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Elliot Ziwira, At the Bookstore
Phillip Chidavaenzi explores the complexities of human toil, healing, and spirituality in a compellingly thought-provoking way in the novel “The Ties That Bind”.
In a world where pain and despair seem omnipresent, he explores the age-old question: Is grief an inherent part of God’s plan?
Chidavaenzi masterfully weaves together the stories of Lincoln Mafusa, a lawyer diagnosed with HIV at 25, and Chiedza Jacha, a chartered accountant, to examine societal attitudes toward HIV/AIDS. The narrative confronts stereotypes and stigma surrounding the disease, leaving the reader aghast and guilt conscious.
The author skilfully juxtaposes the struggles of the marginalised with the affluence of the privileged, highlighting the universality of humankind. The novel raises essential questions: What constitutes healing in the face of adversity? Can love and happiness be found amid anguish? How do we reconcile faith with the harsh realities of life?
Despite its straightforward plot, “The Ties That Bind” offers profound insights into the human experience.
The narrative explores how Lincoln’s dreams are shattered following the realisation that he is HIV-positive. Compounding his situation, the diagnosis comes just a month before the young lawyer’s set wedding with Anita, a medical student at the University of Zimbabwe. A morally upright young woman, she does not believe in premarital sex.
Aware that Anita would not give in to fornication, Lincoln seeks fleshly gratification elsewhere, which exposes him to sexually transmitted infections.
He gets so careless that he even buys sex from commercial sex workers. Unfortunately, he is infected with HIV by a young sex worker he engages at a nightclub.
The protagonist’s HIV-positive status derails him.
Of all he cherished, the first to go is his sweetheart, Anita. His career teetering on the brink, he contemplates dying by suicide. However, through family support, especially from his affable stepfather, Justice Masosa, and his secretary, Shirley, he turns to the Christian God.
As Lincoln navigates his diagnosis, loss, and eventual healing, Chidavaenzi sheds light on the importance of spiritual connection, family support, and community.
The narrative is enriched by relatable characterisation, vivid imagery, realistic setting, and poignant explorations of carnal desires, avarice, and death.
Corruption, social justice and inequality fail to escape the writer’s censure as well.
The unfolding plot sees Lincoln losing grasp of reality, thus earning him the reader’s sympathy.
Despite the setback, he believes that his star will shine even brighter at Harrods & Bradshaw Legal Practitioners.
Finding a new purpose in life, for 10 years, he abstains from alcohol, refined foods, sex and women—concentrating only on enriching his spirituality.
Eventually, his prayers are answered as binding ties begin to stitch up.
Lincoln is introduced to Chiedza, a beautiful and widowed mother, by Jackie, his colleague at the law firm.
Chichi, as they fondly call her, is friends with Jackie.
Ironically, her husband, Michael, a banker, died by suicide following his HIV-positive diagnosis.
HIV-positive, she broods at her predicament, questioning why, despite her faith, God has forsaken her. This, in a way, dims her faith.
Individual experiences seemingly scattered, Chidavaenzi adroitly ties the knots—swiftly sweeping the reader on a whirlwind of intrigue.
Jacqueline Masosa, affectionately known as Jackie, is as gadabout as she is intelligent. She insists that were it not for sex, the world would be such a dull place; one only has to religiously use condoms.
In the subplot, her sexual exploits, which pervade the story, begin at 15.
Interestingly, she realises her dreams as a lawyer, and eventually marries across the colour bar. However, her cousins—Yolanda, Synodia, Melisa, and Shelter, are not as fortunate. Like their deceased parents, with the exception of Yolanda, they succumb to AIDS.
Sadly, Yolanda dies in a brawl with another sex worker over a client, leaving their hapless grandmother, Mbuya Masosa, heartbroken.
Chidavaenzi writes: “Something in Mbuya Masosa snapped. . . It was like something deep inside her, had died with Yolanda.”
In this dimension of the story, parenting, widowhood, and lack are explored through carnal vices.
With the loose ends beginning to link up, Lincoln weds Chichi, and Jackie marries Ben, a white man. The protagonist also learns that Anita is married to Jackie’s cousin, Adrian Lee, and that the young sex worker, who infected him with HIV, is the late pretty school dropout, Yolanda Masosa.
Lincoln’s journey from despair to redemption testifies to the transformative power of faith and spiritual connection.
In an era marked by uncertainty and misfortune, the book provides a timely reminder of the essence of spirituality, community, and pliability. Chidavaenzi’s stimulating exploration of woe and healing demonstrates the human spirit’s capacity for hope, and forgiveness.
Ultimately, “The Ties That Bind” offers a message of hope and resilience. A Christian writer, Chidavaenzi asserts that healing is not solely an individual effort, but rather a convergence of supernatural and natural forces.
Like Lovemore Togarasei in “The Bible and Healing”, he advocates enlightenment on antiretroviral medication (ARVs), affirming that they are God’s plan in conquering HIV and AIDS; and doctors, prophets, healers, and pastors are His vessels. Through Lincoln’s story, the author illustrates that faith, forgiveness, and support can transcend even the darkest of struggles.
Certainly, HIV/AIDS can be healed as long as everyone plays his or part in the knowledge that healing and curing are two different things.
Healing, as the Christian Bible clearly outlines, involves the use of both natural and supernatural agents.
Bio-medical healing, which is the use of modern medicines, is as natural as the use of holy oil, water, mud, leaves and roots—working in tandem with the invocation of supernatural forces and not against them.
Overall, “The Ties That Bind” is a must-read for anyone seeking a nuanced exploration of the human experience.
This powerful novel will resonate with readers interested in literary fiction, African literature, spiritual and philosophical themes, as well as social justice and advocacy.
Online Reporter