Part Seven: Betrayal by Norah Sibotshwa review by Maina Wahome: ‘The Smell of Betrayal: You Sting My Heart’

Contributors and their story titles

Compiled and edited by Ndaba Sibanda, the contributors to this rich and screamingly spellbinding text equally burst into their literary spaces and pages with dazzling, delightful, and different magic that keeps the reader banqueting, drooling, and awe-struck.

Sifanele Sibanda sets the tone high with her moving movie-like story titled The Deadly Big Bully. Then Khumbulani Malinga marks his royal and entrancing entrance with his Love Letter. Ntombizenhla Nxumalo poses the critical question Is This the Way It Should Be? On the other hand, Pentecost Mate’s proficient brush intensely paints The Rural Bathtub. Robert Mugore smartly discusses and dissects The Devil I Know. Banqobile Virginia Dakamela rightly reads Money Changer-in Law the riot act. Norah Sibotshwa has no kind words for Betrayal, and Ndaba Sibanda is transfixed and staggered after spotting The Immigrant with A Difference.

Introduction

This is an anthology of eight hypnotising short stories whose language, themes, styles, depth, diversity, and handling all make it extraordinarily fresh, imperative, and haunting. The collection The Smell of Betrayal: You Sting My Heart presents a profound exploration into the pervasive and malignant nature of betrayal, portraying it as a malicious force that infiltrates and corrodes interpersonal relationships, societal structures, and individual psyches. The evocative language underscores the chaotic and negative impact of betrayal, depicting it as a metaphorical carcinoma that demands vigilant resistance and collective condemnation. Through vivid imagery and poignant observations, the compilation elucidates how betrayal manifests as a catalyst for upheaval and emotional turmoil, leaving a trail of devastation and despair.

Characters

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Pristine

Brice

Gladys

Pristine found herself immobilised, overwhelmed by a flood of emotions. She stood in deep contemplation, grappling with her next course of action. Memories and the distressing scene before her overcame her, and she succumbed to tears. She observed Brice and his young companion displaying affection on the carpet, exchanging kisses, laughter, and lighthearted conversation.

Pristine had long yearned to have a child of her own, but all her attempts had been in vain. Her in-laws’ behaviour, which she perceived as a mockery of her desire for motherhood, further compounded her discomfort.

Consequently, she and Brice sought medical assistance abroad, facilitated by foreign healthcare providers. Brice had also secured a scholarship for Pristine to pursue studies in Business Administration, while he took on a new role as head of the Finance Division at his company, necessitating a year-long training program in the United Kingdom.

Upon Pristine’s unannounced visit, Brice accused her of falsifying her trip and reacted with anger. "Oh my God, what is going on?" he exclaimed. "Why are you here? Why didn't you inform me of your arrival? But... why are you here? You're supposed to be in the U.K. For goodness' sake, I am your husband. You should have informed me, called me. I could have come to pick you up." His words spilled out incoherently as he approached her with intensity, struggling to comprehend the situation. "I will deal with you later, you barren woman," he screamed, completely indifferent to his state of undress. He then retreated to the living room, hurriedly dressing in the scattered garments on the carpet.

Gladys, shocked by the unfolding events, attempted to conceal her identity by covering her face with her hands. She, too, was an impostor, having become pregnant by another man but seeking to hold Brice responsible after being abandoned by her previous boyfriend. She had manipulated Brice with calculated deceit. After this revelation, Brice left Pristine, who had fallen asleep in the house and rushed to the maternity ward after receiving a phone call from the hospital.

"Yes, it's Brice speaking," he answered the call.

"You are speaking to Doctor Ncube at the UBH. Your wife, Gladys, is in labour and is expected to give birth at any moment," came the message from the other end.

"It cannot be. She is only four months pregnant. How is that possible?" he questioned, his anger mounting. "I am coming right away." With that, he ended the call and hastily retrieved his car keys from the bedroom. Without a word to the sleeping Pristine, he dashed out of the house.

Brice quickly arrived at the hospital, where he confronted Gladys and unleashed his anger upon her. However, Gladys admitted her deceit and begged for forgiveness, pleading with Brice to care for her son.

"You deceitful woman, why did you lie to me? Why, why, why?" he managed to ask, his voice quivering with rage.

