Exploring family and identity in 'The Village Indian'

Vanessa-Govender, the author of Beaten But Not Broken, and the children's book, The Selfish Shongololo, will soon release The Village Indian. In a candid Q&A with Candice Soobramoney, Govender reveals the inspiration behind her new book, her journey through life, her family, and the importance of embracing your unique story, no matter how unconventional it may seem.

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Q: This your second debut memoir. Why have you decided to hone in on your family and adventures; and tell us something about each character - aka your family - that made this book extra special?

A: The Village Indian is my second memoir, but it is my first dive into the colourful chaos of family life and village adventures. I chose to focus on my family because they are the heartbeat of this story, a gloriously mixed race crew navigating life in a small South African village with chickens, curry and endless shenanigans.

After sharing my personal struggles about surviving gender based violence (GBV) in a country ravaged by incidents of GBV, I wanted to celebrate the joy, resilience and absurdity of everyday life with the people who make my world spin. They are my family members, of course, my husband - the quiet to my storm.

He can rescue me from deadly creatures, which are in abundant supply in this part of the world, and gently inspire me to be a better human being, keeping me tethered and giving me the space to soar at the same time.

He is the quiet strength that grounds our family. The voice of reason when I am riled up.

The kids, all under 12 years old, are truly the underrated soul of the book. They keep me on my toes and teach me love is louder than tantrums.

Looking at my own history and family, there are so many questions that will remain unanswered because the people who hold those answers are long gone.

I always marvel at how my great grandfather at just 16 years old got on to a ship and came to South Africa more than 100 years ago. What would prompt a child really to make such a mammoth decision and what was life like for him in the time he lived here? It was a decision that shaped and defined every generation of his that followed. And yet we know next to nothing about it.