Zandile the Resolute is the second in Dudu Busani-Dube's blockbuster Hlomu series. This novel continues the story of the eight Zulu brothers. Rich, handsome, powerful, dangerous and the wealthiest and most powerful families in Johannesburg, Zandile is the wife of the first brother Nkosana, their love story is like a South African township Romeo and Juliet, their families hate each other but their love is so strong, it endures all the hatred, the deaths and even prison time.
Book reviews from
I did an overall series review on the Hlomu page.
Zandile is my favourite book of the series. I love Zandile the character for standing her ground and knowing her strengths without totally succumbing to her weaknesses. Of all the girls, she's the one who seems to know when to push and when to fall back. Controlling and intimidating as Nkosana gets, Zandile knows how to manage him without wreaking havoc in her home. She's smart.
I would've loved to see her shown more respect, and more consideration. She is, after all, the one who knows them far more than most. Yes, Hlomu has seen them through tough times, and stood by them. But, Zah showed loyalty before they had anything. She loved them when it was inconvenient and dangerous. Hell, she showed them she's up to the task when it comes to protecting her family, and paid dearly. I find it a bit frustrating that they feel a need to keep her out of the loop even when they bring Hlomu in.
She's much tougher than they give her credit for, and deserves her dues.
Goodreads, Meza, 27 August 2017
Zandile is my favourite Zulu wife. The University of life really schooled her. I love how she supported and loved them even when they had nothing and they were doing their cash heists to ''organise" money for their first taxi. Similarly, to Hlomu, I read it in two sittings and it is a masterpiece of modern literature.
Goodreads, Mpho Bernadette, 13 December 2017
Dudu Busani-Dube is an amazing storyteller and her books are captivating and entertaining. I enjoyed reading about the love Nkosana and Zanele share, and the sheer strength and resilience she portrays. Hlomu is still my favourite book so far though. But that takes nothing from this one. Highly recommended series
Dudu Busani-Dube is the author of the popular Hlomu series of self-published novels, being Hlomu the Wife, Zandile the Resolute, and Naledi his Love, which has sold tens of thousands of copies.
Zandile is my favourite book of the series . I love Zandile the charecter for standing her ground and knowing her strengths without totally succumbing to her weaknesses. Of all the girls, she's the one who seems to know when to push and when to fall back. Controlling & intimidating as Nkosana gets, Zandile knows how to manage him without wreaking havoc in her home. She's smart.
I would've loved to see her shown more respect, and more consideration. She is, after all, the one who knows them far more than most. Yes, Hlomu has seen them through tough times, and stood by them. But, Zah showed loyalty before they had anything. She loved them when it was inconvenient and dangerous. Hell, she showed them she's up to the task when it comes to protecting her family, and paid dearly. I find it a bit frustrating that they feel a need to keep her out of the loop even when they bring Hlomu in. She's much tougher than they give her credit for, and deserves her dues.
The 2nd book in the Hlomu series is a serious page-turner. Zandile The Resolute, is full of drama and suspense as but Zandile was not strong enough as the main character/protagonist. The last chapter could have asserted her position but strangely, her voice was further weakened by the abrupt change of narrator. I was a bit disappointed that the issue of typos that pervaded the first book continued in the second book.
I'm reading this book for the 2nd time and I'm really appreciating this story. It grips you from the 1st page to the last! So looking forwards to reading Naledi again!
I struggled to put this book down or sleep as I was so immersed in the book. It is definitely a three book series and not a separate book. Dudu is a real strategist. She made a few chapters available online which is a great way to get you buy the full book. Like the 1st book I loved reading this book. The downside is that there are spelling errors which is unforgivable. As a professional you can't afford to make spelling mistakes. In addition there are some parts of the book that felt like they were just added in but they are unnecessary.
I give this book only 4 stars because I don't think Zandile was strong of a character for this book. It was full of drama and suspense and the end was really not how I expected it because many issues were not addressed. We don't know what happen to the snake issue, the siseko issue was never addressed. The ending really disappointed me especially when Hlomu the wife was so amazing. I still love the authors books but I just think the book could have ended much better.
Zandile is my favourite Zulu wife. The University of life really schooled her. I love how she supported and loved them even when they had nothing and they were doing their cash heists to ''organize" money for their first taxi. Similarly to Hlomu, I read it in 2 sittings and is a masterpiece of modern literature.
This might be my favourite of the series. I have only read Hlomu (the first book) and this one.
I appreciate that it had less editing mishaps and this story felt well-put together. It didn’t beat around the bush like the first one.
Zandile, Nkozana’s long lost love has a troubled past. She’s been in prison for 17 years and comes out to find that life has gone on without her. It’s hard readjusting to life outside and to the new found money the Zulus have now, the life she left behind is no more. Her story is so well-told that I found myself rooting for her and crying with her. One thing about the Zulu brothers that I admired in the first book and in this one, is their love for one another. They are tight-knit and will do anything for each other.
It’s safe to say that I am now fully hooked on this series and will be picking up the next book once things settle down on my side.
