'amaBooks to Launch Three Books



'amaBooks is launching three books on October 30, 2008 at the National Arts Gallery in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

SIBAQUMBEQUMBE: an exhibition of ceramic sculptures by Owen MASEKO.

TEXTURES: an exhibition of oil paintings by Khumbulani MPOFU.

Long Time Coming: Short Stories from Zimbabwe

'amaBooks invite you to the launch of Long Time Coming, the fourth book in the Short Writings series, which brings together short stories and poems from thirty-three writers that provide snapshots of this turbulent period in Zimbabwe's history.

Long Time Coming brings together short stories and poems from thirty-three writers that provide snapshots of this turbulent period in Zimbabwe’s history.

Snapshots of living in a country where basic services have crumbled: where shops have no food, taps no water, banks no money, hospitals no drugs, bars no beer. Snapshots of characters surviving against seemingly insurmountable odds. Horrific snapshots of the abuse of power, of violence and oppression, of the destruction of dreams.

But this is Zimbabwe – there are lighter moments and moments of hope: in some of life’s simple pleasures, in the coming of the rains, in the wink and the smile of a stranger, in a challenge to patriarchy, in the inner strength of the people, in fighting back.

The writers are Raisedon Baya, Wim Boswinkel, Diana Charsley, Brian Chikwava, Julius Chingono, Mathew Chokuwenga, Bhekilizwe Dube, John Eppel, Peter Finch, Petina Gappah, David Goodwin, Anne Simone Hutton, Monireh Jassat, Ignatius Mabasa, Fungai Rufaro Machirori, Judy Maposa, Deon Marcus, Christopher Mlalazi, Gothataone Moeng, Wame Molefhe, Linda Msebele, Mzana Mthimkhulu, Peter Ncube, Thabisani Ndlovu, Pathisa Nyathi, Andrew Pocock, John S. Read, Bryony Rheam, Lloyd Robson, Ian Rowlands, Owen Sheers, Chaltone Tshabangu and Sandisile Tshuma.

Carrying on the tradition of the previous ’amaBooks Short Writings collections, the book provides ‘insights into the current Zimbabwean consciousness. It is dynamic, real, seasoned with humour and bursting with creative writing.’ Chipo Chitonga, The Zimbabwean

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