Zimbabwean writer and author of The Polygamist, Sue Nyathi, was motivated to write her latest novel, An Angel’s Demise, by the lack of knowledge about African history: ‘I realized that I didn’t know the entire history of my country. It made me realize that, for a great part of my life, my existence was whitewashed. I knew a lot about European history, but I couldn’t tell you anything substantial about African history.’
First Draft is our interview column, featuring authors and other prominent figures on books, reading, and writing.
Our questions are italicized.
What kinds of books did you read growing up?
My reading trajectory began with the Penguin Young Reader series. That was what we were raised on in primary school. Then I graduated to Enid Blyton, the likes of Noddy and The Famous Five series. And then, later, Roald Dahl. Zimbabwe was a former British colony and the British influence continued to pervade our education. So, I read a lot of English authors. When I went to secondary school our curriculum was still steeped in English literature. I was introduced to Jane Austen, William Shakespeare, Thomas Hardy and the Brontë sisters. Outside of school curriculum, we read Mills and Boon and other American books. So, as you can see, my early reading was devoid of Black writers and African literature as a whole.
You were born in Bulawayo in Zimbabwe. What memory from your hometown do you cherish most?
When I was growing up, going into town was such a trip. The central business district of Bulawayo was carefully planned and built on a grid with avenues and streets. I loved that I knew where everything was. The familiarity and the orderliness. My favourite memory was the smell of food that filled my nose as I wandered through town: the warm and inviting aroma of freshly baked confectionary from Downing Bakery, the freshly baked pies from Oriental Pies, the greasy smell of chips from Sunflower and the lines that would spill onto the street. The burgers and chips served at Grasshut. I loved the sweet temptation of going into town and having my tastebuds tantalized at every corner. Now when I go back to Bulawayo, I avoid the town, because the town in my memory no longer exists.
What’s the first book you read that made you think you wanted to be a writer?
I would say the biggest influence would have been the Sweet Valley High series by Francine Pascal. The first books I wrote were modelled on an American high school series with twins named Maxine and Roxanne, who were white. Then I later wrote a high school book featuring Black characters because I had never seen Black people represented in any of the stories I read. My books immediately became a hit amongst the high school crowd. It is interesting to note that there was only ever one copy of my early books, but readers were so precious about them. A copy would pass through so many hands, but they took care to preserve the book at all costs.
My early reading was devoid of Black writers and African literature as a whole.
What’s the last thing you read that changed your mind about something?
It would have to the Bible. I am reading Genesis and getting new revelations with each new chapter. Most of the books I read reinforce the way I think and view things. However, with the Bible, I am like, oh wow, I had not considered that or looked at it in that way. Genesis is such a deep book when you probe beneath the surface.
What was your process for writing your 2012 debut novel, The Polygamist?
I did not have a discernible process. I just sat down one afternoon, started writing and the story flowed. It is a conversational book, written like I was gossiping to a friend. I had not written anything in years; this story just suddenly came to me. Then I shared it with three of my friends who loved it and kept egging me on to write the next instalment. And that was the writing process in a nutshell.
And when did this book start for you?
I wrote The Polygamist in 2010 after the World Cup and the excitement had died down. I was bored one weekend, had no work or plans, so I started writing and the next thing it was dark, and I realized I had not eaten. That was how invested I was in the storyline and the characters.
Looking back, what’s one thing you might revise/do differently if you were to write it (The Polygamist) again?
I would not rewrite or do it differently. I believe that the story was told the way it should have been. It is also true to the time and context within which it was written. The way it has been received also makes me believe there is nothing that needs to be added or taken away from that story. It is by far the most popular book I have written and still resonates with many audiences till this day.
How did your approach to writing change while working on your latest novel, An Angel’s Demise?
An Angel’s Demise was my first attempt at writing historical fiction, a genre I love. Growing up I read every book that Noel Barber wrote and I loved how he integrated romance and history. I had written the romance storyline, of two ill-fated multiracial lovers, in my teens. However, what was missing was the background or context of the story. Then I had to do a lot of research and reading on the history of the period before integrating the two parts. It wasn’t a seamless a process and I thank my editor for the surgical precision with which she came to the editorial table.
