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I have been in the mood to explore Shona literature, grasping current trends and mapping how the genre has evolved over the years.
BOOK REVIEW by Andrew Moyo
During my excavations of literary gems, I came across Memory Chirere’s poetry anthology “Bhuku Risina Basa Nekuti Rakanyorwa Masikati”, which I had not read despite it being one of the most talked about books on the market after winning a National Arts Merit Award this year.
Reading these poems, I slowly began developing an appreciation and respect for Cherere’s sharp mind.
The anthology is interesting in many ways, flowing gently like a meandering river as the author intelligently and expertly manoeuvres around various themes.
The title is deliberately deceptive, suggesting the contents are irrelevant when from the word go it is apparent that this is a collection of gems polished mind-blowing turn of phrase and insight.
Blending numerous elements including musical and Biblical references, Chirere is a scientist experimenting with words to create something that lasts forever.
In “Pikicha”, Chirere illuminates how memories are preserved in photographs.
The use of imagery in this poem is vivid: “Mune iyi, ndainge ndichangozvarwa ndakaradzikwa mubhasikiti zvaJesu chaizvo. Ivo vachiitawo saJosefa naMaria”.
In this instance, the narrator is showing someone a photo of when he was still a baby, likening the scene to that of the Nativity as baby Jesus lay in the manger, flanked by Joseph and Mary.
The poems vary in size, with the majority short and sweet.
Chirere recreates real life scenarios in “Tsamba Yamukoma” in which parents ask their son to write a letter to his brother, asking him to come back home but without his wife whom they clearly despise.
“Usatombodzoka zvako nerwukadzi rwako! Ingodzoka iwe pachako, nekuti ndizvo zvinodiwa namai nababa,” goes part of the poem. (“Do not dare come back with that wife of yours! Come alone, because that is what your mother and father desire.”)
Poetry is made sweet by clever wordplay, and Chirere is a master of word play as found in “Mazwi”.
In “Zvirevo”, the writer talks about loss of life, war, and drought.
The thematic range and varying styles could be attributed to the fact that the poems in the book were not written at one go, but were instead assembled from various pieces crafted by the author over many years without the intention of publishing but to rather keep as a diary.
The poet took reality and turned it into an artistic jungle that readers will enjoy getting lost in with its clever twists, turns and linguistic depth.
Online Reporter