Key facts
- Sue Nyathi's debut novel, "The Polygamist," was adapted into a Netflix series that has gained international popularity.
- The series explores a modern, deceptive form of polygamy, focusing on the lack of agency for women involved.
- Nyathi self-published her novel in 2012 after initial rejections from traditional publishers.
- The Netflix adaptation has reached the top 10 in over 60 countries and achieved number two in the U.S.
- Nyathi emphasizes that her success is the result of many years of work and sacrifice, not an overnight phenomenon.
- The author aims to challenge stereotypes about Africa by portraying affluent Black protagonists and utilizing the Zulu language.
Sue Nyathi, the author behind the hit Netflix series "The Polygamist," has spoken about her journey to success, emphasizing the years of hard work and sacrifice that preceded the show's global recognition. Nyathi's debut novel, which explores a modern, deceptive form of polygamy, was initially rejected by publishers who believed there was no market for it. Undeterred, Nyathi self-published 500 copies in 2012, a move that eventually led to the successful Netflix adaptation.
The series, which has garnered significant attention and reached top 10 status in over 60 countries, including number two in the United States, is not a simple depiction of traditional polygamy. Nyathi clarifies that her work critiques the "modernised, or perverted, version" of the practice, characterized by deception and a lack of consent from the women involved. She draws on her family's history with polygamy, noting that while her grandfather had multiple wives, the practice was open and consensual, with wives often acting as matriarchs. In contrast, her novel focuses on men who maintain secret households while presenting themselves as monogamous.
Nyathi highlights that the series aims to give voice to women, allowing them to explain their circumstances and the power dynamics at play. The themes of female agency, financial dependence, and the impact of age gaps and HIV negotiation resonate deeply, with many women writing to Nyathi to say they see themselves in the characters. The adaptation, set in South Africa and filmed in Zulu, also serves to challenge stereotypical views of Africa by featuring affluent Black protagonists and showcasing the cultural richness of indigenous languages.
Despite the series' success, it has faced criticism, with some calling for it to be banned for conflating polygamy with cheating and abuse. Nyathi remains unfazed, asserting that culture evolves and practices can be corrupted. She also reflects on the broader challenges faced by writers, particularly in Africa, discussing the financial precarity of the profession and the difficulties in gaining international visibility. Nyathi, who left a finance career at 40 to write full-time, advises aspiring writers, especially women, to pursue their passion for storytelling, emphasizing love for the craft over financial motivation.