The issues of poverty, political strife and the desire for a better life elsewhere post independence in Zimbabwe is told through the eyes of children in Noviolet Bulawayo's coming of age tale. Ten year old Darling's journey of discovery from a child to teenager is documented across two different countries. "We need new names" is witty as much it as it is insightful into the situation in Zimbabwe at the time and the book's leading characters Darling, Bastard, Chipo and Shbo epitomised much of this. For me it was interesting to see how children so young were so politically aware just as result of witnessing the daily events in their shanty town. For that reason chapter 8 had me the most engaged throughout my read- it basically sums up what was going on at the time in the form of an event witnessed by Darling and her friends, highlighting the mental battle of childhood innocence between what is right and wrong. As we get into second half of the book Darling is living the life she always hoped for in the USA where instead of stealing guavas with her friends,as she did back home, she is now watching porn with her friends in the basement. This section of the book is by no means as insightful as Darling's early life in Zimbabwe and I thought it was quite apt that the book should end on the news that Osama Bin Laden had been found and killed by the US security forces - being the obvious inspiration for Darling and her friends childhood game "Find bin Laden". Overall a bit of a slow burner but witty and insightful enough to read and be kept interested.
No doubt there are new friends to be made in Darling, Bastard, Chipo and Shbo. The first half of the book through the eyes of a child are so vivid and memorable. The most memorable and nail biting moment in this book is in chapter that gives the book it's title - 'we need new names' which is where the world of childhood and adulthood collide – at this point I almost can’t read anymore. The second part of the book is where we meet Darling now in adolescence and this where I believe that Bulawayo writes one of the most perfectly written chapters I have ever read. Tshaka Zulu’s tells the immigrant tale like no other – it’s a truth I’ve seen in the eyes of so many and adds to the knowledge pool of the seeking outsider. This isn’t a fast paced book and not a huge page turner so at times I did feel like I needed to push through but I still felt it was worth the read. Thus whilst not a plot heavy book some of the chapters really make it worth the journey.
Mr Fox - Helen Oyeyemi
So from Zim we move to Naij. The book we will be taking on this month is Mr Fox by Helen Oyeyemi. Again the only glimpse I have had into the depth of her work is through having read her BBC short story ‘My daughter the racist’. Her books White is for Witching and Icarus Girl have garnished much praise, so I wanted to read one of her books that had made less of a splash. So that’s it for now. We’ll see you next month for more Words of Africa.