Three Powerful South African Books Changing the Narrative on Suicide

On 10 September 2025, the world will unite for World Suicide Prevention Day, observed under the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”. This global initiative, led by the International Association for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organisation, calls for open, compassionate conversations that dismantle stigma and foster support across communities.

Above all, it’s a day to remember those lost, uplift those struggling, and advocate for systemic change in mental health care. In this spirit, for those seeking a deeper understanding, three influential South African books offer insight and empathy:

Waterboy by Glynis Horning, Angel of Mercy by Sheldon de Klerk, and Men and Mental Health by Marion Scher.

Waterboy: How One Mother’s Story is Changing the Narrative on Suicide

In her raw and tender memoir, Waterboy: Making sense of my son’s suicide, renowned journalist Glynis Horning navigates the devastating reality of losing her 25-year-old son, Spencer, to suicide.

In the wake of this tragedy, Horning pieces together the puzzle of his death with a visceral intensity, writing not only of loss and grief but also of the joys of celebrating her son’s life. For this reason, the book aims to understand the realities of depression and suicide, removing some of the stigma surrounding the topic.

This is particularly relevant as an estimated one in ten South Africans experiences major depression at some point in their life. Ultimately, it is a story that will resonate with anyone who has directly or indirectly experienced this profound heartbreak, offering extraordinary wisdom and insight.

‘If this book can help one person avoid suicide, or bring new understanding to those who have lost someone, it will have achieved its goal.’

~ Glynis Horning

Men and Mental Health: Changing the Narrative by Shattering the Silence

Another vital voice in this conversation is veteran journalist Marion Scher, who directly confronts the silence surrounding male mental health in her compelling non-fiction book, Men and Mental Health. The book addresses the shocking statistic that men in South Africa are five times as likely to commit suicide than women, yet are less likely to seek help.

This statistic is precisely why Scher explores the unique challenges men face, such as societal expectations, masculinity norms, and emotional suppression.

To illustrate these challenges, the book weaves together the stories of South African men who have confronted their mental health issues, featuring case studies with well-known figures including Chad le Clos and David Kramer. Consequently, it gives practical guidance on where men and their families can turn for help.

Angel of Mercy: A Fictional Exploration of Despair

Moving from non-fiction to a haunting fictional narrative, Sheldon de Klerk’s debut novel, Angel of Mercy: Starting at the End, explores the fragile resilience of the human spirit.

Specifically, this compelling book delves into the lives of individuals who have found the services of the ‘Angel of Mercy’ on the dark web.

Through a series of gripping stories—from a fireman haunted by his act of mercy to a mother facing unimaginable loss—the novel offers a haunting exploration of the human psyche where despair and hope collide. In doing so, this compelling novel invites readers to confront the complexities of life, death, and the choices that define us.

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