'The Purple Violet of Oshaantu' by Neshani Andreas

Mee Ali is lucky; her marriage to Michael is a happy one. Unfortunately, for her friend Kauna, marriage brings more pain than pleasure. Her husband Shange is a violent man, and the bruises he leaves on his wife’s body and soul are living proof of his brutality. Although the other villagers of Oshaantu are aware of her situation, no one except Mee Ali does anything to intervene. Kauna’s story, as told by Mee Ali, reveals the value and strength of friendship between women, and how their sense of community goes far beyond a mutual adherence to customs and tradition.