Title: When Hope Whispers
Author: Zoleka Mandela
ISBN: 978-1-4314-0904-4 Price: R195.00
Publisher: Jacana Media
This is a story about a woman who has endured enough overwhelming challenges to fill several lifetimes.
Title: When Hope Whispers
Author: Zoleka Mandela
ISBN: 978-1-4314-0904-4 Price: R195.00
Publisher: Jacana Media
This is a story about a woman who has endured enough overwhelming challenges to fill several lifetimes.
Zoleka Mandela’s story has captivated many people as she is an excellent example of success, despite losing two kids at a very young age and having to deal with drug addiction. As if that was not enough she was diagnosed with breast cancer which tore her world apart and drove her over the edge.
Mandela is the grand-daughter of the late world icon Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, but even being from a royal family she has had her fair share of life’s tragedies.
The book talks about her triumph, healing and sorrow, including her an imposed double mastectomy. In one of the chapters she recalls how she was informed about her daughter Zenani’s tragic car accident while she was in a rehabilitation centre for drug addiction in 2010.
Her whole world came crashing down and her non-existent relationship with her mother meant that she could not find solace in her. Mandela’s road to sobriety was dealt a second blow when she lost her infant son Zenawe almost a year after Zenani had died which left her broken inside.
In less than a year she had also been diagnosed with breast cancer. Mandela’s story serves as testimony to the strength of the human spirit in fighting against life’s challenges. Her battle with breast cancer has made her look at life in a positive way as she believes that she been granted a second chance to make amends for her past mistakes and continue being an inspiration to women facing similar challenges.
Having to raise her only surviving child Zwelami while in and out of relationships also took its toll on her recovery. She recently gave birth to a daughter, Zanyiwe, earlier in the year.
This book is inspirational for those who are struggling and see no hope in continuing to fight for survival when faced with such tragedies. It gives a detailed account of dealing with trauma, stress and drug addiction.
It really is a collective read that unveils the power of healing through a heart-rending story of a woman who suffered great loss and through perseverance managed to overcome life’s obstacles.
