Nandipha’s 52-weeks book challenge-week 7

I’m sure we’ve all missed Nandi’s book reviews. Here’s another one.

If I Stay Right Here
Cwayita Ngamlana
Rating: ★★★★

The story is about Shay, a journalism student with a part-tiness, the need to be desired, the need to be wanted. It speaks of staying long after things have ended. It speaks of domestic violence, cheating, corrective rape, death. The book gives words to feelings many have not yet explained to themselvesme job who goes on a mission to get information for a story. This isn’t an ordinary mission because when she gets to the women’s prison she meets Sip. Who captures her and leaves her enchanted and tingling. Two months later they are embroiled in a steamy love affair that ends badly. But never really ends.

The story tells the tale of many. Those who have stayed in destructive and abusive relationships. The story speaks of loneliness, the need to be desired, the need to be wanted. It speaks of staying long after things have ended. It speaks of domestic violence, cheating, corrective rape, death. The book gives words to feelings many have not yet explained to themselves.
I particularly love this book because it speaks loudly about domestic and sexual violence in a same-sex relationship, something that isn’t particularly given the attention it deserves. This book talks about the trauma of corrective rape, a tragedy that is rife in South Africa. This book speaks the truth.

Enjoyed reading?