{"id":306595,"date":"2026-02-17T09:50:10","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T07:50:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/tygerburger\/?p=306595"},"modified":"2026-02-17T09:50:12","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T07:50:12","slug":"heartfelt-and-relatable-local-novel-surprises-reviewer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/tygerburger\/heartfelt-and-relatable-local-novel-surprises-reviewer\/","title":{"rendered":"Heartfelt and relatable local novel surprises reviewer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Why
Why Am I Like This book cover<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Book: Why Am I Like This<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Author: Qaanitah Hunter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Synopsis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hunter’s protagonist, Farah Garda, comes across as an authentic character. She\u2019s young, chaotic, lacking in confidence and has a tendency towards self-destruction. She\u2019s trapped in endless student life on a trajectory with no direction or emotion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Local authors publish SA-flavoured romances<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to expect<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While Hunter\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close to the bone for me was how Farah deals with her mother\u2019s death. Hunter captures the disorienting haze of mourning, the surreal nature of funeral proceedings and the sudden craving for human connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Review of ‘Why Am I Like This’ by Qaanitah Hunter. 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