Mirari Revel stories are short, queer, speculative fiction stories meant to be read in one sitting.
Zulpha has just moved into a small apartment in Woodstock, Cape Town — away from her parents, their questions, and the version of herself she's spent a lifetime pretending to be. She doesn't have much. She doesn't need much. She barely has the energy to unpack.
Then, behind a wooden board propped against the kitchen wall, she finds a door that shouldn't exist.
On the twentieth floor of a building that overlooks an alley, there is no reason for a door to be there. But the ornate bronze key on her keyring opens it. And what's on the other side is something completely impossible.
Zulpha pulls up a chair.
Woodstock Wonderwall is a quiet, aching story about what happens when we glimpse the life we've been too afraid to claim. Set against the vivid backdrop of Cape Town's gentrifying neighbourhoods, it follows Zulpha, a young Cape Malay woman navigating depression, isolation, and a queer identity her family refuses to acknowledge, as a strange magical door becomes the only window into a world where someone like her gets to be happy.
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Woodstock Wonderwall | Shaheena Links
Shaheena Links is the author of Woodstock Wonderwall, a speculative fiction short story about a woman who discovers a hidden door in her apartment which gives her a glimpse into a life she secretly yearns for, while battling depression and loneliness. Their writing focuses on journeys of self-discovery, exploring identity, finding purpose, and overcoming adversity and is often described as humorous, profound, relatable, raw and vulnerable.
Shaheena was born in Bo-Kaap, before being displaced to Mitchells’ Plein during the apartheid era and then finally settling Woodstock for the rest of their childhood. They have a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science and Honours in Education. They are passionate about social causes, making the world a better place, afternoon naps and are deathly allergic to cats.
When not writing, Shaheena can be found talking about life and love on their podcast The Skinne Bekke. They live in Cape Town with their family, three generations under one roof. You can find more at @shaheenawrites.
