Book Review: Bamba Butterfly

Through the eyes of a butterfly

Just as the metamorphosis of a butterfly unfolds from stage to stage, Bamba Butterfly delves into the intertwined lives of Imtiyaaz and Salma, navigating generations from childhood to adulthood, experiencing alienation, loss, and abuse.

Based on a true story, Bamba Butterfly is birthed from the voice of the author, Lead-in Lady, and shines a light on society’s harmful behaviours. It powerfully demonstrates how, through optimism and resilience, one can overcome even the most brutal challenges. What sets this book apart is its unique structure – it intentionally contains no chapters. Each excerpt flows seamlessly into the next, symbolising the strength of connection.

We spoke with the esteemed author Lead-in Lady to gain deeper insight into her heartfelt story, Bamba Butterfly.

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1. What was the driving inspiration that led you to write Bamba Butterfly?

Bamba Butterfly is an account of my parents’ life stories. I was deeply moved by their resilience, hope, and faith. Yet, I realised they had remained voiceless. My driving inspiration was to provide a voice to the voiceless – to break a generational cycle of silence while honouring my parents and all victims of abuse and alienation from education.

2. The title is quite intriguing. What does ‘Bamba’ mean in Bamba Butterfly, and how does the butterfly analogy relate to Imtiyaaz and Salma’s story?

The title stems from a childhood memory my mother (‘Salma’) shared. As a child, she would often wander hand-in-hand with a friend through a nearby field. They were destitute, weary, and deeply impacted by the brutal apartheid regime. One day, a kaleidoscope of butterflies appeared before them.

Amidst the language barrier, my mother exclaimed, “Bamba Butterfly!” – meaning “Catch the butterfly!”

Lead-in lady

That moment became symbolic – a command of hope. This theme carries through the story, as both Salma and Imtiyaaz continue to seek hope, even amid devastation.

3. Writers often grow during the writing process. How did writing this book impact you: spiritually and emotionally?

Spiritually, I’ve come to realise that true recompense may not always arrive in this world, but the reward lies in the Hereafter. Emotionally, the journey helped me to process my feelings with clarity and gave me the courage to live and speak my truth unapologetically.

4. How do you believe readers, particularly in South African and Zimbabwean contexts, will engage with your message of resilience and societal reform?

Bamba Butterfly was penned in 2019. At the time, I hadn’t yet decided whether to disclose that the story was true. I chose Zimbabwe as the setting due to its socio-economic resemblance to the real location in which Imtiyaaz lived.

I hope readers, regardless of context, will recognise that resilience is a natural part of the human condition – that we are capable of transcending adversity.

As for societal reform, I want readers to reflect on the fact that child abuse, child labour, lack of access to education, and neglect of core marital responsibilities are all prohibited by law. Yet, they still persist. We each bear the responsibility to act if we witness such injustices.

5. What success would you like to see in terms of your book’s reach and impact?

While most authors desire wide readership, my aspirations are rooted in healing. Healing for those who came before me, for myself, and for those who read this story.

The issues presented in the book are like haemorrhages – wounds from a society bleeding from its own failings. My prayer is that this story, by creating awareness, contributes to the restoration and healing of our communities.

lead-in lady

6. The story of Salma and Imtiyaaz touches on abuse, loss, and oppression, but also showcases the power of love, hope, and perseverance. What do you want readers to take away from Bamba Butterfly?

I hope readers understand, as I wrote in the book: “Beautiful beginnings do not signify beautiful endings, in the same way that difficult beginnings do not signify difficult endings.”

Our lives are shaped by how we respond to blessings and challenges. We must move through life with humility and a gentle spirit.

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Upon diving into the book, I was immediately swept into a rollercoaster of emotions – tears and smiles, my heart deeply entangled in its narrative. Exploring family dynamics and confronting societal deceptions, Bamba Butterfly teaches us that even amid turmoil, there is always hope. And if you look closely, there is always a butterfly to Bamba.

Amidst the intricate web of human emotion sits a butterfly on the brightest bloom. The wind may blow, but the butterfly remains grounded – planting itself firmly on the flower’s stamen. It is a quiet yet profound symbol of resilience. With wings spread wide to keep balance, it reminds us: even butterflies with broken wings… can still fly.