“You spend the morning writing a letter to your cousin Nyasha, who has become a filmmaker in Germany, in which you ask for advice concerning leaving Zimbabwe. You want nothing more than to break away from the implacable terror of every day you spend in your country - where you can no longer afford the odd dab of peanut butter to liven up the vegetables from Mai Manyanga’s garden or the petty comfort of perfumed soap - by going away and becoming a European.” Anxious about her prospects after leaving a stagnant job, Tambudzai finds herself living in a run-down youth hostel in downtown Harare. For reasons that include her grim financial prospects and her age, she moves to a widow’s boarding house and eventually finds work as a biology teacher. But at every turn in her attempt to make a life for herself, she is faced with a fresh humiliation, until the painful contrast between the future she imagined and her daily realityultimately drives her to a breaking point. In This Mournable Body, Tsitsi Dangarembga returns to the protagonist of her acclaimed first novel, Nervous Conditions, to examine how the hope and potential of a young girl and a fledgling nation can sour over time and become a bitter and floundering struggle for survival. As a last resort, Tambudzai takes an ecotourism job that forces her to return to her parents’ impoverished homestead. This homecoming, in Dangarembga’s tense and psychologically charged novel, culminates in an act of betrayal, revealing just how toxic the combination of colonialism and capitalism can be.
CONTRIBUTORS: Tsitsi DangarembgaEAN: 9781431428304COUNTRY: South AfricaPAGES: WEIGHT: 500 gHEIGHT: 235 cm
PUBLISHED BY: Jacana Media (Pty) LtdDATE PUBLISHED: CITY: GENRE: FICTION / Coming of AgeWIDTH: 155 cmSPINE:
Book Themes:
Modern and contemporary fiction: general and literary
“Searing and enlightening. Tsitsi Dangarembga has delivered a highly anticipated, devastating portrayal of a woman who, like her country, endures a continuous path of destruction.” – Sefi Atta, author of Everything Good Will Come
“Finally, Dangar
Tsitsi Dangarembga is the author of two previous novels, including Nervous Conditions, winner of the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize. She is also a filmmaker, playwright and the director of the Institute of Creative Arts for Progress in Africa Trust. She lives in Harare, Zimbabwe.
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“You spend the morning writing a letter to your cousin Nyasha, who has become a filmmaker in Germany, in which you ask for advice concerning leaving Zimbabwe. You want nothing more than to break away from the implacable terror of every day you spend in your country - where you can no longer afford the odd dab of peanut butter to liven up the vegetables from Mai Manyanga’s garden or the petty comfort of perfumed soap - by going away and becoming a European.” Anxious about her prospects after leaving a stagnant job, Tambudzai finds herself living in a run-down youth hostel in downtown Harare. For reasons that include her grim financial prospects and her age, she moves to a widow’s boarding house and eventually finds work as a biology teacher. But at every turn in her attempt to make a life for herself, she is faced with a fresh humiliation, until the painful contrast between the future she imagined and her daily realityultimately drives her to a breaking point. In This Mournable Body, Tsitsi Dangarembga returns to the protagonist of her acclaimed first novel, Nervous Conditions, to examine how the hope and potential of a young girl and a fledgling nation can sour over time and become a bitter and floundering struggle for survival. As a last resort, Tambudzai takes an ecotourism job that forces her to return to her parents’ impoverished homestead. This homecoming, in Dangarembga’s tense and psychologically charged novel, culminates in an act of betrayal, revealing just how toxic the combination of colonialism and capitalism can be.
CONTRIBUTORS: Tsitsi DangarembgaEAN: 9781431428304COUNTRY: South AfricaPAGES: WEIGHT: 500 gHEIGHT: 235 cm
PUBLISHED BY: Jacana Media (Pty) LtdDATE PUBLISHED: CITY: GENRE: FICTION / Coming of AgeWIDTH: 155 cmSPINE:
Book Themes:
Modern and contemporary fiction: general and literary
Tsitsi Dangarembga is the author of two previous novels, including Nervous Conditions, winner of the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize. She is also a filmmaker, playwright and the director of the Institute of Creative Arts for Progress in Africa Trust. She lives in Harare, Zimbabwe.
I was truly blessed to hear this book read aloud by the author herself. As a teacher, I have to give Refiloe five stars as she held those six year old's in the palm of her hand. If any of you know children, you know they have the concentration of a flea! The children, however, were spellbound, for just under a hour. When I reflected back on how successful the author's visit was I realized, it was the content of the book that captured their hearts. Every child could relate to one or other theme that was addressed in this beautifully illustrated book. If truth be told, it was also magnificently presented. Refiloe is a dynamic orator. Many more schools need to have her books on their library shelves and allow her to grace them with her presence.
Overall, "Atomic Habits" is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the science of habit formation and make lasting changes in their behaviour. Clear's insights and strategies are applicable to individuals in all walks of life, from students and professionals to athletes and entrepreneurs.
I have learned so much about myself with these cards and if you are feeling called to get them in South Africa (or wherever, really), Exclusive Books has you covered. Delivery 5/5, communication 4/5 (3-5 day response times) and package 4/5 (didn't arrive wrapped like I selected - product in new/excellent condition). Overall, an incredibly favourable experience and would recommend! x
The Girl who survived her mother -Moshitadi Lehlomela
Lehlomela offers a biographical rendition of her childhood experiences and how she got to discover and label her woundedness. She takes us through her journey where we start by sympathising, then empathising and finally those of us who have this would feel like we are reading our life story. I finished that book feeling unburdened. By writing her story, she named and voiced my wounds. I first felt triggered and then unpacked my healing. This book is for anyone who can't explain why they have a complicated relationship with their mother. It's not for the faint-hearted, but it's a worthy read. If you can't afford it and are in Johannesburg, it is available at Johannesburg Public Libraries for those with Library cards.