What a testimony! There isn’t much I can say. It’s a great effort displaying sublime story-telling skills. I like the way you conclude the whole agonizing stories in raising your family. Your firm belief in God is your great forte.

The book has great motivational content for people going through similar experiences.

Most importantly, congratulations for taking this initiative to share your story!

This book stirs up your faith in God – A Powerful Must Read!
Stella brings real encouragement to people facing all sorts of trials in their lives by illustrating, through
various personal tragedies she experienced (ranging from health issues, child loss to surviving very
challenging political turmoil), how God will see you through any situation if you call upon His name, trust
and rely on Him. As I read this book, there are many times I thought Stella would walk away from God
only to be surprised by her persistent faith and determination to keep holding on through praise and
worship songs when she couldn’t put together words in prayer. Stella set her face like a flint, like Isaiah
50:7 said, and God fought all her battles for her. Aaahh, what a master class in trusting in God and
standing through all forms of prayer and when you do, God is faithful to His word which says “He will
never leave you nor forsake you”. I highly recommend reading this book, especially when you are in that
very dark place where you have reached the end of your tether.

I recently finished reading Stella Mkiliwane’s memoir, “Behind the Smile is Life and Life.” This
book was inspiring and reminded me that when children grow up in the nurturing environment of
a loving family who pours into them self-confidence, and trust in God, they have the capacity
and ability to effectively deal with adversities and struggles they will inevitably encounter while
navigating the journey of life. I am amazed how often Stella faced and overcame traumatic
situations, and because of her faith in God, today she is not only thriving, but still smiling.
Stella chronicles and divides her life’s journey into eight stages: Where it all began, Lower
Gwelo TTL, Faith and Prayer Influence, Teenagerhood, Political Conflicts of my Time,
Educational Journey, The Journey of her Children Thami and Nono, and Amazing Friendships. I
read with great interest and curiosity all eight stages. The stage of Amazing Friendships
reminded me of the importance of cheerleaders along life’s journey. These are people God
places in our lives, who encourage us when we don’t feel we have the strength to go on.
However, the stages involving Stella’s two children taught me an important lesson - that God
answers the petitions of parents who sincerely and diligently seek Him.
Stella’s style of writing and the cadence she used to share her stories grabbed my attention and
gripped my interest. It was hard to put the book down, and I really enjoyed reading about her
childhood and the important role her parents, grandparents, and other adults played in her life,
shaping her into the disciplined, hard-working, and caring adult she is today.
Stella wrote this book in such a compelling and engaging way, that she has ability to pull you
into the challenging situation she was facing. I found myself constantly rooting for Stella and
family to successfully emerge from the challenges they faced.
This book taught me about dealing with the vicissitudes of life and about success. Stella’s
journey inspired me and reminded me to hold on to God’s unchanging hands, even when you
feel like giving up. She is someone who never gives up and I greatly admire her for that.
I recommend this book to anyone and everyone who is interested in an inspirational story that
will help them successfully navigate the obstacles and challenges of life, and yet emerge
smiling.

Review of "Behind the Smile: Is Life and Life" by Stella Nonhlanhla Mkiliwane

In "Behind the Smile: Is Life and Life," Stella Nonhlanhla Mkiliwane embarks on a poignant recounting of a journey marked by profound resilience, faith, and unwavering courage. Set against the backdrop of Zimbabwe's tumultuous liberation struggle and the challenging period following its independence, Mkiliwane’s narrative transcends the personal touch upon universal themes of loss, hardship, and the redemptive power of faith.

The book navigates through the author's harrowing experiences of losing a stillborn child, a pain that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. This loss, however, is only a part of the myriad challenges faced by her and her family, as her son and daughter later confront significant health and social difficulties. As Mkiliwane vividly depicts, these struggles are inextricably linked to the trauma inflicted by the political and social upheaval surrounding them.

What sets Mkiliwane's account apart is her unwavering faith amidst these trials. Drawing inspiration from Jesus’ instruction to Peter in Luke 22:31-32, she frames her life story as a testament to the strength found in faith and the power of sharing one's experiences to uplift others. Her narrative is imbued with a sense of hope and the conviction that faith in God can provide solace and strength, regardless of the hardships one may face.

"Behind the Smile" is more than a memoir; it is a narrative of triumph over adversity. Mkiliwane's journey, characterized by an indomitable spirit and a steadfast belief in divine guidance, offers readers a profound insight into the human capacity for resilience and the transformative power of faith. Her story is a beacon of encouragement to others navigating their storms, reminding us that even in the darkest times, there can be light.

This book is recommended for readers drawn to stories of personal triumph, spiritual growth, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of life’s tumultuous challenges. Stella Nonhlanhla Mkiliwane's "Behind the Smile" is a touching testament to the unshakable faith and courage that guide one woman through life's trials, making it a compelling read for anyone seeking inspiration and hope.

I recently finished reading Stella Mkiliwane’s memoir, “Behind the Smile is Life and Life.” This
book was inspiring and reminded me that when children grow up in the nurturing environment of
a loving family who pours into them self-confidence, and trust in God, they have the capacity
and ability to effectively deal with adversities and struggles they will inevitably encounter while
navigating the journey of life. I am amazed how often Stella faced and overcame traumatic
situations, and because of her faith in God, today she is not only thriving, but still smiling.
Stella chronicles and divides her life’s journey into eight stages: Where it all began, Lower
Gwelo TTL, Faith and Prayer Influence, Teenagerhood, Political Conflicts of my Time,
Educational Journey, The Journey of her Children Thami and Nono, and Amazing Friendships. I
read with great interest and curiosity all eight stages. The stage of Amazing Friendships
reminded me of the importance of cheerleaders along life’s journey. These are people God
places in our lives, who encourage us when we don’t feel we have the strength to go on.
However, the stages involving Stella’s two children taught me an important lesson - that God
answers the petitions of parents who sincerely and diligently seek Him.
Stella’s style of writing and the cadence she used to share her stories grabbed my attention and
gripped my interest. It was hard to put the book down, and I really enjoyed reading about her
childhood and the important role her parents, grandparents, and other adults played in her life,
shaping her into the disciplined, hard-working, and caring adult she is today.
Stella wrote this book in such a compelling and engaging way, that she has ability to pull you
into the challenging situation she was facing. I found myself constantly rooting for Stella and
family to successfully emerge from the challenges they faced.
This book taught me about dealing with the vicissitudes of life and about success. Stella’s
journey inspired me and reminded me to hold on to God’s unchanging hands, even when you
feel like giving up. She is someone who never gives up and I greatly admire her for that.
I recommend this book to anyone and everyone who is interested in an inspirational story that
will help them successfully navigate the obstacles and challenges of life, and yet emerge
smiling.