"Defining Pearl" and "Kiss on Her Wings": Two Five Star Reads You Might Enjoy

“Defining Pearl” is indeed a pearl of great price. This memoir of Pearl Matibe is written by an extraordinary woman who was a

part of the political opposition to a dictator in Zimbabwe and lived to tell about it. In an attempt to define who she is, Pearl chronicles her childhood and education, both of which were very segregated from the world outside the closed curtains of her home. She was taught strict etiquette and proper English from early on and was often mistaken for a white woman over the phone. Her dream was realized as she and her husband settled into raising and family on a farm, something that typically was done by the white landowners. But everything went wrong when her husband became a part of the opposition against the dictatorial rule of Robert Mugabe. The taking of their farm, numerous arrests and threats on her life and the lives of her family finally drove her from Zimbabwe and she eventually found herself in the U.S. where she was forced to learn a new culture and begin to define herself in a different way.

Pearl Matibe has an excellent story to tell in “Defining Pearl.” She doesn’t tell it out of a sense of vanity, but rather to communicate the pride that she has in her family and heritage. She takes an honest look at the double-standards that exist in our world based upon race and culture. Her observations are an accusation toward all of us because we do not truly see who a person is, but rather make an assumption based upon outward appearances, accents or heritage. I felt a slight bite, also, as she described an America that is very different from the one that I grew up in. Yet, I also understood her disenchantment because I have experienced the very same things from my own country as the culture has continually morphed itself into something unrecognizable. Ultimately, however, I found “Defining Pearl” to be honest, tragic and inspiring; a lesson in our failure to really getting to know people.




Kiss on Her Wings
“I’ve only known two men’s souls in my life, one the devil, the other the birds wings which picked me up and carried me back to the freedom of being.” This quote from “Kiss on Her Wings” is a powerful statement of love and trust which Wendy Gibbins illustrates in a profound way in this novella. Simon and Beth have a deep love that is true and lasting. When Simon stumbles across a journal among the books on Beth’s shelf, he begins to read the story of a horrible crime, the person who committed it and the victim. As he continues to read he is filled with numerous changing emotions. Interrupting his reading are mysterious phone calls and the discovery of a bank book with large sums being withdrawn every few months. He wonders if Beth has gotten herself into something. As he continues reading, he begins to put the pieces together. Will his discoveries destroy their love? Will he be able to help Beth escape the problems that she is facing?

The depth of this love story is brought to light in a very subtle, but genuine manner. “Kiss on Her Wings” contrasts the depths of evil with the height of genuine love. Wendy Gibbins has subtly created a masterpiece in this novella, touching both worlds in a very real way. The patience, endurance and honesty of genuine love, even at the risk of losing it all is expertly demonstrated by Simon’s quiet commitment to Beth. Genuine, intriguing and inspiring; “Kiss on Her Wings” will raise your spirits as well and restore your confidence in the existence and power of true love.

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