2024 RofC shortlist - Avenues by Train

[Hugh, Active moderator]

Avenues by Train by Farai Mudzingwa (Cassava Republic)

[Paul]

This one was really good.

The one frustration I had reading it was the lack of a playlist since music features throughout - but the author saw GY's Instagram post which said the same thing - and has kindly created one ...

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7sC...

The music is not only referenced in the novel but also inspired it's form (from the author's afterword)

Music as an artform is quite possibly the main inspiration for my writing. Mbira music in particular. There is the cyclical structure to mbira music which involves the interlacing of multiple melodies emanating from the same repeated chord structures. The result is similar to a mosaic of melodies from which each person extracts and hears those melodies which speak to their disposition. In a literary sense, I try to write themes, subtext, extended metaphors and other literary devices, in a manner that allows the reader to perceive multiple narratives and themes, with varying prominence dependent on the reader themselves. Ultimately, music leaves you with emotion. You may not remember the lyrics or the chord progressions; you may recall only parts of the chorus or the melody, but what sits with you and never leaves, is how you felt. I aim to leave that effect on the reader.

[Gumble's Yard - Golden Reviewer]

Yes was very kind of the author to do that.

[Gumble's Yard - Golden Reviewer]

I would be happy to see this win or at least be shortlisted.

[Hugh, Active moderator]

Finished this yesterday and I was impressed, though it did take a while to really get going. I can see why it is on the list and could see it going further.

[Gumble's Yard - Golden Reviewer]

My Insta Post - rather pleased with this one which my wife originated and executed.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C3KOXEuI9...

[WndyJW]

This is one of the books I was most interested in and this playlist sealed it for me.