Nov-Dec: 2017 | Zimbabwe: Nervous Conditions, by Tsitsi Dangarembga

[Anetq, Tour Operator & Guide]

This thread is for discussion of Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga

[Raul]

Will start reading next week or so, can't wait.

[Anetq, Tour Operator & Guide]

Turns out my local library has it (in a Danish translation no less), so I've just ordered it

[Sue]

I think I will try to read this and possibly one other since there seems to be a bit of time.

[PS, Short Story Reading Chief]

I've just started reading this. It's shaping up to be an extremely promising read. This novel speaks to my soul! ☺️

Thought I'd share this interview with Tsisti Dangarembga https://youtu.be/lVre1FUbrk4

[PS, Short Story Reading Chief]

Anetq wrote: "Turns out my local library has it (in a Danish translation no less), so I've just ordered it"

Wow Annette! My library doesnt have the original English version.

[Sue]

The copy I requested has just come in to my library so I will pick it up soon and hopefully begin it within the week.

[PS, Short Story Reading Chief]

Hello, is anyone reading along? :)

[Sue]

Just got the book from the library. Plan to begin tonight or tomorrow.

[Raul]

Running a bit behind, will probably start this in two or three days.

[Erin]

Just started reading!

[Sue]

I just read the introduction and the first few pages. I like Tambu's voice and I'm looking forward to continuing with this story. The introduction indicates it will be a very interesting, and continually timely, one.

[Wim, French Readings]

I just ordered the book. It will take about a month before it will reach me here in Niger... but I will surely catch up with you later!

[Sue]

Tambu is certainly a strong willed child to be able to push back against all of the expectations of her family, and society, and maintain her wish for education, not considered a female goal. I can see why this book has the position it does in African literature.

[Raul]

I agree Sue, Tambu is such a strong character and very mature for her age in terms of handling responsibilities.

[Diane , Head Librarian]

I loved this book!

[Sue]

Diane wrote: "I loved this book!"

I'm only a couple of chapters in and I'm already liking this a lot. She paints such a great picture of the country and people. It's easy to visualize what's happening.

[Anetq, Tour Operator & Guide]

I just read this today! Great story and I like the way Tambu's story unfolds alongside her dawning realization of how everyone - even the educated women's lifes are controlled by the patriarchate - even Babu at the top is just playing his part. I'm impressed by the optimistic feeling I have for Tambu in the end after all those obstacles showing the systematic oppression - but I guess it's the budding all 'round including the colonial age ending.

[Zanna]

This is one of my favourite books :) here's my review

[Sue]

Zanna wrote: "This is one of my favourite books :) here's my review"

Nice review Zanna, with highlights of important sections (some I haven't reached yet, but almost there).

[Sue]

I have finished the book and written my review. I really liked this a lot and was slowed in my reading only by the busy-ness of life this month. I'm very glad to have read this.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Laura]

Just got this! with delay, but am liking the beginning so far

[Sue]

Laura wrote: "Just got this! with delay, but am liking the beginning so far"

Enjoy the read, Laura.

[Wim, French Readings]

Just started reading. Only in chapter 3, but already impressed and eager to read on...

[Sue]

Enjoy the book, Wim.

[Wim, French Readings]

I just finished reading and I really loved the book! To me, it is the best of the 3 Zimbabwean books for this Tour d'Afrique. Here is my review.

It reflects the nervous conditions of girls in women in this male-dominated society, but it also gives hope and inspiration, not only for Tambu's case but also for Maiguru and Lucia, standing up against the men in their life.

The novel seems so realistic that it feels like reading an autobiography. How does it relate to the youth of Tsitsi Dangarembga? I would like to read more by this author. Anyone has done so?

[Sue]

I just looked at the list of her books and notice that the third of the books on Tambu's life is due in August. I'm hoping I can find the second easily.

[Zanna]

I didn't know there was any sequel (if I knew I have forgotten). What's the name of it?

[Wim, French Readings]

This is the sequel: The Book of Not

[Sue]

I'm hoping I can find an inexpensive copy of The Book of Not online. And then I'll look into the book coming in August which appears to sum up Tambu's life. The new one is titled This Mournable Body: A Novel

[Zanna]

Thanks both!

[George P.]

I'm reading this book now on my own and found this discussion thread on it. The local libraries here didn't have it, only the university, but I found a copy on ebay for <$4 w/ shipping. I'm a little over half through it. The fact that there's nothing very unrealistic in the story does give it a very autobiographical impression; it reminds me of Down Second Avenue: Growing Up in a South African Ghetto, a memoir of a South African childhood in those times which I recently read (and I recommend) and the first part of Wangari Maathai's memoir from Kenya Unbowed: A Memoir. My overall impression is that it is very well-written, and I am impressed by the use of some unusual vocabulary. I plan to pass it on to a co-worker who is from Ghana when I've finished.

[Sue]

Glad to see you found this discussion. I noticed you were reading it but didn’t remember when I read this. Really an excellent book. Perhaps I will look for the other books online. The book copy I read was from a college library. I’m in so many groups it becomes hard to keep up sometimes.

[Sue]

I just checked and my library group does have multiple copies of This Mournable Body. I’ve made a reminder for myself for requesting it in November.

[Wim, French Readings]

Sue wrote: "I just checked and my library group does have multiple copies of This Mournable Body. I’ve made a reminder for myself for requesting it in November."

Have you already read The Book of Not, Sue? What did you think of it? I have a copy at home (bought as I was very impressed by Nervous conditions), but it is still waiting to be read...

[Sue]

No I haven’t read The Book of Not. I think I would have to buy it so I may just move on to the last book.