Book: Why Am I Like This
Author: Qaanitah Hunter
The frivolous, colourful cover of this novel suggests a lightweight read. However, after hearing about it at its Book Lounge launch, where it promised more substance, I decided to give it a chance. What followed is a story that is entertaining, heartfelt and relatable.
Synopsis
Hunter’s protagonist, Farah Garda, comes across as an authentic character. She’s young, chaotic, lacking in confidence and has a tendency towards self-destruction. She’s trapped in endless student life on a trajectory with no direction or emotion.
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What to expect
While Hunter’s rapid-fire narrative delivers genuine laughs it also explores themes of bereavement, body-image concerns, psychological well-being, self-esteem and the exhausting expectation to have everything sorted.
Close to the bone for me was how Farah deals with her mother’s death. Hunter captures the disorienting haze of mourning, the surreal nature of funeral proceedings and the sudden craving for human connection.
The story is unmistakably South African through its characters’ voices and wit. It also embraces contemporary culture with therapy terminology, Ozempic, casual relationships and productivity obsession.
The ending left much to be desired, but I loved the overall core messages that self-love is a daily decision and not a destination, and recovery is not without its deviations.
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