Netflix Series Revives Memories for Sue Nyathi

By Monalisa Ntibane

Zimbabwean-born author Sukoluhle “Sue” Nyathi says the Netflix adaptation of her novel The Polygamist has brought back powerful memories of the book’s creation, 13 years after its publication.

Speaking to SkyzMetro FM, Nyathi said watching the story come to life on screen took her back to the emotions, ideas and creative space she occupied while writing the novel.

“Watching the story, come to life on screen took me back to the time when I wrote the book and I wondered what I was thinking when I wrote it,” she said.

The adaptation has attracted global attention since its release, further amplifying African storytelling and exposing international audiences to Zimbabwean narratives.

Nyathi said seeing actors portray the characters allowed her to reconnect with how she originally imagined them when they only existed in her mind.

“Seeing the actors portray the characters allowed me to reconnect with how I imagined them in my mind,” she said.

She added that the adaptation prompted her to reflect on her creative journey and revisit the thoughts and emotions that shaped the story from the beginning.

“The adaptation prompted me to reflect on my creative journey and revisit the thoughts and emotions which shaped the story,” she said.