Triumph Amidst Adversity: Sharon Eland-Lewis' Journey from Hardship to Published Author

In a true testament to human fortitude and dedication, Sharon Eland-Lewis surmounted extreme obstacles, including deafness, homelessness, and severe illness, to achieve her dream of becoming a published author. Her debut book, "Slegs ‘n enkele kans," breathes life into her harrowing yet inspiring journey, a journey supported by the generous efforts of the community and national organizations.

Sharon Eland-Lewis' story is set against the backdrop of her upbringing in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, where she was raised by her grandparents. Her early years were marked by the achievement of completing matric at Acadia High. However, her life took a dramatic turn post-marriage. Fleeing an abusive husband and leaving her children in the care of her mother, Sharon found herself navigating the challenging streets of George.

The years that followed were some of the darkest in Sharon's life. A severe bout with Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis (MDR TB) left her comatose, facing kidney failure and bedridden in Harry Comay hospital. Yet, it was there, within the silent confines of a hospital room, that Sharon's indomitable spirit began to pen verses and poems which later found a home in the pages of the George Herald.

Her growing recognition caught the attention of journalist Michelle Pienaar, who connected Sharon with a local book club, giving her the much-needed platform to further her literary pursuits. As Sharon began to rebuild her life, finding stable accommodation, her creativity soared and the concept of her book, "Slegs ‘n enkele kans," came to fruition.

Through the engagement with the staff of George Libraries, specifically the aid from Rachel Williams, Hazel Springfield, Eurogine Carolus, and proofreader James de Waal, Sharon's manuscript transformed into a potential publication. The team’s efforts reached the National Library of South Africa, where Project Facilitator Zanele Nikani leveraged the Community Publishing Grant to facilitate the book's publication, with additional editing support from writer and poet Diana Ferrus.

The community rallied around Sharon's vision, not only assisting with the logistics of publication but embracing her narrative as an emblem of hope and perseverance. As "Slegs ‘n enkele kans" garners attention, its inclusion in the Funda Mzantsi Reading Competition further showcases its impact on the literary scene.

Sharon's expression of gratitude extends to all those who assisted her on this extraordinary path, a journey from the periphery of society to the heart of the South African literary community. Her story is a beacon of possibility for aspiring authors facing adversities, proving that with passion and support, the dream of authorship is attainable.

As Sharon Eland-Lewis prepares for the book launch at George Library on August 21st, 2024, her story stands as a remarkable narrative of triumph over life’s most difficult challenges. It's an honor for the George community to celebrate one of their own reaching such an extraordinary milestone.