Harare Review of Books

10 pages.

First published in 2014.

Finished reading on May 18, 2021.

Genre: Fiction.

In 2006, even drivers like Samson are millionaires in Zimbabwe. Inflation is skyrocketing and basic commodities are increasingly rare or unaffordable. Though Samson earns more than most drivers, it is still not nearly enough to support his family. With limited options, he has started skipping meals to save money. As he grows weaker, he ignores the warning signs…

A fascinating new short story by acclaimed author Sarah Ladipo Manyika, Zvakwana, offers heartbreaking insight into one man’s willingness to sacrifice for his family in a time of extreme economic crisis.

Spoiler: This is sad!

I decided to check out Worldreader, to see if I could find any free, hard-to-find books by African writers. I didn’t, not really; except for this, which is also available on Amazon.

This is a very quick read, with lots of feels for a Zimbabwean. It captures and encapsulates — somehow, in its very few pages — a bit of the madness of the Zimbabwean experience. I forgave what felt a little like an outsider’s view of Zimbabwe (you know, what the media would write) because you can’t be that nuanced in 10 pages. Regardless, this is very much worth your time.

Rated: 7/10.

Worldreader: Read more about this not-for-profit social enterprise at worldreader.org.