Pan Macmillan
Reviewer: Gail Gilbride
​The Gold Diggers takes us on a road trip, which leads to many journeys of the heart.
Zimbabwe is in an economic crisis and many of its people, both young and old, set off for South Africa, in search of a better life. Egoli, 

the city of gold, beckons and we, the readers, find ourselves in a packed Quantam, on the way to nirvana. Each character in the vehicle, has his or her own dreams to fulfil and demons to leave behind. Gugulethu is on her way to find her mother and begin a new life. Dumisani is intent on paving the way to fame and fortune in the mystical city. Chamunorwa and Chenai are desperate to escape their heart breaking home life. They have nothing to lose. Portia is yearning for her husband, who visits home once a year. Their son, Nkosi, is with her and together they will reunite with the man who promised them the world. 
Each passenger has paid dearly for this treacherous journey to a life of their wildest dreams.  Johannesburg city is paved with gold. Everyone knows that. But no one knows of the many perilous obstacles along the way, ones that not many are not able to overcome. 
Nyathi’s deftly told tale, is both lyrical and fast paced. I found myself shocked and tearful at times and at others, delighted by the author’s humour. Her insight into each one’s inner world, creates characters I’ll remember long after the last page is turned.
 The ending came upon me a bit unexpectedly and for once, I would have liked the author to slow down just a teeny bit.
 Sue Nyathi is truly a master storyteller and I’ll be on the lookout for her next offering.
 Gail Gilbride is the author of Under The African Sun