A Book Review by Sithe Sikhosana
Happiness Is A Four-Letter Word
Author: Cynthia Jele
In the 21st century where the topic of love is as complex as Jacob Zuma’s marital state, Cynthia Jele comes with Happiness Is A Four-Letter Word, an intriguing fictional story about four friends who all seem to have a fair share of love problems.
Going through its pages, it somehow reminded me of SABC1’s Society and etv’s 4-Play: Sex Tips For Girls. The book is an easy read. Cynthia does not use big words to describe events, which is a plus, especially if you are caught in a story.
From the first page the book is climactic. It follows the same trend through-out. We learn of betrayal, heart-breaks, family values, love, infatuation, the miracle of forgiveness & the meaning of happiness. There are parts in the book where I felt were sensational & almost far-fetched. In this case I’m referring to Tumi’s story [ Read the book and you’ll know what I am talking about]. Each story has so much familiarity that each face you match to a character is of someone you are personally acquainted with.
I’m not sure if I liked the way the book ended. I suppose it’s for a reason, perhaps a sequel.
Overall the book is good read. Ladies would definitely enjoy it and guys will learn a thing or two on what’s going on through ladies mind.
[Book Synopsis]
Nandi, Zaza, Tumi and Princess are four ordinary friends living life in the fast and fabulous lanes of Joburg. Suddenly, no amount of cocktails can cure the stress that simultaneously unsettles their lives. Nandi’s final wedding arrangements are nearly in place so why is she feeling on edge?
Zaza, the “trophy wife”, waits for the day her affair comes to light and her husband gives her a one-way ticket back to the township; Tumi has only one wish to complete her perfect life – a child. But when her wish is granted, it’s not exactly how she pictured it. And Princess? For the first time ever, she has fallen in love – with Leo, a painter who seems to press all the right buttons. But soon she discovers – like her friends already have – that life is not a bed of roses, and happiness never comes with a manual . . .
By Sithe Sikhosana