Sharon Eland-Lewis’s story is not only one of survival but also one of triumph, and the publication of her forthcoming book is a tribute to her extraordinary courage and determination.
George, Western Cape (18 August 2024) – Faced with a multitude of hardships, including abuse, homelessness, and life-threatening illness, she emerged from the depths of despair and found solace and meaning in writing.
Sharon grew up with her grandparents in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, where she graduated from Acadia High School. She later married in Mossel Bay and had two children, but in reality her marriage was anything but warm and loving.
Sharon left her marriage after her husband abused her and left her two children in the care of her mother.
Things went from bad to worse for Sharon, however. She decided to move to George, but became homeless and contracted a fatal case of metastatic tuberculosis, which led to a coma and kidney failure.
But that was not the end for Sharon, who, despite life’s hard blows, recovered at the Harry Comay Hospital in George and returned to doing what she loved most – putting her thoughts and dreams on paper.
The mother of two children wrote numerous poems that were published in the George HeraldAfter numerous requests from the public, journalist Michelle Pienaar introduced Sharon to Jeff, the owner of the clubhouse “Three Chameleons”, where she became a member of a book club.
After finding her place, Sharon immersed herself in writing with a passionate passion, resulting in the following: “Slay a single chance”, her very own book.
The book was published by the South African National Library, an agency of the Department of Arts and Culture.
Despite being vulnerable, extremely poor and living in a shack, Sharon is a passionate library user. Staff at George’s Libraries, members of the Publishing National Library of South Africa Community Programme and renowned writer and poet Diana Ferrus have joined forces to bring Sharon’s book to life from writing to successful publication.
Since Sharon is deaf, all correspondence to and from the National Library went through the office of the Director of the George Library.
The book launch is scheduled for August 21 at 11am at the George Library. Added to this momentous occasion: Slegs ‘n small can has also been selected for the Afrikaans category of the Funda Mzantsi Reading Competition to be held in George from 23 to 27 September 2024.
Sharon expressed her heartfelt thanks to the George community, the George Library staff and everyone who supported her on her journey. She listed all the people she wanted to thank in the book.
