The Veil of Maya

​Author: Chantal Stewart.
Publisher: Minimal Press
Reviewer: Gail Gilbride
The Veil of Maya is an exquisitely written love story set mainly in the Cape, Swaziland and 

finally the UK. Chantal Stewart takes us on a lyrical journey as she pulls us into Magdalena’s world of medicine, science and stars. As a geneticist, the beautiful Lena is first and foremost a scientist. And yet she straddles the worlds of mysticism, traditional African wisdom and Science. Her interest in Astronomy is what leads her to Gabriel, a highly rated expert in his field. It is precisely her critical questioning of aspects of his talk that lead to a first invitation and later to a hauntingly beautiful love affair. This is no ordinary romance, but rather the meeting of two commanding minds, who connect on a soul level.
When Vusi, Lena’s translator in Swaziland, brings her to meet Chief Ingovuzama in an attempt to help her understand the rural patients she is researching, her scientific beliefs are gently challenged and she slowly opens herself up to a new way of looking at life. Her interactions with Ingovuzama add a new richness to her own tapestry and memories of a childhood culture, mingle with the Western one she has embraced.
Gabriel’s world of Astronomy and love of the night sky prove to be far more complicated than they first appear. Gabriel himself is mysterious and elusive. Lena soon realises there is a lot she doesn’t know about his life. How she engages with him and moves seamlessly through the worlds of stars, science and differing cultures, is at the core of this powerful story of love and life. Stewart’s masterful use of language and attention to detail make this novel stand out as one which deserves to be at the top of an awards list!