I’m thrilled to finally share some exciting news: my debut novel , I Am Gift is officially out in the world! This project means everything to me. To some, it may look like “just another book,” but for me, it’s a milestone: a dream turned into 94,898 words. It’s more than a novel; it’s my first gateway into bringing authentic African stories to the world.
For those who have been following my journey, you’ll remember that I initially promised to release ‘James Bongonkisi’, my biggest and most research-heavy nonfiction project. That one is still on the way. I just want to give it the time, depth, and respect it deserves. So while you wait, I invite you to step into the world of I Am Gift.
What Is ‘I Am Gift’About?
In a forgotten corner of Malawi, where red earth cracks beneath an unforgiving sun and dreams are buried before they can bloom, one girl’s mistake becomes a legacy that refuses to stay silent.
Set in the 1970s in the rural village of Makalani, the story begins with sixteen-year-old Thokozani, a spirited girl weighed down by poverty, grief, and a fragile relationship with her widowed mother. When an unplanned pregnancy shatters her already fragile world, Thokozani is pushed into silence and isolation. Her cries for help go unheard. Her closest friend turns away. The boy she loves abandons her.
Cornered by judgment and despair, Thokozani makes a final, devastating decision that shakes the village to its core and shapes generations to come.
Yet from this tragedy, Gift is born.
A boy marked by whispers, superstition, and unanswered questions. A child born in the shadow of death, yet carrying a fate no one can outrun.
As Gift grows, he struggles to find a place in a world that both fears and pities him. He steals food to quiet his hunger, labors in the fields to survive, confronts a bitter enemy tied to his mother’s past, and learns to carry the heavy weight of secrets that shape his life.
Through vivid storytelling and unforgettable characters, I am Gift paints an intimate portrait of rural African life, its rhythms and rituals, its music and meals, its beauty and buried wounds. It is a story of girls forced into womanhood too soon, of women carrying grief too heavy to name, and of poverty that starves not only the body, but the soul.
Yet even in the ache, there is tenderness. There is community. There is fierce, stubborn love.
This is not only the story of a village boy. It is a story of love, loss, and survival, and of the relentless pursuit of belonging. Set against the harsh realities of life in rural Africa, it reveals the extraordinary strength that can be found in the face of adversity.
Perfect for readers who love:
- African historical fiction
- Coming-of-age stories
- Emotionally rich literary novels
- Stories about motherhood, identity, and belonging
Is It Fiction or Non-Fiction?
I Am Gift is based on true-life events set against the backdrop of rural Malawi in the 1970s through the early 1990s. While written as a narrative, the story reflects real struggles faced by many, making it both hauntingly personal and deeply relatable.
How Long Did It Take to Write?
The novel took me six months to research and write. But truthfully, the story has been living in my heart and mind far longer than that. Putting it into words was my way of honoring those experiences and giving voice to stories often left untold.
Why Self-Publish?
As a black African writer committed to telling African stories, breaking into the traditional publishing world has not been easy. I have reached out to agents and publishers, but the process is often filled with barriers.
Instead of waiting for permission, I chose to self-publish. For me, self-publishing isn’t just a fallback, it’s an act of ownership. It’s a way to ensure these stories see the light of day, reaching readers who deserve to experience them.
Where Can You Get It?
I Am Gift is available now on Amazon (both paperback and Kindle editions). For those who prefer digital reading, the eBook version ensures you can carry Gift’s story with you wherever you go.
Final Thoughts
Publishing I Am Gift is more than a personal success, it’s a commitment to telling African stories with honesty and heart. My hope is that readers not only connect with Gift’s journey but also see reflections of resilience, pain, and hope in their own lives.This is just the beginning. With every book I write, I aim to bring more African narratives to the forefront, to give voice to experiences often overlooked, and to remind the world that our stories matter. Thank you for supporting my journey. I Am Gift is finally here and I can’t wait for you to read it.