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nietzschesghost's review against another edition
4.0
These Bones Will Rise Again, part of The Indigo Press's Mood Indigo essay series which focuses on publishing writing on pressing social and political issues, is part memoir and part history book and looks at the state of Zimbabwe after its fourth political revolution which took place over a two-week period in November 2017 when army generals took over the country in Operation Restore Legacy. This operation triggered the demise of Robert Mugabe who had been the sole leader of Zimbabwe for thirty-seven years since the country attained independence. Chigumadzi weaves a narrative shaped by two ancestral forces, anti-colonial heroine Mbuya Nehanda and her own late grandmother. The book covers the time period from 1893-2017.
At only 144 pages, this is a short and concise read, but it perfectly portrays the Zimbabweans struggle for independence and is exquisitely written as well as accessible to those who may know nothing about the country's history and the long and arduous fight for liberation, human rights, political dignity and social justice. The author's writing is most visceral, and it's clear to see that she is proud of her history, family and ancestry. Told from the perspective of the marginalised and oppressed rather than from any party political point-of-view, Chigumadzi gives a voice to those who have so often been pushed aside. It not only reflects on the political history of Zimbabwe, but it also encompasses the hopes for the future.
By discussing how her late grandmother felt about the past, present and future of her country, Chigumadzi brings a personal family touch to this work but also discusses spiritual leader Mbuya Nehanda, who provided inspiration for the revolt against colonisation which began in the 1890s and has continued to inspire the people to fight for their rights ever since. The author also provides some critical analysis of the situation through the lens of Panafricanism, feminism and from political, historical, mythological and philosophical standpoints.
Above all, These Bones Will Rise Again shows the resilience and power of the human spirit to carry on hoping and praying for change which eventually came when Robert Mugabe's stranglehold over the country came to an end after almost four decades. This is an engaging and thrilling account of Zimbabwean politics which is both timely and relevant and from which I learned a lot. The only reason for not awarding it the full five stars is due to some of the Shona language, but I found I could mostly guess what was being conveyed from the context. That said, it perhaps would've been a good idea to include a glossary of terminology so that readers didn't have to interrupt the flow of the book so much. Having been one of the most corrupt countries in the world, it will take many years to be able to move away from that. We can only hope that the future will be a lot brighter for the people of Zimbabwe as this is only the start for them. Highly recommended.
Just a quick side note: "These Bones Will Rise Again" were the last words spoken by Mbuya Nehanda before she was executed in 1898 by the British for her role in the first Chimurenga. Many people believe that these last words were a prophecy. The cover art for this book actually comes from a studio photograph of Mbuya Lilian Chigumadzi, Panashe Chigumadzi's grandmother, as a young woman - the one she speaks so eloquently and emotionally about throughout the pages. I will also be using the bibliography which helpfully lists all of the interviews, books and journal articles that were referred to in the text.
Many thanks to The Indigo Press for sending me a copy of These Bones Will Rise Again. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
At only 144 pages, this is a short and concise read, but it perfectly portrays the Zimbabweans struggle for independence and is exquisitely written as well as accessible to those who may know nothing about the country's history and the long and arduous fight for liberation, human rights, political dignity and social justice. The author's writing is most visceral, and it's clear to see that she is proud of her history, family and ancestry. Told from the perspective of the marginalised and oppressed rather than from any party political point-of-view, Chigumadzi gives a voice to those who have so often been pushed aside. It not only reflects on the political history of Zimbabwe, but it also encompasses the hopes for the future.
By discussing how her late grandmother felt about the past, present and future of her country, Chigumadzi brings a personal family touch to this work but also discusses spiritual leader Mbuya Nehanda, who provided inspiration for the revolt against colonisation which began in the 1890s and has continued to inspire the people to fight for their rights ever since. The author also provides some critical analysis of the situation through the lens of Panafricanism, feminism and from political, historical, mythological and philosophical standpoints.
Above all, These Bones Will Rise Again shows the resilience and power of the human spirit to carry on hoping and praying for change which eventually came when Robert Mugabe's stranglehold over the country came to an end after almost four decades. This is an engaging and thrilling account of Zimbabwean politics which is both timely and relevant and from which I learned a lot. The only reason for not awarding it the full five stars is due to some of the Shona language, but I found I could mostly guess what was being conveyed from the context. That said, it perhaps would've been a good idea to include a glossary of terminology so that readers didn't have to interrupt the flow of the book so much. Having been one of the most corrupt countries in the world, it will take many years to be able to move away from that. We can only hope that the future will be a lot brighter for the people of Zimbabwe as this is only the start for them. Highly recommended.
Just a quick side note: "These Bones Will Rise Again" were the last words spoken by Mbuya Nehanda before she was executed in 1898 by the British for her role in the first Chimurenga. Many people believe that these last words were a prophecy. The cover art for this book actually comes from a studio photograph of Mbuya Lilian Chigumadzi, Panashe Chigumadzi's grandmother, as a young woman - the one she speaks so eloquently and emotionally about throughout the pages. I will also be using the bibliography which helpfully lists all of the interviews, books and journal articles that were referred to in the text.
Many thanks to The Indigo Press for sending me a copy of These Bones Will Rise Again. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
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