I wrote The Polygamist in 2010 after the World Cup and the excitement had died down. I was bored one weekend, had no work or plans, so I started writing.
An Angel’s Demise is an ‘epic saga that explores a contested legacy and the heartrending destiny of a family.’ Why did you want to tell this story?
I wanted to tell this story because I realized that I didn’t know the entire history of my country. It made me realize that, for a great part of my life, my existence was whitewashed. I knew a lot about European history, but I couldn’t tell you anything substantial about African history. And I believe there is a point in your life when you cannot continue to play the ignorance card, so that was why I wanted to tell this story. Zimbabwe is most known for the land invasions, and the land is a contested legacy as is our history. We still only know half of it. Initially I wanted to tell the story for my own self-edification, but then I realized that so many more people would benefit from this knowledge without necessarily having to pore through large volumes of history books.
And what’s one thing about the reactions to the book that surprised you?
That it became the first award winning book I had written. I was awarded the National Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences Award in 2023. Prior to this, I had never won anything for my writing. I had made it to longlists and shortlists but never won anything. So, that was a marvellous surprise.
You are the author of four novels. Which character was your favourite to write, or was there one you resonated with the most?
I don’t have favourite characters. I enjoy writing all my characters, otherwise they would not make it into my books. I always have a stellar cast of characters in my novels. That said, the book that resonates most deeply with me would be A Family Affair, because it draws a lot on my own personal life.
What is the most meaningful piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?
The most meaningful piece of advice I received was ‘Don’t stop writing’. After receiving a myriad of letters of rejection from publishers, I was ready to give it up and focus on my finance career. It was my late cousin, Nqobile, who encouraged me to continue writing even in the face of ‘No’.
What advice would you give to young authors in Africa and the African Diaspora?
Writing as a career is not financially lucrative for most writers. So, I would say to writers on the continent, write for love before you consider writing for money. That way, you will never be disillusioned if the writing career does not yield a profit. I believe that if you put love first, the money will follow. Money always follows passion.
I wanted to tell this story because I realized that I didn’t know the entire history of my country. It made me realize that, for a great part of my life, my existence was whitewashed.
And what’s a book that brings you joy?
The Bible. It is the only book that can honestly give me joy. Most books make me happy, but happiness is fleeting. Joy is enduring.
What’s the best book you’ve read so far this year?
The year is not over but I will narrow it down to two books: Broken by Fatima Bala and The Comrade’s Wife by Barbara Boswell.
What books or kinds of books do you recommend the most to people?
I recommend books that I like to read. I am an emotive reader. I like to be immersed in a book. The storyline must captivate me and have me invested fully. Contrary to popular belief, I read widely and becoming a judge for literary awards has ensured that I read books that I would not normally gravitate towards. I enjoy memoirs, family sagas, historical fiction and some romance!
Which three books from/on Zimbabwe should everyone be reading at this moment?
The Overthrow of Robert Mugabe by Blessing Miles Tendi, Langabi: Season of Beasts by Christopher Mlalazi and Drinking from Graveyard Wells by Yvette Lisa Ndlovu.
What is your favourite topic to write or read about these days?
Psychology—as I deal with the skeletons in my closet!
Write for love before you consider writing for money. That way, you will never be disillusioned if the writing career does not yield a profit.
What are you currently working on?
I am researching/writing a historical fiction novel and at the same time writing the sequel to A Family Affair.
Question from Onyi Nwabineli: Which author living or gone would you sit down with, and which of their works would you discuss?
I would love to sit down with Dorothy Koomson because she is a successful bestselling Black author. I would want to discuss her body of work and how she does it. With a catalogue of over 16 books, how do you stay consistent?
Bonus: Please suggest a question for a future author’s First Draft.
If you could choose an author to write your life story, who would it be?
Who do you think we should interview next?
Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu⎈
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