A Mitchells Plain pensioner has just published her second book and says anyone who has a story to tell should put pen to paper and not fear failure.
Lentegeur author Farieda Abrahams’ book Storm Within follows the success of her first book, called My Lover My Country.
The 63-year old ouma, who is also a Social Auxiliary Worker at the Sultan Bahu Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Westridge, says: “What made me start writing is when I was watching a show where comedian Soli Philander said, ‘Cape Town’s people have stories to tell but are too lazy to write it’, and this sparked a new journey for me, a beginning of me telling my stories.”
Her previous book was published in 2018 and Farieda says she could not have done it without the support of a local businessman.
“I had lunch at the Grillfather restaurant in Westridge and spoke to the owner Shane Swiegelaar, who passed away last year, about my dreams, and he helped me.
“I was so overwhelmed. I don’t know how but after that conversation, everything was paid for and I was able to publish and launch my book.”
Aunty Farieda says her new book delves deep into the socio-economic problems mense face on the Cape Flats.
“It tells the story of a young girl who moves from innocence to a world of drugs, Satanism, and prostitution. The book is based on a true story.
“Storm Within will bring you to tears and most certainly is a good read for young and old.
“The book also opens our eyes to what goes on in our society, and yet we are oblivious to the troubles that our youth face on a daily basis.”
Storm Within costs R200 and Farieda says 50% of the proceeds will be donated to Sultan Bahu.
The official launch takes place at the Salvation Army hall in Lentegeur on 4 December.
The book will be available to purchase from Saturday, to order call 061 461 8427.