Book Review
and characterisation of women in African societies and African literature: shrewd, feisty, sexy, and somewhat self-absorbed. The author is refreshingly and brutally frank, delving into the erotic by describing sex and sexuality as sources of pleasure and power not only for the man but more importantly and radically - at least among African female authors - for the women. Early philosophers, such as Michael Foucault have equated sexual relations to social relations, thereby establishing the intricate correlation between power and sexuality. Nyathi writes of a hyper sexualised modern African society, where women are preoccupied with money, spectacular dressing, their bodies and sex as a source of self-pleasure and power.
The author employs an old tradition, polygamy, to tease out issues of sensual enfranchisement and victimhood in modern African societies. I am reminded of Nigerian womanist and literary critic Chikwenye Ogunemi’s analysis of the re-construction of polygamous
marriages in modern Nigeria. She is keen to note that many young women now opt for a polygamous marriage to enjoy the security financial and otherwise - of having a husband and the freedom of him not being at home all the time. Nyathi explores the grey areas between agency and victim in modern day polygamy.
Reading the book creates a feeling of having an intimate and passionate conversation (or gossip) with a friend who has safely tucked away her judging spectacles. It is a light read and has a chatty flavour, but the message is heavy.
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