For Ntando Xaba, writing is more than creativity; it is healing, truth-telling, and survival.

The proud mother of three daughters, partner, daughter, reader, and fashion lover is stepping into the literary world with her debut book, Eleven Lies and One Truth, a deeply emotional story that explores love, abuse, betrayal, and self-discovery through the life of a young woman named Nobuhle.

Xaba says storytelling became her refuge long before she became an author.

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“Writing became a safe space for me. I’ve always been observant of people, emotions, and the realities many women face in silence.

“I wanted to tell stories that are raw, relatable, and meaningful. My inspiration comes from everyday life, personal reflections, and the desire to turn pain, lessons, and truth into something powerful that can heal or inspire someone else.”

In the book, readers follow Nobuhle as she falls in love with a charming and seemingly caring man named Chidi. What begins as a dream relationship slowly turns dark as manipulation, emotional abuse, betrayal, and violence begin to surface.

The novel tackles difficult realities many women quietly endure, including gaslighting, isolation, financial abuse, and the painful confusion between love and control.

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Xaba says that, although the story is fictional, its emotions are painfully real.

“A lot of Nobuhle’s journey is inspired by realities I’ve witnessed within communities and among women around me. Many women silently endure toxic relationships, emotional abuse, betrayal, and societal pressure, and I wanted the book to reflect those truths honestly.”

She says the title, Eleven Lies and One Truth, carries deep meaning.

“The eleven lies represent the eleven women, eleven conversations, and eleven different versions of the same lies. It also reflects the false beliefs I held about love and about him. The one truth is the realisation that love should never hurt, control, or destroy you as a person.”

Beyond the heartbreak and trauma explored in the book lies a message of courage and healing.

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“I hope the book encourages honest conversations about emotional abuse, self-worth, healing, and the importance of choosing yourself. I want women to realise that leaving toxic situations is not weakness, but courage.”

Although the book has only recently been released, its impact is already being felt. Xaba recalled an emotional response from a colleague, coincidentally also named Nobuhle, who read part of the manuscript and broke down in tears.

“She asked me: ‘Ntando, did you really go through this?’ and I said yes. The following day she hugged me and said: ‘I’m proud of you, and I thank God you’re still here.’”

For women trapped in painful relationships, the author says: “Never allow pain to convince you that suffering is normal. Sometimes walking away is the beginning of healing.”

The official launch of Eleven Lies and One Truth will take place on July 4 at Rosebank International’s Braamfontein campus, where copies of the book will be available for purchase.

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