QUICK DELIVERY
Swift dispatch
Weeping tomato by Samantha Rumbidzai
Behind the Façade and other stories b...
Moments in the private room by Kudzai...
Moments in the Private Room is a piercing exploration of Zimbabwean society by the debutant author, Kudzai Mhangwa. As his creative lens moves through time and circumstances in an uncanny yet authentic voice that manages to be both satirical and heartfelt, each story is poignantly nuanced and articulates something most of us have likely felt at some point in our lives. From the pangs of love to the comforts of friendship, the thrilling vexation of chasing a dream to the burden of expectations - the perplexity of it all. And at the heart of everything is the complexity of human character, its strengths and shortcomings, its beauty and messiness that is as iridescent as the stories themselves.
Importunity by Jon Lunn
Two sensational trials in Southern Rhodesia in 1923 lay bare the evils of settler colonialism. White railwayman Iolo James defends his black domestic servant, Michael, in court against sexual assault charges laid by his wife, Doris. All three will pay a heavy price. Iolo considers himself to be a principled opponent of Empire, embarking on quixotic attempts to right its wrongs. Yet, despite good intentions, he often does much more harm than good to the people close to him. Normal relationships seem all but impossible in this deeply damaged society. Jon Lunn’s novel is a layered, deeply moving exploration of an unjust historical epoch whose legacies persist to this day.
Portrait of Emlanjeni by Tsitsi Nomsa
Portrait of Emlanjeni tells an enthralling story of the inhabitants of a small, remote village in Matebeleland South where the rains will not come, and modernity lays waste to the landscape. While primarily driven by the pregnancy of Zanele and the rape of Khethiwe, there is much more to this story. At its core, it is a vivisection of humanity, a detailed examination and graphic portrayal of the nuances of society. Tsitsi Nomsa Ngwenya callously explores the fallibility of individuals, but she also celebrates the victories that come when people work together with a common interest, be it a village performing a rain dance ceremony or a group of young girls banding together in sisterhood against the fervid savagery of sexual abuse.
PRAISE FOR TSITSI NOMSA NGWENYA
In Portrait of Emlanjeni, Tsitsi Nomsa Ngwenya weaves a story that is both gripping and intriguing as well as rich in the sounds and sights of an idyllic Zimbabwe that may be waning. The characters in this narrative are endearingly rustic and appealing, yet complex by degrees. In some ways, the universe that Ngwenya creates in this novel is richly pastoral and vividly graphic. It makes the romantic want to lament, “Cry our beloved Culture.” Ngwenya grapples with the challenges of being a woman in a largely patriarchal society and engages in a near-mortal struggle against the vicissitudes of a modern, but hostile world in which the sensitivities of a conquered people are callously trodden upon. I recommend Portrait of Emlanjeni for bookshelves in every home.
David Mungoshi, author of The Fading Sun and Live Like an Artist.
Portrait of Emlanjeni is a narrative that guides the reader on a tour that captures a Zimbabwean landscape and its people. The narrative reminds the reader that somewhere in this country, there are forms of life that are not only charmingly pastoral but are also being lost in our struggle against the vagaries of modern life, struggles that also tramp upon the sensitivities that make us human. Tsitsi demonstrates a keen awareness of the humanness of her characters, making this novel a must-read for those who want to find themselves.
Tanaka Chidora, author of Because Sadness is Beautiful?
Aquilina by Masimba Musodza
Impeccably rooted in African mythology with that particular brand of Musodza magic, artfully blending mystical and modern worlds,” Ivor W. Hartmann, StoryTime Magazine, 2008
If there is one thing that anyone who has read Musodza’s previous novel in Shona will have learnt to expect, it is a fearsome monster. He holds up his imaginary monster like a mirror against the real monsters of [Zimbabwean] society”- Ednah Masanga, Amplifying Women’s Voices, 2015
A translation of a story about a young man’s descent into pathological misogyny, with a chilling hint at the supernatural…
A young teacher, Hatifari Maforimbo, enters Tswakata Polic Station one morning and reports that he has just murdered his live-in girlfriend, Aquilina. His lengthy statement takes us to his troubled past, and his descent into what the psychiatrist describes as “pathological misogyny” leading to this tragic, brutal conclusion. However, there is a hint of something the police are not equipped to contend with, something ghostly…
Beneath this thick skin by Nyasha Mel...
