As a staunch reader of Eva Mazza’s works, I think it is only fair that I start with an admission. Upon receiving my copy of Eva’s third book, I was truly expecting to read about the scandalous goings-on of the Stellenbosch’s elite- as that has been the case with Eva’s two previous novels.
However, I was pleasantly surprised when I was taken to the City of Gold to read about the hassles of Melville.
I need to give credit to Eva for the amazing work she has done in this project- she kept her unique writing style, but with a whole new story idea that will remain in the hearts and minds of many readers long after they are done reading this novel.
In Christine, Eva narrates a story of a white middle-class woman who has to escape her abusive marriage in order to reach her dreams and independent life away from her comfortable space in Melville.
Through the protagonist, Eva shines the light on gender-based violence, friendship, racism, bigotry, religious intolerance, homosexuality, and many other themes which drive the narratives nicely along.
Perusing through the pages of this book, I went through different emotions. Firstly, the male characters, particularly Louis and Giovanni triggered strong feelings of annoyance and anger in me. Both reminded me why, we, men are trash. We hide behind our religions and money to commit outrageous acts on women on a daily basis.
However, on the other hand, I was truly inspired by how Christine beat all the odds and ended achieving what her tormentors could have not even imagined she could achieve.
The beauty of this book is that- is as a reader, you can choose what to take from the storyline.
Christine is important, timely, utterly engrossing and will surely save the lives of many women.
Eva, through the portrayal of this strong woman, has given every abused and tormented woman some courage, a voice and an inspirational story that will motivate her to raise up against the odds.
I think the only bummer for me was how a character like Loius was in a way left scot-free for his sins, which sadly is what happens to the majority of the perpetrators of gender-based violence in reality-they always do not pay for their sins.
Besides that, Christine is emotionally taxing, yet an inspirational read.
A sequel is something to be wished for.