Former Miss Universe Margaret Gardiner has touched down in her home country, South Africa, eager to explore the profound themes encapsulated in her debut novel, Damaged Beauty: Joey Superstar.

Crowned Miss Universe in 1978, Gardiner has re-emerged not only as a figure of beauty but also as a powerful voice addressing compelling issues through her debut novel.

In an exclusive conversation with Saturday Star, Gardiner described the book as a “dream fulfilled,” allowing her to connect with women and share her own journey of courage and self-discovery.

She details that her novel addresses the often-taboo issues women face, alongside the personal strength required to confront judgement for exposing her vulnerabilities. "The real belief is that the topics revealed in this book will resonate with women and start discussions," she stated.

At the heart of Gardiner's novel lies the tale of a woman grappling with the damaging effects of societal expectations. “Underneath it is about a woman who is damaged by the way the world treats her. She embarks on a turbulent journey, initially adopting unhealthy coping mechanisms,” Gardiner reflects.

She also explains that the protagonist, after a stint in an asylum for mental stress, attempts to reclaim her life as a model but ultimately faces the trials of self-destruction again. “It is a journey of ups and downs, passionate yet destructive, dealing with issues that many women endure. It is remarkable,” she elaborated.

Gardiner, now a seasoned public figure, candidly discussed her relationship with social media, an arena where opinions can be as harsh as they are constructive. “Generally I am a strong person, and I have done this for 50 years. But social media is a different animal. And I like to read the comment because that is how I can interact with people. I am not out there trying to misrepresent myself; this is me on a good day; this is as good and as bad as it gets. And if you like me and want to see me and what my life is like, come and follow me. But if you want to try and destroy me, it is okay. But do not come and follow me. But this is a new world, and as a journalist and public figure, I need to do this,” she affirmed, underscoring the importance of staying true to oneself in a world of online noise.

Reflecting on her life, Gardiner shared the pride she feels representing South Africa on the global stage. “To walk across the stage and be able to say I am South African is one of my favorite moments,” she revealed.

Additional personal milestones, such as the joy of motherhood and her recent return to judging, have further enriched her journey. “At the age of 65, having the courage to write something that pushes boundaries takes a lot of guts. I am proud of myself,” she remarked.

The author also tackled societal expectations during our discussion, emphasising the theme of self-care that runs throughout her work. “If you are pleasing everybody else, it means you are not pleasing yourself. If you are not looking after your own mental and emotional health, you will be like sand in a storm. To survive, you have to be kind to yourself," she said, offering a powerful message of self-compassion that resonates deeply.

Saturday Star

anita.nkonki@inl.co.za

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Former Miss Universe Margaret Gardiner discusses her debut novel and its impact on women's narratives