Creator of Netflix Hit ‘The Polygamist’ Opens Up About Her Inspiring S

Sue Nyathi's novel The Polygamist has been adapted into a hit Netflix series, topping the charts in over 60 countries and reaching number two in the United States. The series, which explores the complexities of polygamy and power dynamics in relationships, has resonated with audiences worldwide.

A Zimbabwean Author's Story

Sue Nyathi's story is deeply rooted in her own experiences and cultural heritage. Her novel, The Polygamist, is not a straightforward story about polygamy, but rather a nuanced exploration of the practice and its consequences. Nyathi's family has a long history of polygamy, with her grandfather having five wives and her great-grandfather having 11. Her grandmother, the first wife in a polygamous marriage, played a significant role in the household, helping to choose the newcomers and presiding over the farm.

The Modernised Version of Polygamy

Nyathi's novel focuses on the modernised, or perverted, version of polygamy, where deception and lack of consent are prevalent. This is in contrast to the traditional practice of polygamy, which is legally recognised in Zimbabwe and South Africa if conducted under specific established customs. Nyathi's heroine, Joyce, believes she has married into a union of one man and one woman, but her husband, Jonasi, marries and sets up homes with three other women behind her back. The novel explores the question of who holds the power to negotiate and who does not, with Joyce and the other wives having less autonomy due to their dependence on Jonasi.

The Netflix Series and Its Impact

The Netflix series, adapted from Nyathi's novel, has been a huge success, reaching number two in the United States and topping the charts in over 60 countries. The series has sparked a global conversation about polygamy, power dynamics, and relationships. Nyathi's goal was to highlight women's voices and let each woman explain why she found herself in a relationship with a man who wouldn't be faithful to her. The series has resonated with many viewers, with some writing to Nyathi to say they see themselves in Joyce and Jonasi's other wives. Amnesty South Africa has even circulated guidance on narcissistic abuse and what steps a woman can take.

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A Reflection of Society

Nyathi believes that her series is not just a story, but a reflection of society. "For some people, this is not just a series," she says. "It's their lived reality. It holds up a mirror to society." The series has sparked controversy, with some critics arguing that it conflates polygamy with cheating, fraud, and abuse. However, Nyathi remains unmoved, believing that culture evolves and practices can be diluted or corrupted. She argues that her series shows otherwise, and that affluent black Africans are not always associated with poverty. The series has been filmed in the Zulu language, which Nyathi believes adds cultural richness and authenticity.

A Writer's Journey

Nyathi's journey to becoming a writer was not an easy one. She wanted to be a writer from childhood, but her parents pushed her towards a more traditional profession. She worked in finance for almost two decades, but her passion for writing remained. Nyathi eventually left corporate life at the age of 40 to write full-time, and her novel, The Polygamist, was published a few years later. "People say, 'Oh, you're an overnight success,'" she says. "Not at all. The recognition is overnight, but the work has been put in over many years."

Source: JOY