It’s All Because of My Mother - That My Story Had an Auspicious Beginning...

In this heartfelt book, author Comfort Khumalo Keil honours her mother and emphasises the importance of recording women's history. Not all mothers are loving, nurturing, self-sacrificing and kind, and some mothers have it harder than others. But all of these women's lives deserve to be acknowledged, remembered and celebrated. Here, Khumalo Keil invites us to be curious about the women in our lives. Without our interest, the world may never know the history of women in general—and we can start by speaking about our mothers. 

"In an effort to record and preserve those meaningful and precious memories and moments, experiences, family history and cherished African traditions, and to showcase our delicious food," she says, "I have created this beautiful keepsake book for all those interested to treasure, and to inspire others so that we all contribute to a collective history where women are seen as well as heard."

It's All Because of My Mother takes the reader on a rich and varied journey to discover everything about the woman who bore her: from her childhood, detailing where she was born and raised, what they used to wear and eat, to her education, her love story, her teaching career, her wedding, how she raised her children, her moments of weakness and faith; the numerous challenges she faced, and her overall bravery –including her near-death experiences.

We are presented here with a history from a mother's generation to the present. Khumalo Keil's narrative should resonate with women of all shades from all corners of the globe – young and old, literate and illiterate, rich or poor – as they experience the joys and pains navigating their own role in the circle of life.