The Polygamist's creator says women see themselves reflected in her Netflix hit
Summary
Sue Nyathi, a Zimbabwean author, wrote a novel called The Polygamist about a man with multiple secret wives. The book became a big success after Nyathi self-published it and was adapted into a popular Netflix series, now streamed in many countries including the United States.Key Facts
- Publishers initially said there was no market for Nyathi's novel about a polygamous man.
- Nyathi self-published 500 copies of the book in 2012, which later became very popular.
- The story is about Jonasi, a man who secretly marries several women, while one wife thinks the marriage is monogamous.
- Polygamy is legally recognized in Zimbabwe and South Africa under certain customs, but the novel shows a secretive, modern form based on deception.
- Nyathi’s own family practiced traditional polygamy where roles and responsibilities were clear and respected.
- The book focuses on women’s struggles with lack of power and control in their relationships, including health risks like HIV.
- The Netflix version is filmed in South Africa, in the Zulu language, and features fewer wives than the book.
- The novel highlights women's perspectives, narrated entirely by the wives, unlike the TV show.
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