Title

Synopsis from the book:

Detectives in pursuit of criminals, a brother desperate to find his wunga-addicted sibling before it is too late, a quest to be reunited with a long-lost lover – these are just some of the searches that form the basis of the stories in this collection by award-winning author Sifiso Mzobe. Entertaining tales that keep the reader enthralled with tension and suspense, while reflecting the realities of contemporary South Africa.

Bookamoso Review:

This is a collection of short stories about different kinds of searching. The protagonists in each one of these brilliantly weaved stories are searching in some way or the other. A brother searching for a loved one who has been captured by the wunga drug before it’s too late. Long lost lovers reuniting, and detectives in pursuit of criminals while also highlighting the meagre salaries that these civil servants are served, resulting in police corruption. This is a collection that shows the realities of any kasi, like Umlazi where the stories are set. This collection shows stories of everyday South Africans.  

The book opens up with Lady Justice, a story that touches on police corruption. The sad reality of the struggle to serve the community, maintain one’s lifestyle on a low salary and many a family responsibility. I enjoyed how Sifiso weaved the 11 stories together with a few of them continuing with the main characters in Lady Justice, Detectives Zandile Cele and Gloria Ngcobo as they appear in a few of the short stories throughout the book. The story of Philasande and the Missing Girls kept me glued to the edge of my seat the entire time. Suspense is plenty on this one.

The title story is about a young teenager who has, through his wunga-addiction found himself involved with the wrong crowd. Thus beginning the search for him by his loving and concerned brother, Khulekani. The wunga drug took over his life so quickly, he moved from being a young, promising sportsman to a “neighbourhood thief”.

One is taken to Umlazi townships, and to Amanzimtoti in Durban with some characters. I enjoyed the ease with which Sifiso was able to transport me to each character’s situation and emotion. I felt rage at the abduction of young girls and then felt extremely happy at a happy ending in Never Forgotten. I love me a good happy ending after all.

Sifiso’s ability to grab a reader’s attention from start to finish is unparalleled. These stories of searching – in its many forms were carefully placed, and I enjoyed the flow from one to the next.

This was my first time reading Sifiso’s work and I am captured. A brilliant collection to add onto your library.

*Parts of this review first appeared on The Art of Superwoman Festive Launch issue.