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Youth Interactive Writer
University of Zimbabwe Biochemistry graduate, Joanne Hungwe, will officially launch her first novel titled “Amasa: Tribulation Amidst the African Sun” tomorrow at Ela The Garden in Newlands, Harare.
The 25-year-old’s novel carries 26 chapters and 240 pages.
In an interview, Hungwe said she wrote the novel out of her desire to understand her culture and identity.
“I was trying to find out more about my culture and history.
“I always wrote as a hobby, so I incorporated the information I was learning into a story so that I would remember the facts.
“I did not want to read Zimbabwean history in a boring way. I have always journalled since primary school, I always owned a diary, and competed in allied arts for short stories and poetry,” she said.
Drawing her inspiration from Tsitsi Dangarembga, she reckons she can express herself better through writing.
“I was greatly inspired by ‘Nervous Conditions’ penned by Tsitsi Dangarembga when I had to read it as a set book for my Ordinary Level and Ngozi Adichie Chimamanda’s ‘Purple Hibiscus’, which was the first literature book I ever read and I fell in love.
“I read it multiple times and it ignited my passion for writing,” said Hungwe, who can express herself better in written form.
The multi-tasking writer did not quit writing despite pursuing sciences at the tertiary level.
“I have an Honours degree in Biochemistry that I obtained from the University of Zimbabwe.
“I graduated last year in September of 2023. I am into product development, focusing on synthesising eco-friendly home and body care products, focusing on using the otherwise overlooked indigenous ingredients of Zimbabwe.”
To ensure that variety is served at her book launch, comedian Munya Chipere and poet Hey Hey Peacher will perform at the event.
Takudzwa Gochero has been invited as the moderator of the book launch.
Ruvimbo Mandimika, who is the author of the novel “Diaries of a Strong Black Woman” is one of the panellists expected to grace the launch.
Guests will also get an opportunity to interact with the writer among other literary arts gurus who are set to grace the event.
Hungwe’s book was published by Golden Mansion Publishers.
According to the book summary, the novel is an eye-opener to those who value and yearn to know their history and true identity.
“Amasa: Tribulation Amidst the African Sun is an enthralling tale of a young princess who uncovers her true identity and challenges the status quo.
“Within the context of cultural customs, political manoeuvring and yearning for inclusion, this book dwells on issues of self-realisation, perseverance, and the cost associated with talking the truth.
“Join Masa as she battles against the forces that seek to confine her as she unearths the secrets that will reshape her destiny and the future of the kingdom she calls home,” reads part of the foreword.
Hungwe’s novel has been published at a time when a growing number of writers are now finding it easier to publish their works.
Most of the new material coming from the crop of youthful writers is motivational material, autobiography of well-to-do people and poetry collections.
This development is good news to literature gurus who have been lamenting the dearth of the reading culture.
For a change, young writers are now taking the leading role in promoting reading culture.
The increase in new publishers has opened new doors for young writers who are now shining.
The only challenge with some writers is the quality of their works, a challenge for new publishing houses to be thorough.
Hungwe, who has just published her novel, is upbeat she has nailed it.
Online Reporter