Tracing the sacred threads of ancestry, identity and grace

Set Apart is a deeply moving memoir by Dr Kony Marlis Mwinyoglee, a South African–based specialist anaesthetist, that captures the heart of what it means to search for belonging, identity and divine purpose in a world that often demands conformity.

More than a personal story, Set Apart is a powerful call to remembrance and restoration — urging readers to reconnect with their roots, embrace their uniqueness and walk boldly in their God-given identity.

About the book

Published by Inspired Publishing South Africa in September 2025, Set Apart chronicles Dr Kony’s extraordinary journey from Lubumbashi (then Zaire) to her upbringing in Kalenda, among the proud Kanyok people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Her story pays homage to her father, Dr Ilung, whose tireless community service and partnership with the Diocese of Luiza left a lasting legacy of education, healthcare and faith. Through poignant storytelling, Dr Kony explores what it means to grow up between worlds — African and Western, spiritual and scientific — and to find peace in being ‘different’.

From the pangs of migration and heartbreak to rediscovery and grace, Set Apart reminds readers that even in displacement, we can find divine direction. It is both a mirror for those who feel unseen and a map for those longing to live authentically.

Why it matters

• Cultural heritage & identity: The memoir shines a light on the Kanyok tribe. Their untold traditions, oral history and community values are woven into the narrative, offering readers a rare glimpse into a rich African heritage.
• Diaspora & displacement: With deep empathy, Dr Kony captures the struggles of migration — of being between worlds — and the spiritual resilience it takes to rediscover one’s purpose far from home.
• Faith, healing & grace: Set Apart is not just a tale of endurance but one of restoration. It speaks to those seeking meaning amid life’s uncertainties and celebrates grace as a guiding force.

Key themes and focuses of the book

Set Apart explores identity and the experiences of the Black diaspora, highlighting what it means to be ‘different’ in race, culture or belief. It delves into the journey of women in medicine, faith and leadership, showing how one woman balances her medical calling with her divine purpose. 

The book emphasises cultural preservation, reviving the oral traditions and heritage of the Kanyok people, while also reflecting on migration, belonging and resilience, sharing stories of healing and discovering purpose beyond borders. At its core, it examines faith in modern times, exploring the dynamic interplay between science, spirituality and destiny.

The book is available on Amazon UK (ISBN: 9781997467007).