Yes, apartheid stripped our fathers of their masculinity and replaced it with internal rage, but black men can do and be better by working on those internal issues instead of perpetuating the cycle of abuse. Treasure comes from a dysfunctional family, who doesn't!!! Her father was a pathetic man who lorded over his household with an iron fist. 'Bare' is a tragic tale of young black women coming to Johannesburg with dreams of a glamourous life but have neither the patience nor the inclination to work at those dreams. This is not a straight forward Kardashians-meet-WAGS-meet-MzansiWives-meet-Mandla&Khanyi in Melrose-Dubai-London-Sandston type of tale, Jackie did her best to introduce unusual elements such as 'The Hockey Club' and Daphne to spice up Treasure's story and give it some elevation adding some excitement for me. Weaves, make-up, Woolies food, ndibala ntoni na!!!!! Sex for Mui Mui, Prada, Gucci, Valentino, Steve Madden, chauffer-driven investment cars, apartments in exclusive surburbs. Sex for dinners and champagne in Micheline starred restaurants. It's sex in exchange for holidays in exotic locations. A high life which she will never ever afford as a student and she nevertheless introduces it to Treasure. I guess it was her way of forgetting it ever happened.

Treasure doesn't deal with the assault both emotionally and physically.

In 'Bare' we read about Treasure who, desperate to escape a non-descript life in Westonaria, moves to Johannesburg after a very brutal sexual assualt and rape while on a matric camp in Bloemfontein, and reconnects with Lintle, a high school friend. Compounded with socioeconomic challenges, black people still had lives to live. The 1994 elections sold black people a lot of dreams which did not materialise for the majority of the people. Tangible goods mattered than intangible thins like education, safety, a strong sense of self and self worth. I guess as a previous blessee, Jackie brings to the fore very important themes which impacts young women's lives in contemporary and post-apartheid South Africa. More like a promotional catalogue for luxury brands and products and very thin story line.

Bare by Jackie Phamotse