Lessons in Husbandry – Shaida Kazie Ali

A missing sister, an unhappy marriage and the possibility of a life beyond grief.

Years after her brilliant sister Amal disappears, Malak is still living in the shadow of that loss. Married to Amal’s former fiancé, Taj, she follows a familiar routine, running a bakery with her friend Rakel while carrying questions that refuse to go away.

Writing classes offer a way to explore her sister’s disappearance, while an unexpected encounter opens the door to desire and a risky double life. As Malak begins to see herself as more than the person left behind, loyalty, love and personal freedom become difficult to separate.

Perfect for readers who enjoy South African fiction, complicated family relationships and women finding their own voices. If you liked Happiness Is a Four-Letter Word by Nozizwe Cynthia Jele or The Memory of Love by Aminatta Forna, you’ll like this.

A trade paperback in Good condition: moderate wear and some page yellowing, with all pages present.