Well... when I saw the Showmax promotions for Zandile's introduction to the series I thought I knew what kind of woman we would be dealing with. Even before I completed the first book the little information we knew about Zandile (that she was in prison and that protecting her children was her priority) only seemed to confirm that picture of Khanyi Mbau (read as 'Zandile') in the Zulu residence crossing her arms and looking like she is ready to spit venom at the first person to get too close. Having completed the second book, which is told from Zandile's perspective, I don't have much to say about her except that she is not the Zulu-bossgirl of our dreams.
In my review of the first book, I complained that nothing interesting happens on the page, except we are made aware of the conflict and only really hear about it again once it has been dealt with. The same issue applies here. The only major thing that has happened to Zandile was her killing her mother and going to prison and that all happens before chapter one of this book. Then a good bulk of the book is her making observations about the other brothers and their wives. So in effect, it remains mostly a story about this family told from the perspective of Zandile- but it is not really about her. Sure, the difficulty of reconnecting with her children and finding her place in the family is touched on and I found the dynamic of being married to the eldest brother but having the family treat Hlomu as umam'omdala compelling. I wanted more of that, but most of the story is just about all of them swarming from one location to another. Zandile has no real physical involvement with the story and I found it frustrating at times when she was given an opportunity to become real and stop being an observer of her family's life but the author just snatches it away from her (and us I suppose). For example, there is an incident when her son, Lwandle I believe, makes the news for partying in Durban. She is distressed about his behaviour but disagrees with her husband's approach to discipline. And that's it. She doesn't intervene on their behalf when she feels like Nkosana has been too strict, she doesn't sneak them money or assistance on the side without Nkosana's knowing, worse yet we found out chapters after this particular conflict arises how the boys are living with Hlomu's mother and allowed to continue their studies by their father with no involvement from Zandile. The blurb indicates that she is ambitious and wants to do something with her life- she studied law during her imprisonment and mentions that she wants to complete her qualification now that she is out and has no career. What comes of this? Nothing, not in this book anyway. She mentions that she wants to work, Nkosana exclaims "WORK?!" (note, he exclaims he doesn't even bother to argue against this idea) and suggests it isn't necessary for her to work, she disagrees. That's it. They don't get into it, there is no fighting, slamming of doors, or withholding sex they just leave it at that. This goes on for the entire book but what I found perplexing is the last few chapters of the book wherein Buhle, Zandile's old friend seemingly wants to tell Zandile something but she disappears then Zandile finds Mandisa's suicide note in which she finds out that Nkosana is keeping a secret from her.. but this is never resolved. Zandile reads this suicide note in the second to last chapter and when I turn the page to the last chapter the story is now being told from Hlomu's perspective and we never find out the secret!!!? I understand fully why keeping us in suspense would be essential in making sure we read the next installment of the series but... does it make sense for us to find out what Zandile and Nkosana's secret is in Naledi's book (the third book in the series)?
Look, I am always reluctant when I read series. I've always felt strongly about the story ending on the last page of the book. Some series are the type that you don't need to read in order or even all of them. Others are not, but to raise a conflict for the title character that will not be solved until another book is... frustrating. I think she introduced Qhawe and Naledi's relationship and if you were interested (yes! plus size girl romances are my wig) in reading their story then you would read book three, I just find it annoying to find out what happened in book two I have to read book three.
The criticism about the grammar and spelling is the same- the word 'holy' is inconsistently spelled as 'holly' which... if you can get it right sometimes?? I realise that the first read I judged and rated based on what I perceived as ineffective use of language tools- I don't think I have noted this before in previous reads but considering this series is not complicated in plot or concept when I was confused or unsure about something it became clear that this was because of the writing as opposed to my own failure in comprehension. To highlight this I noted how many times Mqhele (the hero of the previous book) is noted to have 'that thing'- something about him that is.... [alluring, mysterious, dangerous, frightening...] to women but I never feel I know what the author means. What makes this more confusing is the sheer number of Zulu men in the family who are all dark, tall and attractive and yet so different in personality so if 'that thing' ka'Mqhele is never clearly described I am not sure what it is about Nkosana or Qhawe, etc I am meant to get. Oh let me not forget that the author decides to label the character dialogue script-style (I am sure there is a specific term for this but I don't know it) and I think this is because it becomes impossible to keep track of who is in the scene and who isn't at times.
Anyway, I want to make some predictions about the third book before I read it: 1) Buhle and Nkosana did the do and Buhle is uMvelo's mother; 2)Naledi's obsessive ex will feature as the main conflict but I suspect that she is married to him or attached in such a way that a clean break is not an option (a child?); 3)Gwen (Mpande's girlfriend for a day) is going to make a scene; 4) Someone is going to finally tell Gugu that she looks like Oleta and that'll create a minor shitstorm; and 5)Hlomu is going to stop speaking to Mqhele maybe three times.
Tell me if I am right without spoiling it for me- I don't know how, but try.
One word, INCREDIBLE! I had the most fun reading the series and the body of work is a masterpiece. it's Dudu Busani-Dube at her funniest and light-hearted best. what a work of art. Incredible genius and a voice of a generation.
