The Purple Violet of Oshaantu by Neshani Andreas

Book Review

Author: Neshani Andreas
Formats available: Kindle and paperback
First published: 2001

Genre: Fiction
Notable quote: “Time is a wonderful thing. It is an ointment. It is a healer.” – Page 64

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Introduction

Have you ever read a book and felt like you were home? The Purple Violet of Oshaantu by Neshani Andreas did precisely that for me. I could not put it down. Every page transported me back home, filling me with nostalgia and warmth.

The novel is set in a fictional village based in Owamboland, where I am from, where the Ovawambo (not Ovambo, Ambo, Vambo, as we have often been mislabelled) of Namibia reside. Our tribe is divided into five mini-tribes, each speaking a different dialect, yet we share a deep cultural and traditional bond. From the very first chapter, Neshani Andreas’ descriptions of village life filled me with joy.

One scene that stood out to me was when the protagonist, Mee Ali, visits an elder for advice. The description of the traditional meal they shared was vivid and heartwarming. Having been in England for four years without returning home, this moment made me incredibly homesick.

Then, in Chapter Seven, Andreas writes about Mee Kauna, Mee Ali’s best friend, returning to her village. The traditional welcome she receives on page 77 felt deeply personal:

‘OMee Kauna,’ they cried out.
‘Ongaame,’ she responded to their cheerful welcoming.
‘OMee Kauna…’
‘Ongaame…’
‘Oye naanaa…’

Reading these lines, I was instantly transported home. Having lived in Windhoek, Namibia’s capital, for many years, I, too, was welcomed with the same warmth whenever I visited my village.

But enough reminiscence—let’s dive into the book!

Book Summary

In The Purple Violet of Oshaantu by Neshani Andreas, a sudden and unexplained death shakes the village of Oshaantu, exposing the deeply ingrained cultural injustices toward the deceased man’s wife and children. This tragedy also highlights an extraordinary friendship between two women: Mee Ali, the protagonist, who enjoys a happy marriage, and Mee Kauna, whose marriage is a living nightmare.

Through their stories, the novel explores themes of marriage, patriarchy, and the cultural norms that force women to endure mistreatment in silence. It delves into domestic abuse and the expectations placed upon women to accept suffering in marriage as a virtue. Despite these harsh realities, the book also weaves in acts of silent protest, resilience, and an underlying feminist spirit that lingers in the background.

Kauna, whose abusive husband dies suddenly, makes a powerful statement by refusing to mourn him. She does not shed a tear, and when pressured to give the traditional widow’s speech at his funeral, she declines. To me, this was an act of resistance—a political statement against the suffering she had endured for so long.

But what will happen to Kauna and her children after the funeral? Will her husband’s relatives, like vultures, strip them of everything, or will they show compassion? You’ll have to read the book to find out.

Writing Style and Themes

The novel is beautifully written and highly accessible. Andreas’ storytelling is gripping, with moments of unexpected humour and deep emotion. The plot twists and turns in all the right places, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its rich depiction of village life, enhanced by the infusion of Oshiwambo terms. This linguistic authenticity makes the story even more powerful and relatable.

What I Loved

• The seamless blending of English and Oshiwambo made the story feel more genuine and immersive.
• The feminist undertones—while the society in the novel is patriarchal, it is clear that women are the backbone of the community. With men working in mines for long periods, the women run the village.
• The portrayal of female friendship and solidarity. Despite societal pressures, the women in the story support and uplift one another.

What I Wanted More of

• I wanted to know more about Mee Ali’s own life. Since she narrates Kauna’s story, we don’t see much of her personal experiences. A deeper look into her own journey would have added another layer of richness to the novel.

Recommendation

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone over the age of 18. Reading and reviewing was an immense pleasure, and I loved every moment of it.

About the Author: Neshani Andreas

Neshani Andreas was a Namibian writer and the first (and so far, only) Namibian author to be included in the Heinemann African Writers Series. Her debut novel, The Purple Violet of Oshaantu, was inspired by her own lived experiences. She trained as a teacher and worked in a village school, which profoundly influenced her writing. Later, she worked for the U.S. Peace Corps in Namibia for four years before joining the Forum of African Women Educationalists in Namibia (FAWENA). Sadly, Neshani Andreas passed away at the age of 46 from lung cancer, leaving behind a literary legacy that continues to inspire. May her soul continue resting in eternal peace.