Often times the stories centered around Zimbabwe are fictional narratives. Memoir is becoming a popular nonfiction form of expression. Today I will introduce you to Elizabeth Nyamayaro @enyamayaro, who narrates her life story which begins with a near death experience in Goromonzi. This incident is what catapults her onto a journey which takes her to … Continue reading #ZimbabweLitMonth: I am a girl from Africa (2021)
#ZimbabweLitMonth: Glory (2022)
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)
#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: 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)
#ZimbabweLitMonth: Sibanda and the Night Adder (2023)
While Zimbabwean City of Kings trilogy interrogates Bulawayo's history, author CM Elliot and her Detective Sibanda detective series present Bulawayo and its surrounds in its present state. Using the crime fiction genre, CM Elliot takes us into the heart of Matabeleland terrain. She uses her dashing protagonist, Detective Sibanda, who returns in this fourth installment … Continue reading #ZimbabweLitMonth: Sibanda and the Night Adder (2023)
#ZimbabweLitMonth: Gone with the Blue Zodiac (2023)
In keeping with our theme of contemporary fiction, I would like to introduce you to Tafadzwa Taruvinga and his upcoming novel, "Gone with the Blue Zodiac." This book is to be released in November 2023 and the author's synopsis succinctly describes the story as a moving and humorous story that strongly resonates with traditional and … Continue reading #ZimbabweLitMonth: Gone with the Blue Zodiac (2023)
#ZimbabweLitMonth: The Quality of Mercy (2022)
Of all the countries in Africa, the liberation struggle for independence in Zimbabwe was the longest and bloodiest. Historical fiction has become a popular genre in interrogating our convoluted history. Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu, with her lyrical prowess, has done a marvelous job of narrating pre- and post-colonial Zimbabwean history in her City of Kings trilogy. … Continue reading #ZimbabweLitMonth: The Quality of Mercy (2022)
Global Literature in Libraries Initiative 