• By Hilja Shikongo

Namibian author Elise Shinedima’s ‘Give me another day’ stands tall as an authentic and inspirational work that speaks directly to the heart of everyday Namibian.  The novel tells the story of Natangwe, a young black male battling the scars of a broken home, the absence of a father and the unrelenting pressure of living up to his mother’s expectations.
More than just a coming-of-age story, ‘Give me another day' dives deep into the struggles of identity, abandonment, emotional resilience and the often-ignored emotional needs of the boy child. Natangwe’s story is not just his alone. It echoes the silent cries of many young men in society today who are taught that “boys don’t cry”, who grow up in households where positive male role models are absent and who silently carry the burden of emotional neglect. What makes this book truly unique is its relatability. 
 

Shinedima paints a vivid picture of local life with what literary scholars call local colour, crafting characters and scenes that feel familiar to anyone who grew up in  Namibia. As readers journey with Natangwe through his battles with disappointment, anger and ultimately hope, the book becomes more than fiction, it becomes a mirror of society.
“I wanted to write something that reflects real life,” Shinedima explains.  “Give me another day, is not just for readers, but for everyone who has ever doubted that they deserve another chance. Another day to live, to love and to become more than what life has thrown at them.”
 

Shinedima further describes her motivation for writing as a deep passion for storytelling combined with a humanitarian drive. 
“Namibia’s literature is still at its infancy. I just felt that it was time we as Namibians started creating an identity for Namibian literature on the global stage. I have always been passionate about writing and learning from other people’s life stories and this motivates me to write relatable Namibian stories,” she noted.
Beyond just telling a good story, ‘Give me another day’ delivers a soft message about emotional healing, self-discovery and personal responsibility.  The book challenges readers to reflect on the choices they make, the friends they keep and most importantly, it shines  light on the silent struggles of many young men in Namibia and beyond. 
Shinedima tackles the often-taboo subject of male emotional vulnerability with honesty and care, advocating for a society that raises boys into men with strong ethics, morals and emotional intelligence.
 

As a female writer contributing to  Namibia’s growing literacy scene, Shinedima is also passionate about empowering other women to tell their stories.  “It is quite applaudable that many women are publishing books now in Namibia. But we need continuous support in terms of exposure and resources to keep motivating aspiring female writers. Every story has its own unique voice, and if Namibian books, especially by female authors, can be used in schools, that would be a huge step towards developing literature in our country.”