The Polygamist’s author says women see themselves reflected in her Netflix hit
Sue Nyathi, author of The Polygamist, believes her novel reflects the experiences of modern women, despite its exploration of a traditional practice. When she independently published her debut in 2012, it became an unexpected success, and has now been adapted for Netflix.
"People call me an overnight success," Nyathi says, but "the work has been put in over many years". Her novel, which delves into the "modernised, or perverted, version" of polygamy, challenges the lack of agency experienced by women within such arrangements.
The story follows Joyce, who believes she’s entered a monogamous marriage with Jonasi, only to discover he secretly marries and establishes homes with three other women. The narrative explores power dynamics, particularly the imbalance between men and women in a patriarchal society.
Nyathi, whose family has a history of polygamy, explains that while the traditional practice isn’t foreign to her, it’s the deception and lack of consent that forms the crux of her novel.
"I’m not against polygamy," Nyathi states. "What I’m against is the lack of agency. It’s wrong for the goalposts to be shifted once you’re inside."
