I Swear by Azania

 

Title: I Swear by Azania 

Author: Shaakira Ally 

Review:

As readers delve into this book, the meaning behind its title gradually becomes clear. Dingane, a Black South African, fell in love with Elise, a white South African. Their forbidden love led to a tragic loss of innocent life. Eventually, Dingane fled for his safety, and Elise married Adoni—a circus performer who offered her protection and stability.

Elise grew to love Adoni—not as a husband, but as a man whose kindness stood in stark contrast to the cruelty she had known from others. After years of using her body as a means of survival, she finally embraced a life of peace and safety with Adoni. Their world shifted with the arrival of Azania. But Adoni’s worst fear came true when Azania was diagnosed with pseudoachondroplasia.

As the story unfolds, Elise takes her own life. Azania often felt unloved by her mother, but Adoni tried to help her understand that Elise was battling an illness that made it hard for her to express love. Life with her aunt Jasmine, however, turned into a nightmare. Alone and confused, Azania sometimes prays, hoping God might finally hear her. Will He listen this time?

This story made me reflect deeply on the cruelty people endured during the time of Apartheid. Although the system was officially dismantled in 1991, its impact still echoes today through ongoing discrimination. Azania’s journey stayed with me long after I finished reading—her pain etched into my mind.

Rating: 5/5

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