Today, March 20, is International Day of Happiness, a day established by the United Nations in 2012 to recognize happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of people across the world.
To mark this occasion, we’ve curated a list of books that reflect resilience, love, and human connection, all set against the vibrant backdrop of South African life. One such book is “Love, Zola” by Zibu Sithole, which concludes the story of Zola, a South African woman balancing love, career, and family expectations in Johannesburg.
Exploring Love and Culture
The final instalment in Zibu Sithole’s contemporary romance trilogy, “Love, Zola” follows Zola and her fiancé, Mbali, as they prepare for their life together, navigating professional demands, past relationships, and family expectations. The novel explores commitment under pressure, showing how love evolves beyond initial attraction, and delves into cultural practices such as lobola negotiations, which are an integral part of South African wedding customs, as explained on the Wikipedia page on lobolo.
Another memoir that recalls the author’s childhood in the Coloured townships of Johannesburg during apartheid is “Shirley, Goodness and Mercy” by Chris van Wyk. This acclaimed memoir recounts Van Wyk’s childhood in the Coloured townships of Riverlea, Newclare, and Coronationville, highlighting the quirky relatives, friends, and neighbours who shaped his upbringing.
Finding Joy in Challenging Times
Humour plays a key role in the narrative, showing how laughter and storytelling helped people navigate difficult circumstances. The book demonstrates that even in challenging times, joy and connection can thrive, a theme that resonates deeply with the principles of International Day of Happiness, which aims to promote happiness and well-being, as outlined on the United Nations website.
Lastly, “The Woman Next Door” explores the long-standing rivalry between two women in their 80s living in a wealthy Cape Town suburb. The novel examines the fraught relationship between Hortensia James, a black textile designer from Barbados, and Marion Agostino, a white Jewish architect who designed Hortensia’s home, maintaining old-world attitudes and a sense of entitlement rooted in South Africa’s past.
Here are some key themes and takeaways from these books:
- Resilience and love in the face of adversity
- The importance of human connection and community
- Cultural practices and traditions in South African life
