Zimbabwe's Weaver Press publishes New Fiction Anthology

New short story anthology.

Zimbabwe's Weaver Press has published a new anthology of short stories by women. The anthology features fifteen emerging and established Zimbabwean female writers of diverse styles. Some of these writers have appeared in previous anthologies by the same publisher, but the publication also features new voices, showcasing works by Zimbabwean women at home and abroad. Reconizable names like Petina Gappah, Zvisinei Sandi, and Valerie Tagwira, three hard-working authors now writing from abroad, promise a new insight in this collection's approach to Zimbabwean issues.

In a telephone conversation, Zvisinei Sandi, who will be holding workshops on Zimbabwean literature in Stanford Univeristy's Comparative literature department, told me that this book is a significant and welcome addition to Zimbabwean literature, bringing an eclecticism of perpectives and approaches that enlightens readers on life in contemporary Zimbabwe. Sandi plans to use this new text, along with Dambudzo Marechera and Charles Mungoshi's works, in her Stanford lectures. She also added that her story, in particular, was inspired by her University of Zimbabwe days, and it takes a swipe at the then "nose brigade", now "salad", culture and its clashes with the demands of new realities in Zimbabwe. The book is available in the United States through University of Michigan, but it can also be ordered on Amazon.

Zvisinei Sandi, CDDRL fellow at Stanford University, is one of the authors featured in the collection.

Publisher Synopsis of the book, an excerpt:

Several stories (Tagwira, Ndlovu and Charsley) look at the impact that AIDS has on women who become the care-givers, often without emotional or physical support. It is often assumed that women will provide support and naturally make the necessary sacrifices. Brickhill and Munsengezi focus on the hidden costs and unexpected rewards of this nurturing role. Many families have been separated over the last decade. Ndlovu, Mutangadura, Katedza, Mhute and Rheam all explore exile’s long, often painful, reach and the consequences of deciding to remain at home. In lighter vein, but with equal sharpness of perception, Gappah, Manyika, Sandi, and Holmes poke gentle fun at the demands of new-found wealth, status and manners. Finally, Musariri reminds us that the hidden costs of undisclosed trauma can continue to affect our lives for years afterwards. All of the writers share a sensitivity of perception and acuity of vision. Reading their stories will enlarge and stimulate our own understanding.