Pastor pens HIV awareness novel
The aim of the book, said the author, was to tackle stigma and teach people that there is a life after infection.
DURBAN North pastor, Kenston Deeplal, recently published a fictional novel with the hope of creating more awareness of HIV and AIDS.
The book, entitled, The Park: A Love Story with a Twist, uses the relationship dynamics between the three protagonists, Mike, Ashton and Andrea, to educate the reader on the disease.
Mike and Ashton are childhood best friends. Now that they are grown up, Mike learns that his older and wealthier friend has tested HIV-positive. This secret places Mike, who is in a relationship with Ashton’s younger sister, Andrea, in a difficult position. He now has to find a way to help Ashton break the devastating news to Andrea.
“Every chapter in the book deals with an issue relating to HIV. There are also a chapter on stigma and teenage pregnancies,” he explained.
Deeplal said he drew inspiration for the book from his parents. My mom, who is also a qualified counsellor, and my dad, who works within an HIV-affected community, inspired me to write this book. Growing up and seeing what infected people go through, I wanted to combat the gossip and stigma associated with the disease,” he said.
The 25-year-old said he wanted to teach people that there was a life after infection and that with the proper medication and support, people could live a long life. Deeplal is also involved in the HOPE project, which is dedicated to providing food, medicine and clothes to HIV-affected communities.
“We are appealing to local shopping centres to allow us to spread the word and create more discourse and awareness of HIV,” he said.
- Contact Kenston Deeplal via e-mail at kenstondeeplal@ymail.com or on 078 385 0559.
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