What goes on in the lives of the people we meet everyday beneath the physical? What secrets do they hide, what scars do they bear, what battles do they fight? In her debut short story collection, Nyasha Chiyanike peels back the layers of her characters and exposes their raw and vulnerable selves. With honesty, compassion, and insight, she invites us to share their journeys and witness their transformations. This is a gripping and poignant collection that will touch your heart and open your eyes.
Shards by Cynthia Rumbidzai
Shards is an allegorical, amorphous soliloquy about two pivotal days in the life of a troubled young woman from a middle-class Zimbabwe family. The rhapsodic story follows the protagonist as she experiences a profound existential crisis precipitated by an ancestral calling she has long refused to accept and grows increasingly disillusioned and alienated. It is set against the backdrop of a country beset by sociopolitical troubles and grappling with unfulfilled hopes in the dregs of the colonial era.
Cynthia Marangwanda’s background as a spoken word artist is evident throughout her writing as she deftly explores African spirituality and how it clashes with the dictates of modernity.
Shards is the first novella by Marangwanda. It was well-received in her native Zimbabwe, earning her a National Arts Merit Award for debut published work in 2015.
Mensah’s London Blues and other...
Set between the United Kingdom and Africa, Mensah’s London Blues chronicles the lives of characters from different parts of largely post-colonial Africa, as they deal with challenges of the diaspora and the shortcomings of independence. But it sets itself apart by offering more than the socio-political commentary or tackling the “Is the grass greener?” diasporan agenda. The world it is set in is merely a backdrop to the complexity and eccentricity of the characters that Austin Kaluba brings to life with his raw literary prowess. At the heart of the collection, Kaluba exposes the inherent will of his protagonists to survive, despite the odds that threaten to erase whatever morsel of humanity they possess. The vulnerability of protagonists caught between two radically different worlds irreconcilable in culture and social norms as they attempt, unsuccessfully, to fit in, forces them to confront their individual identities.
The Leak by Shingi Mavina
In this episodic novella, Mavima introduces Kuda, a man in his early 20s, living a banal existence shared by many of his peers in contemporary Harare. He has resigned himself to the life of mundane, inescapable drudgery. As he listlessly navigates the throes of early adulthood in urban Zimbabwe, Kuda worries that his existence may already have plateaued. When his US-based cousin Tawanda visits home for the first time in years, he provokes Kuda into seeking the escape from his entrapped life that had long eluded him. Their conversation sets in motion a series of events, memories, and encounters that leave Kuda with a new lease of life. Yet in his pursuit of greener pastures, he embarks on a surreal path where he is confronted with familial conflict, disease, dashed hopes, love and camaraderie in the strangest of places, and death.
Words And Other Weapons by Thembe Khu...
Words and Other Weapons is an abstract literary art piece that refuses to categorise itself in any singular literary genre. Instead, it offers a scenic, panoramic window into the relationships women have with self and society, diligently exploring questions of identity and adulthood, motherhood and marriage, relationships and careers, among others, and how these are reconciled with the maddening complexities and uncertainties of the external world. Thembe Khumalo deploys a range of different writing styles from stream of consciousness to gossipy chic lit, news reports to detailed dialogue and the end result for the introspective reader, is a collection that provides a bittersweet treat with layers of unique insights that keep the mind reflective long after the last page is turned.
Moses Mudavadi & The Evolution of...
In Moses Mudavadi and the Evolution of Maragoli Nation, Charles Karani delivers a compelling and deeply researched account of a statesman whose legacy has been largely overlooked in mainstream historical narratives. Moses Substone Budamba Mudavadi was a visionary educationalist and political leader who left an indelible mark on Kenya’s socio-political fabric. He was a trailblazer in many ways, an educationist par excellence, and later a Member of Parliament and cabinet minister under President Moi. Mudavadi’s leadership helped to shape both regional and national politics. This meticulously researched account brings to life the story of a man whose personal journey is intricately woven into the broader narrative of his people.
