In a society where the relationship between mothers- and daughters-in-law is often viewed as complex and fraught with misunderstandings, author and businesswoman Hope Pooe offers a refreshing perspective.
Through her debut book, Tribute to My Mother-in-Law, Pooe shares her personal experience of building a harmonious and respectful bond with her mother-in-law from the day they first met.
Speaking exclusively to YOU FM at her book launch in Johannesburg, Pooe described her decision to write the book as an act of love and honour.
“I wrote the book at the lowest point of my life when my mother-in-law was really ill. After realising that we were going to lose her, I was inspired to share my lived experience and show how amazing she was to me,” she said.
Pooe hopes her story will spread positivity and offer a fresh perspective on how mothers-in-law are perceived.
The book also aims to encourage young makotis (daughters-in-law) to approach relationships and marriages with their partners’ families with greater patience and courtesy.
Beyond the emotional journey, Pooe shared practical insights into the financial aspects of publishing a book, urging aspiring authors to find the right publisher, editor and distributors.
She expressed particular delight at seeing young people benefit from the publishing process.
“I am a big supporter of young people because somebody took a chance on me when I went into radio. It gives me comfort knowing that the editor, publisher and distributor ultimately hire young people. For example, at Exclusive Books, they’ve hired young people who are probably still studying. At the end of the day, they benefit, and that makes me happy,” she said.
Without revealing too much, Pooe hinted at plans to write and publish more books in the future.
