What a grim and incredibly compelling read.

As a South African, stories about sexual violence aren’t limited to works of fiction, but a reality with live with. That being said, Period Pain was not unusual in its content nor the way in which events unfolded in Masechaba’s life. 

Masechaba is a young Black junior doctor suffering from burnout out and depression. She’s also experiencing moral injury, and grappling with her own mental health while entrusted with the health of hundreds of patients has her questioning her abilities and the world. 

Despite how hesitant I was at times to complete the book, I wanted to see Masechaba’s story through.

I was not a fan of how the book ended, but it is something that gave her renewed purpose after the years of turmoil she experienced so maybe it’s the right conclusion for her.