Who Are The Main Characters In 'If You Want To Make God Laugh'?

2026-03-13 20:33:59
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3 Answers

Spoiler Watcher Librarian
The novel 'If You Want to Make God Laugh' by Bianca Marais is a heartfelt story set in South Africa, and its main characters are three incredibly distinct women whose lives intertwine in unexpected ways. First, there's Zodwa, a young Zulu girl who flees her village after a tragic event, carrying a secret that haunts her. Then, there's Ruth, a former nun who left the convent and now struggles with alcoholism and her own fractured family. Lastly, Delilah, a wealthy white woman who returns to her childhood home after her marriage falls apart, trying to reclaim some semblance of purpose.

The beauty of this book lies in how their stories collide—each woman brings her own pain, resilience, and flawed humanity to the narrative. Zodwa’s journey is especially gripping, as she grapples with motherhood and survival in a society that offers little mercy. Ruth’s battle with addiction feels raw and real, while Delilah’s privilege and guilt create a fascinating tension. Their interactions are messy, tender, and ultimately transformative, making this a novel that lingers long after the last page.
2026-03-15 05:19:12
1
Yara
Yara
Favorite read: How to be a Sinner?
Expert Electrician
One of the things I adore about 'If You Want to Make God Laugh' is how Bianca Marais crafts her protagonists—they feel like real people, not just characters on a page. Zodwa is the emotional core for me; her struggle to protect her baby while navigating a world that’s hostile to her existence is heartbreaking yet inspiring. Ruth, with her sharp edges and hidden vulnerabilities, adds layers of complexity—her sarcasm masks a deep loneliness, and her relationship with Delilah is prickly but oddly endearing.

Delilah, on the other hand, is the kind of character you love to critique. She’s privileged, often oblivious, but her growth throughout the story is compelling. Watching her confront her own biases and step into a role she never expected is one of the book’s highlights. Together, these women form an unlikely trio, bound by circumstance and the shared need for redemption. The way their narratives weave together—sometimes clashing, sometimes supporting—makes the novel a rich exploration of forgiveness and second chances.
2026-03-17 11:00:45
2
Sophia
Sophia
Favorite read: A God’s Tale
Novel Fan Librarian
Zodwa, Ruth, and Delilah—three names that stuck with me long after I finished 'If You Want to Make God Laugh.' Each represents such different facets of South Africa’s complex social fabric. Zodwa’s resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship is the kind of storytelling that punches you in the gut. Ruth’s dry humor and buried pain make her instantly memorable, while Delilah’s journey from self-absorption to something resembling grace is subtly powerful.

The novel doesn’t shy away from their flaws, which is why they feel so alive. Zodwa’s decisions aren’t always noble, Ruth’s anger isn’t always justified, and Delilah’s ignorance isn’t easily absolved—but that’s what makes their eventual connections so meaningful. It’s a story about how people, despite their brokenness, can still find ways to heal together.
2026-03-18 11:27:55
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