2.5* This is book two in a three book series. I didn’t like the first book. This second book was more enjoyable because I liked the protagonist, Zandile. Zandile has agency unlike Hlomu (the first book’s protagonist). Besides my liking of the protagonist, I liked Zandile and Nkosana’s story more. Their’s was a more layered romance; first love’s that fought for each other and choose each other consistently. Their’s is the least toxic of the Zulu brothers’ romances. Seeing as these guys are insane, that’s saying a lot.
And that is about all the positives I have to say about this book. This story,is just a continuation of the first book’s drama. More opulence and toxicity. The women in the Zulu brothers lives continue to be long-suffering. I hoped one of the wives would get a divorce because what they are willing to endure is unfathomable.
The grammar and spelling is worse in this book than the first book. I am lenient on self-published authors but Sis you cannot repeatedly talk about an automan when you mean to say ottoman, or mix up characters or any of the multitude of sins committed in this book.
Dudu Busani-Dube is an amazing story teller and her books are captivating and entertaining. I enjoyed reading about the love Nkosana and Zanele share, and the sheer strength and resilience she portrays. Hlomu is still my favourite book so far though..but that takes nothing from this one. Highly recommended series
Very captivating story line ... leaves one wanting more. Great story telling by this author of the three books: Hlomu The Wife; Zandile The Resolute and Naledi His Love
There is absolutely nothing to fault for me in this book. I was just shocked that Zandile did not consider cleansing when she left that dark place after so many years. I would talk about my highlight of the book, but it will definitely spoil it for those planning to read it. I loved how Dudu introduced the Naledi; whom I will now be reading from her point of view. I recommend the book!
I could not put this book down! If I'm not mistaken, I was done in 24 hours. The Hlomu series has really brought indie South African writers to the fore.
Ok so I finally finished sis Dudu's second book & oh boy the twist and turns. Definitely a good read although I still feel Hlomu was the best maybe because it's the introductory book & everything else falls on her (Hlomu) & the book about her.
Zandile's story comes to light here, juggling both her past & present was done in a slick manner. I still faced challenges with the names lol, but I enjoyed it. I liked how in Hlomu she focused on her but still managed to bring Zandile into the picture somehow. I would have assumed she'd do the same with Zandile and Naledi so that when I pick up Naledi I won't have to start from zero. But then again, I haven't touched Naledi so maybe once I do it will make sense.
Once again I applaud the South African style of writing exhibited by sis Dudu. Simple english and catchy phrases. I don't need a philosopher or dictionary with me to understand the idioms and such. It's like it was return by a court reporter that way you don't need much energy to understand it. Some may call it lazy but I think it works, broadens the market too.
Naledi up next! I wan't to try seal it up in 2 weeks or so because my work schedule is hectic but I will make time. I'm also reading 3 books in one go so year lol.
I think I got too hyped for this book and it did not meet my hype. I expected Zandile to be bad-ass but she was whiny and petty. She kept dissing other girls and being judgemental. I guess you could see it as her putting up walls since she was unsure of how people would judge her from her past but she was a bit much. The only thing I liked was that she was not a punching bag. The glitz and glamor theme made me gag a bit. I could not easily fall into the story of it. I did not think the cliff hanger was necessary and it did not really create any urge in me to read the next book. I also felt the author wanted to keep the book short. On one hand that is great as I could finish the book with ease but on the other hand I did not really connect with the characters. Since I did finish the book I would say 2.5 stars
Great story telling, as usual, by Dudu Busani. She's the first South African author to make me seek out other brilliant South African writers. An absolute page turner.
This book is part of the Hlomu series - the author does the things again in this book 📖 . It is about one of the wives of the Zulu brothers, Zandile - my least favorite wife 🙈🙈. It was very difficult for me to relate to this woman though 😭. She is complicated and has really been through the most in life. Her life experience has turned her into a character that is very difficult to understand. We get into the world of Nkosana- loves his woman, cars and jazz - he has grey hair and a six pack 🔥😭🤩
The second book in the Hlomu series didnt really captivate me. Actaully made me feel like maybe Dudu is a one hit wonder which is not true because Naledi, the third book in the series, is a phenominal and has me impatiently waiting for the next book. I think i struggled to relate to Zandile or rather struggled to figure who she really was and how she became that way. But still a good read and i think i will read it again.
This second installment of The Hlomu the Wife series by Dudu Busani-Dube takes us through the love story of the eldest brother, Nkosana and his better half, Zandile.
It is a beautiful, modern day and Zulu South African twist/retelling of the classical William Shakespeare love story between Romeo and Juliet, however without the deaths of our two star-struck lovers.
I loved it alot but I'm also frustrated alot!. Zandile is powerful, I love her as an individual who has faced a lot of hardships but still held her head high. I am frustrated by the weakness of her character, she is kept in the dark alot when she deserves to know almost everything. The ending drove me crazy cause I wanted more (I mean who didn't). Overall I love Zandile the resolute, she got back up true definition of a strong black woman.