New book hopes to break AIDS stigma

KENSTON Deeplal’s passion for volunteering his time to help those in need has only grown in measure and prompted him to write his début novel, The Park A Love Story with a Twist.

“I volunteered as a cook at a home for orphaned and vulnerable children a very long time ago,” said the 25-year-old. He described his first day at the home and what emblazoned his need to continue helping others. “One of the babies was crying so I picked her up. She was quite a chubby little thing. I remember she poked me in the cheek with one of her little fingers. I grew quite attached to her and the next week I went through to visit her and was told she had died. This was just one of the realities I had to face and I knew that I had to continue to do as much as I could for others,” said Kenston.

He currently volunteers with Hope Projects and the Word and Light Centre. Hope Projects is based in Durban and has branches across eThekwini, helping thousands each year. “Where there is a need, we are there and whatever we have to give, we give,” he said.

His book is based upon realities faced by many South Africans, covering every aspect that society as a whole goes through by using his meticulously-crafted main characters, Mike Adreana and Ashton. The issues he covers are poverty, teenage pregnancy and bullying, all revolving around the main theme of HIV/AIDS.

“I pulled pieces from real life people and this really helped to bring the fictional characters to life,” said Kenston.

His mother, Pastor Jenepher Deeplal, has written three books of her own and that is where Kenston said he got the inspiration to write his first novel. “My mother’s books were able to help others and I wanted to express my words in this medium to do the same,” said Kenston.

He designed the cover of the book himself and noted that many would believe the cover and title signified there was a possible love triangle, but this is not the case.

“The cover depicts a poignant scene from the book. In one scene I describe the effect of HIV/AIDS and the different stages a person will go through,” he said. It is done in such a subtle yet in-depth manner that the reader will be educated about the disease without realising it. Anyone reading this will go through a roller coaster of emotions.

“My main message is not to create money but to create awareness and set up stalls at local malls, shops and events to give information to those in need of help, and also to do educational talks at businesses,” said Kenston. “With the help of family and friends, a person living with HIV/AIDS can live a much longer and healthier life as they will feel the support and it will push them to keep fighting. With the book I hope to help families come to terms with what a loved one may be dealing with and I hope to be able to help provide support to those in need.”

The book is selling for R120 per copy and can be ordered via e-mail at kenstondeeplal@ymail.com or by contacting Kenston directly on 078 385 0559.