Beauty?s Gift

Beauty’s Gift is a riveting, moving tale of how four women lose their best friend. And how they decide to change the fate of their own lives as well as the lives of those closest to them. The AIDS-activist Zackie Achmat described it as "one of the most important books about HIV/AIDS in our country.”

The FFF used to consist of Five Friends: Edith, Cordelia, Amanda, Doris and Beauty. But then Beauty suddenly becomes very ill, and after six short weeks, passes away. On her deathbed she begs Amanda to promise her one thing â€" that she and the rest of the FFF will not pass away prematurely like she is doing. All because of an unfaithful husband . . . Ukuhle, she begs of Amanda. May you live a long life, and may you become old.

Edith, Cordelia, Amanda and Doris all swear an oath after Beauty’s premature death, that they won’t have unprotected sex â€" not even with their husbands â€" and that they will find out their own HIV status as well as that of their husbands/partners.

This is Sindiwe Magona at her very best â€" writing about social issues, and not keeping quiet. Speak up, she says to women in Africa. Stand up, and take control of your own lives.