Reaching bestseller status

Tunohole Mungoba

In her book, The Untold, Albertina Nande shares her story regarding the silence surrounding childhood sexual abuse. The Untold deals with the perspective of abuse survivors as well as the perceptions that society has. “Firstly, it takes on my perspective and how I have kept the experience 'untold' for all those years. Secondly, from the side of the society; the fact that so many people in society condemn those that would wish to speak out. The fact that sexual abuse is a story no one wants to tell and a story nobody wants told,” she explains.

“I would say both the first and second book launches went really well, the attendance was good and the book sold quite well, considering the fact that I am a first time author,” says Nande, currently a fourth-year medical student at Cavendish Medical School in Lusaka, Zambia.

“The response from the public has been overwhelming and the reviews are really humbling. I feel the book has made a big impact, because I had and still have people opening up about their own stories that include abuse, loss, addiction, and rejection,” she said.

Nande tells The Zone that meeting strangers who share their own sorrow has been a touching journey for her. “I feel I have made a great impact but I also feel it is not enough, it’s never enough until everyone is reached. There is more to be done on my part,” she explains.

Pashukeni Naikaku, a student studying social work at the University of Namibia says The Untold has shown him why it is important for parents to build and nurture good relationships with their children. “This may help them identify unusual signs and behaviours in children who suffered any kind of abuse,” he said.

“The Untold is an amazing book. While it walks with the survivor on the journey toward healing, it also cultivates the spirit of forgiveness. I am thankful the writer shares her experience,” says Victoria Ndinelago Erasmus, who have also read the book.

Before her story was told, Nande knew she had healed but she wanted to empower others as well. “The feelings of shame faded after I released the book. It has placed pressure on me to deal with my emotions in a healthy way,” she explains.

Her book is not only aimed at survivors of abuse, but also those who are searching for meaning in their lives. “I believe sexual abuse has affected everyone in one way or another. I also believe that everyone has been hurt before and also that everyone has regrets. Somebody out there is battling with shame from certain mistakes or is carrying a tormenting burden they shouldn't have to carry,” she said.

According to her, her journey as an author is only beginning. “I would love to write more on abuse because the current mind-set about abuse in our society has to change,” she tells The Zone.

“I would say one without a copy of the book is missing out on an opportunity to live a life far beyond their pasts, pains and mistakes. The Untold is not only for the abused or the abusers, it is for everyone with a past, and everyone has a past,” she said.