AN AMANZIMTOTI author put pen to paper to share her transformative journey, re-contextualising the most difficult realities of her life and upbringing into a more positive, spiritual outlook.

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The Isipingo-born mother of one, Mano Ramsaraj, titled her first book, Labelled a Mistake: Chosen by God, immediately sharing with potential readers the journey she hopes people will be inspired by.

“The book is based on my life journey, but I slowly evolved it into a testimony and an encouragement. I love writing and it is easier for me to put my feelings onto paper. I was born out of wedlock and that trauma and inner battle has always been something I suppressed. I carried that emotional baggage throughout my life. When I lost two of my siblings, more recently my half-sister, all the circumstances surrounding her death pushed me over the cliff, so to speak, and all my past feelings flooded back in, inspiring me to write a book,” said Ramsaraj.

She explained that her book is not meant to target her parents, but rather to tackle her own feelings, which to a large extent have been bottled up for over 50 years.

Ramsaraj added that writing the book was an on-and-off process and she only truly committed to it after a holiday to Port Alfred, where she shared her work with her cousin, Daniel Perumal, who encouraged her to share her story and get it out there.

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“I want this book to be an encouragement to others who are going through similar things. People are often scared to give their raw testimony and this book will hopefully show people they don’t have to be afraid to speak out. We shouldn’t be afraid about what people think about us or what people may label us,” said Ramsaraj.

The book is supported with scripture from the Bible, and according to Ramsaraj, transcends her story and presents more as a guide to healing, hope and identity. With that in mind, Ramsaraj includes with each paperback copy a 90-day journal for readers to answer reflective questions included within the book and write about their thoughts and feelings.

Ramsaraj is quite into sports, outside of writing, and is an outgoing person who loves making friends. She enjoys watching television. She loves reading and is a studious person with several certifications in a variety of fields under her belt.

If you would like a copy of the book, contact Mano Ramsaraj on 084 760 6257.

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