New book explores love in Midrand

Author Mbalenhle Ntuli explores relationships and tragedy in her new novel Loving in Midrand.

Though not from Midrand, the author based her novel in the suburb which tells the stories of Anele Gumede and her tumultuous relationship along with other characters who attempt to navigate their love lives.

She said, “I had so much fun writing this book and I just hope readers have just as much fun reading it.”

The novel has created somewhat of a buzz with many on social media posting pictures of the blurb from the novel, and questioning the meaning behind the setting of the novel and how autobiographical the story was. Ntuli shrugged off the idea of the novel being autobiographical and added, “I am not surprised that people think this way.

“I suppose when a story is that close to home you can’t help but think it must be somebody’s real life. I can promise you that the story is fictional, but I’m glad so many could relate to it.

“Relationships can be messy from anywhere in the world, living in Gauteng and being aware of social media trends, we have heard many stories from Midrand that we could relate to.”

On the setting the novel in Midrand she said, “Midrand is a multicultural and cosmopolitan area that has a lot of young professionals living in.

“It already has so many misconceptions and social ideals around it that matched my characters’ journeys. It made sense to set the book there.”

Ntuli expressed her joy at the book possibly encouraging people to read and engaging with South African stories.

“I’m glad that more people are showing interest in reading. I thoroughly enjoy reading books, especially South African stories that speak about characters I can relate to and towns I am familiar with. I just want readers to read something that they can enjoy and not take so seriously. It’s purely entertainment.”

Details: www.westparkpublishers.co.za