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deedireads's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Nervous Conditions, Tsitsi Dangarembga’s debut novel published in 1988, is a modern African classic. It takes place during the British colonial rule of Rhodesia in the 1960s (which won its independence and became Zimbabwe in 1980). It’s written from the perspective of Tambudzai (“Tambu”), a fiercely independent and stubborn Shona girl who grew up on her father’s farming homestead before her uncle, who led the local mission school, offers her the chance at education. Over the following few years, she develops a close relationship with her headstrong cousin Nyasha, pursues her education like a bloodhound, and begins to understand more about herself and how the world works.
While the prose is a bit dense and the pace is a little slow — it definitely reads like a classic — I can absolutely see why this book is so acclaimed. Tambu is one of the most vivid narrators I’ve ever encountered, and her voice is unforgettable. She tells the story for herself, not for you, and that makes all the difference. This book is revelatory from a feminist perspective, especially given (but not only because of) the year it was published. Dangarembga’s presentation of patriarchy, colonialism, the duality of identity, tradition and duty, and more is absolutely excellent.
Trigger warnings:
Fatphobia and body hatred; Anorexia and bulemia
Trigger warnings:
Fatphobia and body hatred; Anorexia and bulemia
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Body shaming, Eating disorder, and Fatphobia