By Neo Kolane
Palesa Soko, a young Mosotho woman has released her first book, The Eagle in Me, an outrageously honest and richly detailed memoir which she calls a journey of self-discovery.
The self-made publisher told theReporter the story spans across two countries – Lesotho and China – and as an authentic story of a courageous woman overcoming sexual and psychological abuse while undergoing intellectual struggles.
Palesa, a Mohale’s Hoek born and bred woman, says the book explores a concept she calls ‘She-Eagle’ which addresses toxic relationships with people who stifle others’ growth. It reveals difficulties of being born into a broken home, fitting into a step-home, unexpected pregnancy, a failed marriage and ailing mental health.
Through this book, the strength of the 32-year old is seen breaking the bolts of fate with a burning ambition. She further takes the readers through the efforts she made towards self-discovery, her newly found faith, the lessons she learned and the golden second chance life has presented to her.
The final year medical student said her love for writing began while in high school but the art of writing started way back due to a challenging upbringing.
The prayerful Palesa says she was born in a broken family and coming into a different home she encountered different challenges like rejection, favouritism and non-acceptance.
“The only way I was able to express how I truly felt was through writing, but I took it seriously in high school when I started writing poems with my friends and exchanged them.
“Writing of this book happened after my failed marriage in 2017-2018,” she remarked keenly.
The story is based on a true story of Palesa even though it was a bit of a challenge to juggle her time between studies and writing.
The story was documented on Palesa’s first flight to China and she took that moment to reflect on her life, as she remembered she was flying with the eagles.
She birthed it after she conquered the stories written in the book now I am able to fly with the eagle.
It goes to the spiritual background she quoted in the book that reads: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faith.”
That became her motivation at the age of 13.
The book can be found on Amazon, Mazenod, Mohale’s Hoek, St.Joseph, Butha Buthe, Roma, Meloling and Maputsoe book centres. It can also be found at Burble bookshop in South Africa.
