Hot Water by Nadine Dirks is out now from Jacana Media.

In a gripping and eye-opening literary work, Dirks takes readers on a journey through her life as a young African woman from the Cape Flats battling chronic illness and the systemic challenges of racism, sexism, classism, fatphobia, and slut-shaming within the healthcare system.

Hot Water is a poignant narrative that offers a rare glimpse into the struggles faced by underprivileged individuals seeking adequate healthcare, while also highlighting the unique and often heart-wrenching experiences of African women.

Endometriosis, a debilitating chronic illness, serves as the backdrop for Dirks’s powerful exploration. The book delves into how this condition impacts the lives of young women, shaping their experiences and affecting their ability to navigate the world. Dirks paints a vivid picture of the complexities faced by those who rely on the public healthcare system and sheds light on the challenges they confront daily.

Hot Water serves as a catalyst for change. Dirks’s journey and revelations throughout the book are a call to action for a healthcare system that must address and rectify these deeply ingrained inequalities.

A courageous and unapologetic narrative, Hot Water dares to expose the harsh realities of living with a chronic illness while navigating a healthcare system fraught with prejudice and discrimination. Dirks’s words will resonate with readers and inspire much needed dialogue and change.

About the author

Nadine Dirks is a writer, public speaker, activist and communications expert. Her work, interests and expertise lie in intersectional feminism, gender and sexuality, including sexual and reproductive health and rights. Dirks’s dedication to women’s health arose from her lived experience with endometriosis. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Women and Gender Studies.

Categories Non-fiction South Africa

Tags Hot Water Jacana Media Nadine Dirks New books New releases