Book Review- Rough Edges: A Soulmate or Something

Author: Zanele Kukuma

I finished Rough Edges: A Soulmate or Something in less than 24 hours, which should tell you everything you need to know about how engaging it is. Once I started reading, I genuinely struggled to put it down. From the very first pages, I found myself invested in the story and curious about where it would lead.

What drew me in immediately was the prologue. Zanele provides so much context upfront that I felt an instant connection to the story. It gave me enough insight to understand the emotional landscape of the characters while leaving enough mystery to keep me turning the pages. By the end of the prologue, I was already looking forward to more. 

As someone who knows the author (yes, I’m name dropping), it was interesting to recognize some of the people and family dynamics that appear throughout the story. What I appreciated most is that these characters don't feel like random additions or inside references. They appear in meaningful ways that contribute to the plot, the character development, and the emotional depth of the story. Their presence feels natural and serves the narrative rather than distracting from it. 

One thing that stands out about Zan as a writer is her command of language. She is an exceptionally well-read person, and it shows. She uses words and phrases  that we don’t usually use in everyday conversation unless you have a bookshelf. This reflects the depth of thought behind the writing. 

The novel explores love, relationships, and the imperfections we all carry. I enjoyed that the characters are not presented as flawless people destined for a perfect ending. They are complex, imperfect, and relatable. The story acknowledges that love is often messy and that meaningful connections are built by navigating each other's rough edges rather than pretending they do not exist. Hint: it’s a fairytale that never came to be. 

For me, Rough Edges: A Soulmate or Something is a story about vulnerability, growth, and the realities of human connection. It is thoughtful without being heavy, and engaging without sacrificing depth.

I was incredibly proud to see Zan’s voice, personality and to an extent her dreams & aspirations come through so clearly in her writing. I simply enjoyed the experience. The fact that I completed the book in a single sitting is probably the strongest endorsement I can give. It held my attention from beginning to end, and I closed the final page wanting more. Hopefully we’ll get a sequel :) 

Congratulations, Zanele, on a beautiful debut. This is a story that will resonate with readers who appreciate romance, introspection, and relatable characters who feel authentically human.