Significantly, Charles Karani offers a powerful rendition of the life and legacy of Moses Mudavadi. He captures Mudavadi’s central role in the political, social, and cultural awakening of the Maragoli. Rich in historical insights, the book traces the origins of the Maragoli people and charts their transformation into a formidable nation. With clarity and depth, Karani unearths stories that illuminate not only a remarkable individual but also the resilient spirit of a community in motion.
Grounded in the transactional theory of leadership, Mudavadi exemplified the virtues of discipline, duty, and dignity. He was a strategist with the ability to manage institutions, oversee complex operations, and achieve national and community goals. His life was characterized by integrity, humility, and responsibility, which earned him respect across political and ethnic divides.
Yet, despite his profound influence, the story of this great man from Mululu remains insufficiently told. This book seeks to correct that omission. It offers a nuanced narrative that positions Mudavadi not just as a local or ethnic leader but as a national figure. His life mirrored the transformation of his community and the Kenyan nation. Through vivid storytelling and critical analysis, Karani reclaims Mudavadi’s place in Kenya’s gallery of greatness, bridging personal legacy with collective memory.
This book is a timely contribution to Kenyan biography and historiography. It is an essential reference for scholars, students, and citizens who wish to understand the foundational virtues that once guided leadership in Kenya and the evolution of the Maragoli nation.
Audacious Dreamer by Peris Mbuthia
When a young girl takes the first steps of courage to leave behind the only life she knows, it opens up her world to all sorts of possibilities. Despite intimidating odds, she embraces different experiences that
curve out a great path for her life. The audacious dreamer shares the experiences that will leave you curious to let your dreams be your compass and embrace everything that you encounter in life. Peris Mbuthia is a Kenyan entrepreneur who runs a very successful Medical Spa in Nairobi. She is married to Martin Mbuthia, with whom they have two beautiful daughters; Sandra and Maxine. Peris has been involved in the health and beauty industry internationally for over 20 years and has been actively involved in the Kenyan local media in promoting and educating people
on the importance of skincare. She has lived in the UK, USA and Canada and
was actively involved in her local church's youth club. With the hope to inspire
and transform lives, Peris has put all her gained knowledge and experiences
into this book.
PICKING UP THE PIECES
> “Picking up the Pieces” is a deeply personal story of a woman who navigates a life marked by orphanhood, struggles with education, early marriage, child loss, gender-based violence, and betrayal. From the struggles of schooling with limited support to the pain of infidelity and the silence around grief, she tells a story of pain, perseverance, and ultimately, triumph. Through every setback, she rebuilds.
Heartless mind by Douglas Onyancha
Carried By Grace by Mirriam Nzyuko
Prepare to be captivated by a life lived with extraordinary vibrancy, from the sun-drenched mischief of a Kenyan childhood to the profound discovery of purpose and enduring love. Mirriam's journey unfolds as an epic tapestry woven with joy, shared dreams, and a family deeply rooted in faith, all meticulously Carried by Grace.
Then, an insidious "strange visitor"—the pandemic—unleashed its shadow, tragically ushering her beloved husband, Solomon, and then her dear mother, from this world. Carried by Grace is Mirriam’s unflinchingly honest and profoundly moving memoir, inviting you to witness not just the depths of sudden, double grief, but the miraculous resilience forged in its crucible.
Discover how, even when "The Space He Left" felt vast and overwhelming, God's unwavering presence provided "The Strength I Found," offering a beacon of hope and triumph for anyone seeking light after loss.
Our Mentor by Adhan Ali
HALFWAY TO DAMASCUS
Warriors. Wilderness. Blood and confusion. A son in a land of violence, a father who could
not understand why. When did you become your own person? How far did you have to
travel to find what was always inside? If you know what it is like to overcome a desolate
land, and attempt to make a life, journey with Franz Owano to Ol Moran and watch science,
compassion and writing open your eyes.
Conquering Marginalization – Th...
Conquering Marginalization is an autobiography by a successful author from a marginalized community, giving hope to all who face similar challenges that they can make it in life.
Back in the 80's when education was a foreign venture in Turkana, Agnes Nakutan Ekeno - a young girl in the heart of Nakwamekwi village in Turkana, took chances of going through the system in quest for a better future. She narrates her rocky path to education and the desire to make it against all odds. She recounts the journey through her life at 40's and tells her raw story. She seeks to encourage a young girl stuck between culture and her dream.