Andrew
Book Review
Edmore Zvinonzwa
MEDIA practitioner Tendai Mutema has just penned an exciting novel, which is a rendition of several life topics.
The book displays the adept hand of the writer. Published by Royalty Books, the 221-page narrative explores several phenomenal life themes including life and death, love and hate, betrayal, pain and suffering among others.
The demise of Pastor Charles Nyadzayo soon after the book opens introduces death in the novel. His passing leaves the family fatherless and in financial trouble since he was the breadwinner.
“His poor wife was now a widow, and his young children were now without a father because of unnecessary bitterness. I waited for one of them to suggest a minute’s silence for the departed and maybe a quick prayer for the family. None was forthcoming.” (p5)
The theme of death permeates the whole narrative.
“I fell asleep as I waited for my spirit to exit my body. I knew that death involved the spirit separating from the body. I recalled pastors passionately talking about ‘the seven fires of God and two types of death’ during one of our church conferences.” (p12)
“I would tell myself that when we die, we were then born into another world as a different person. So, in that past life, I was happy, peaceful and greatly loved. Now I was born into misery, pain and hate.” (p2)
The character Mother is typical and can be found anywhere. She is a woman of prayer who is pining to have all her children pursue that kind of life. Other women and girls come to her for counselling. She is one woman who has decided to confront the devil head-on.
“Many of the ladies came to me after church. They were telling me they were impressed by my prayer life. I told them they all had one problem, they are afraid of the devil. Once he roars, they scatter and hide. Noooo…
“Christianity takes boldness, to look the devil in the eyes and tell him to go to hell. As for having children like you…” (p7-8)
The entry the narrator makers in her notebook is in the form of a letter, which is addressed to God;
“Dear God, Please do not count this as suicide. At church, they teach us that suicide is murder and will transcend us straight to hell. They say Judas is in hell. We are told that we have no right to take our lives because we did not give it to ourselves. I do agree, Lord; no one should take their life. I also do not think that anyone is quite capable of taking their life. I think circumstances kill us. A perfect example, Lord is my pathetic life.” (p11)
The letter goes on to attempt a justification of the intended suicide. Ultimately, she takes Mother’s pills.
“I took some water and emptied the entire pack of drugs into my left hand. My heart smiled, sadly and bitterly as I gulped them down. I then lay on the bed and committed my soul to God. I informed Him that we would meet quite soon. I had, however, taken some time to explain my actions to Him. I was unsure if I would have the chance to do so once I was promoted to glory.” (p10)
The narrator does not die though.
“I smiled. I was so excited. Very soon, I would be gone. Where would she bury me? I wondered. What clothes would they bury me in? I did not care.
“All I wanted was to be at peace. My frustration increased when 4pm struck and I was still alive. No pain. Nothing. Just a slight light-headedness. …why was He not allowing my rest, my healing? This life was torture.
“All I wanted was to be healed. I was cursed and death was my antidote. So, my bitterness with the Lord slowly started building up.” (p13)
The author uses the journey and travel effectively in the book, which also draws extensively from the Bible.
Tendai Mutema is a journalist by profession and is based in Harare.
“From Within Me” is her first published book but it is a must-read title.
The author is also an advocate for mental health issues, maternal health as well as raising awareness of issues to do with premature births. She is also a blogger.
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