Secrets of a Woman's Soul

This publication recounts the story of Beata, a mother struggling to ensure a bright future for her daughter Linga. Told from Linga's perspective, the novel is based on actual events in Salisbury - as the capital of Harare, Zimbabwe, was known during the colonial era. It moves back and forth in time as Linga, who is preparing to bury her mother, recalls her childhood and the sacrifices made by Beata.

Determined to earn enough money to further the education of her daughter, Beata finds herself forced to have sex in exchange for a job. Ultimately, she contracts HIV.

The writer highlights the fact that discussions about the sexuality of HIV-positive people are often taboo - and that this stands in the way of people getting tested for HIV.

According to the author's website, sales from the novel are being used to establish a scholarship fund for young Zimbabwean women who have been orphaned by AIDS. Called the Mama Milazi Scholarship Fund after Lutanga Shaba's late grandmother, whom she describes as fiercely independent and ahead of her time, the fund will enable beneficiaries to embark on training in the business and information technology fields, amongst others.

Click here for more information on the publication.