Political satire is an important genre in Zimbabwe where writers can't often express themselves without impunity. Glory, published by Chatto (2022) is the second novel by award-winning novelist, Noviolet Bulawayo. The book was shortlisted for the Booker Prize (2022) and is inspired by George Orwell's "Animal Farm." In Glory, the story rides on the senile … Continue reading #ZimbabweLitMonth: Glory (2022)
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#WorldKidLitWednesday: Please Don’t Put That In Your Mouth
Spurred by his own experiences as a parent, the 2022 Booker Prize-winning author Shehan Karunatilaka, ventured into making books for young readers, with the Baby Baba series of books, in 2019. Written in rhyme and quirkily illustrated by his brother Lalith Karunatilaka, the book begins with describing Baby Baba—a bemused but fearless toddler in a … Continue reading #WorldKidLitWednesday: Please Don’t Put That In Your Mouth
#ZimbabweLitMonth: Black and Female (2022)
In this latest offering by critically acclaimed novelist, Tsitsi Dangarembga, she flips the page and goes nonfiction. Black and Female is a powerful novella consisting of three essays which gives us greater insight into the author and her journey as a writer and filmmaker. In writing 'Black and Female,' Dangarembga allows herself the space to … Continue reading #ZimbabweLitMonth: Black and Female (2022)
#ZimbabweLitMonth: The Mad Man on First Street and Other Short Stories (2022)
We continue this week on a thread of short story collections, namely from new debut authors. Today I will introduce you to David Chasumba and his award-winning collection, which is published by the Carnelian Heart imprint.. The title story is reminiscent of a short story by a Nigerian writer, Osahon Ize-Iyamu's The Mad Man of … Continue reading #ZimbabweLitMonth: The Mad Man on First Street and Other Short Stories (2022)
#ZimbabweLitMonth: Drinking from Graveyard Wells (2023)
Nothing packs a punch like a collection of well written short stories. Consistency and conciseness are key and Yvette Lisa Ndlovu delivers with this anthology. In this volume, you will be introduced to Zimbabweans, both in the country and those living in the diaspora. Ndlovu covers diverse genres from fantasy, horror, magical realism, sci-fiction plus … Continue reading #ZimbabweLitMonth: Drinking from Graveyard Wells (2023)
#ZimbabweLitMonth: The Mystery at Dunvegan Castle (2023)
This is the third book in the Edinburgh Night Series, in which Tendai Huchu demonstrates his dexterity and imagination as a writer in taking up the fantasy genre and taking readers into a dystopian post-apocalyptic world. The series is set in a magical Scottish community, and we navigate this world through the narration of the … Continue reading #ZimbabweLitMonth: The Mystery at Dunvegan Castle (2023)
#WorldKidLit Wednesday: The 2023 Eisner Nominees
Looking to dip your toe into the ocean of new graphic novels (in translation) for children and young adults? Reading the Eisners is the perfect approach. The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards are the comic kingdom’s equivalent of the Oscars, with the winners announced annually at San Diego Comic Con. Children’s graphic novels in translation appear in the obvious … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: The 2023 Eisner Nominees
#ZimbabweLitMonth: Digging Stars (2023)
"The Digging Stars is a star cluster known by many names. It is most commonly called the Pleiades. Depending on who and where you are, it’s also referred to as the Seven Sisters or isiLimela, among other things. But no matter its name, in Novuyo Rosa Tshuma’s excellent new novel, “Digging Stars,” the cluster is … Continue reading #ZimbabweLitMonth: Digging Stars (2023)
#ZimbabweLitMonth: Langabi: Seasons of Beasts (2023)
Speculative fiction has become the umbrella term for encompassing Afrofuturism, science fiction, fantasy, horror, dystopian and utopian fiction. This is a highly popular and growing genre. Christopher Mlalazi is one of those Zimbabwean writers stretching their imagination beyond the current reality. In Langabi: Seasons of the Beasts, Christopher exports us into the world of epic … Continue reading #ZimbabweLitMonth: Langabi: Seasons of Beasts (2023)
#WorldKidLit Weekend: Zadie Ma and the Dog Who Chased the Moon
Zadie Ma wants a dog more than anything in the world, but her mama seems set against it. Will she achieve her heart’s desire? The overarching theme of Zadie Ma and the Dog Who Chased the Moon is simple, yet readers will soon discover that there is so much more to this middle grade novel. … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Weekend: Zadie Ma and the Dog Who Chased the Moon
Global Literature in Libraries Initiative 