"I am deeply sorry. I suppose I was wicked. I had this child without a father after my boyfriend abandoned me upon learning of my pregnancy. Hence, I thought that since you were so desperate for a child, I could bear him for you. I didn't care about the consequences for Pristine—I was aware of her pregnancy all along. I suppose I overlooked the inevitable discovery of my scheme. Please forgive me. Your wife needs you now," she responded, turning away, her gaze averted from his.

Tragically, Gladys passed away. Brice returned home and disclosed everything Gladys had revealed to Pristine. Overwhelmed with grief, Pristine burst into tears. In the end, Brice and Pristine reached a mutual decision to care for Gladys' son, despite the tumultuous events that had transpired.

Stylistic devices

In the story Betrayal by Norah Sibotshwa, stylistic devices are used to enhance the portrayal of the characters' emotions and experiences within the context of betrayal.

Rhetorical questions

Amid the turmoil caused by Pristine's unexpected visit and the revelation of Brice's infidelity, rhetorical questions are utilised to convey the characters' disbelief and emotional turmoil. Brice's exclamation, "Oh my God, what is going on?" and his subsequent questioning of Pristine's presence without prior notice reflect his incredulity and attempt to rationalize the situation. These rhetorical questions serve to underscore the intense emotions and confusion experienced by the characters in the face of betrayal.

-Oh my God, what is going on?

-Why are you here? Why did you not tell me you were coming? Bu--bu- bu—t why are you here?

Metaphor

Metaphors are employed to symbolise the characters' emotional states and relationships.

For instance, Brice's declaration of his longing to become a father and his affectionate gestures towards Gladys are metaphorically depicted as a journey toward parenthood. Brice's hands "roaming over Gladys' body" metaphorically represent his exploration of this newfound desire for fatherhood and intimacy. This metaphor enriches the portrayal of Brice's conflicted emotions and desires, highlighting the complexities of his relationships.

Similes

Similes are used to vividly describe characters' actions and emotions, heightening the intensity of the narrative. For example, Pristine's tears are likened to "babies on their first day out to play," emphasising the depth of her emotional distress upon witnessing Brice's betrayal. Similarly, Brice's anger is described as "mounting," suggesting a gradual buildup of intense emotions. These similes enhance the descriptive quality of the narrative, allowing readers to empathise with the characters' emotional turmoil.

-There were rolling like babies on their first day out to play. She could not control her tears any longer and started crying.

-She wept like a baby, standing there, watching and the painful reflection of the memories gone by coming back to her mind.

Flashback

Flashbacks are employed to provide insights into characters' past experiences and motivations, enriching the narrative with depth and complexity. For instance, Pristine's reflections on her struggles with infertility and her desire for motherhood offer context for understanding her reactions to Brice's betrayal. Likewise, Brice's recollection of Gladys' manipulation and deception sheds light on his motivations and internal conflicts. These flashbacks deepen the characterization of the protagonists, allowing readers to empathize with their vulnerabilities and choices.

“I love you and will always do. No matter what the doctors say my love, I will stand by you.” These were comforting words from her beloved husband Brice, after one of their now seemingly routine visits to the gynecologist.

“We have come a long way my darling and I cannot let anything come in between us. The doctors say you and I are fine, not a problem within our reproductive systems, all seems normal and now, it is four years – but no baby. Maybe we should just give it a rest now and see what will happen.” He was consoling her.

  The skillful use of rhetorical questions, metaphors, similes, and flashbacks enriches the narrative of "Betrayal," providing readers with a nuanced portrayal of the characters' emotions and experiences within the context of betrayal and deceit. These stylistic devices contribute to the immersive quality of the story, allowing readers to engage deeply with the characters' struggles and relationships.

Reviewer’s Biography

*Maina Wahome, a polymath from Kenya, is a linguist, educator, author, playwright, and poet. He holds a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed. Arts) with a specialisation in English and Literature from Laikipia University in Kenya and a Master’s degree in Linguistics from Universitas Diponegoro in Indonesia. Wahome’s expertise spans phonology, morpho-syntax, cognitive linguistics, semantics, and natural semantic metalanguage (NSM). His academic and creative endeavors reflect a deep commitment to linguistic exploration and literary innovation.

About authorNhora spent years as an accountant before transitioning successfully to healthcare in the UK. She loves literature, earning a Bachelor's in English and Communication Studies, during which she wrote a short story. Alongside her studies, she enjoys travel, music, and the outdoors. With an MBA as her foundation, she is now pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration. Nhora's diverse experiences in manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare give her a unique perspective in her work. Her various interests and accomplishments reflect her commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth, making her an inspiring individual.

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