A simply told and engaging story that manages to knit a tight but complex plot around the subject of HIV /AIDS. It is a plot whose ending one is never sure of until the very last sentence. Though the story revisits a subject that has been around for decades, and one which is likely to be around for a while, what is notable is the kind of story that the author creates from the subject and the optimistic tone that runs through it. This is a story of triumph of love over adversity that gently but convincingly pushes back on the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS and in the process suggests a shift in attitudes towards a disease that is still considered a death sentence in some areas. Significant too is that in this story, HIV/ AIDS moves away from the realms of morality and the apocalypse that one is likely to find in stories on this subject to that of love and hope.

Esther Mbithi's "A Most Beautiful Bride," is a captivating tale of true love and beauty in the face of the dreadful HIV -AIDS scourge. Ndotoni's lover Ndisi is ascribed a positive HIV status at birth, but those in the know stigmatize him by inciting Ndotoni to jilt him. She overcomes all these disuasions and gives him a hug at the moment the reader expects a bitter altercation and end of the relationship. It is this twist and turn that draws our attention to the examplary love demonstrated by the heroine. If we all loved like Ndotoni, the world would be blissful; this indeed is a must-read story!

What kills us is with us and sometimes within us. Our attitude and perspective is what activates them either to kill us or make us stronger. The Most beautiful bride is beautiful because she knew the creases on her gown were not to determine how the wedding would be. Stigma and fear kill far more people than the real disease. The Most Beautiful Bride is a story of triumph through love and appreciation of the things that make us human. it is speaking of real life challenges in an admirable simplicity in an era where information is paramount and may mean life or death. It is an encouragement that nothing is insurmountable but we live from our hearts and mind- a wrong perspective and attitude and we begin to die from inside. Hope invigorates.

This is a great piece full of suspense. The skills and styles employed are coherent with the plot. The author's focus on entertaining the reader through good choice of words is noticeable, Good read...it ends in true suspense...another paragraph would have helped.

A most beautiful bride as told by Esther Mbithi is an eye catching story of hope depicting the true test of love from it's pristine humble beginning.It's main theme,HIV/AIDS can be linked with what happens in the real life and society.It,s a dominating disease that arouses a roller coaster of emotions an individual faces from the upsetting stigma attached to it.This story advocates that we need to change and learn to accommodate all people irregardless of age and health.Both Ndisi and Ndotoni have lost hope during their love journey but the symbolic act portrayed by Ndotoni at the end proves that the love subjugates all.I enjoyed the story and would recommend it to all ages