BOOK REVIEW - PERIOD PAIN
Period Pain by Kopano Matlwa (Dr) #Africanliterature
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Jacana Media
Published: 2017
Genre: Literary Fiction
Setting: South Africa
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Synopsis:
A compelling story about how the broken continue to survive. In Period Pain she has poignantly captured the heartache and confusion of so many South Africans who feel defeated by the litany of headline horrors: xenophobia, corrective rape, corruption and crime and for many the death sentence that is the public health nightmare. Through this story we are able to reflect, to question and to rediscover our humanity. (Source: Goodreads)
My Thoughts....
At this time when the entire world is being held up by doctors and health care workers - when we’re all looking to them to save us and heal the world - not our politicians, nor our priests or pastors - do we ever pause to think about what they go through? Their struggles with under equipped facilities and over crowded hospitals? Their psychological and mental states?
I couldn’t have picked this book at a more opportune time. Told in the form of a collection of journal entries by a young female South African doctor, Masechaba (Chaba), reflecting on her struggle with menorrhagia, depression and self doubt, PTSD, Xenophobia and rape trauma as she pours out her deepest thoughts in her journal. Thoughts that can only be shared with God because half the time she is wishing her patients would die and be put out their misery. She hates looking at them. They bore her. She is not inclined to care for them. She is tired of listening to their problems.
She knows she shouldn’t feel this way. This empty, this uncaring, this hopeless, this sad. Maybe she’s depressed? Maybe she’s just PMSing, she says. But as you keep reading, you realize just how deep depression has taken root, ravaging her and finding a quiet disillusioned home in her.
If you’ve ever gone through depression or faced mental health issues, this book can be such a trigger because you know these feelings all too well. They are second nature. The hopelessness, the lack of will to leave your bed, the endless tears, the suicidal thoughts, maybe self harm. You hardly recognize yourself. I’ve been that girl and this can feel worse than death.
Matlwa’s writing is so rich and moving, I was left wondering which bits of this story mirror her own life. She makes you feel pain, sadness and the small victories don’t even feel like victories because they are yanked away as soon they start forming. I’m not even sure if it had a happy ending because when i finished, I only felt overwhelming sadness.
I highly recommend this book, but I would advise and caution you stop reading if it triggers your mental health struggles in any way.
I really felt what you wrote about Kopano Matlwa capturing the defeat so many South Africans carry—especially that “death sentence” of the public health system, which lands even harder now. The way she turns those headline horrors into a deeply personal story makes this review make me want to pick up the book immediately. By the way, I keep a free Zakat calculator I like to share: https://zakatestimator.com/
This review truly captures the emotional weight of 'Period Pain,' especially the poignant portrayal of a doctor's silent struggles and the devastating impact of depression. It's a powerful reminder that even those we look to for healing carry immense burdens. Reading about Masechaba's internal turmoil feels like witnessing a modern town of salem, where societal pressures and personal pain converge into an overwhelming sense of hopelessness. The recommendation to pause if triggered is very thoughtful.
Overall, the article was balanced and measured, addressing different aspects of period pain without overhyping it. Honestly, I felt like the information was pretty straightforward, which suited my cautious approach. I’d been reading up more on https://kroatien-ferien.com and the structure was easy to follow honestly. It’s interesting how sometimes these topics are discussed quite thoroughly yet remain approachable; I kept seeing https://kroatien-ferien.com mentioned, so I had a look, nothing flashy but readable.
Thank you for this insightful review!cookie clicker I’ve often struggled with understanding period pain myself. Your suggestions on coping mechanisms resonate with my experience, especially the importance of self-care. It’s refreshing to see such openness!
I totally resonate with your insights on period pain! It's crazy how it can impact our daily lives. I remember trying to distract myself by playing Geometry Dash during those tough days — the beats really helped lift my spirits! Thanks for sharing this important topic!