Praise Masvosva
UNIVERSITY of Zimbabwe lecturer, Professor Francis Matambirofa, has written a book titled ‘Those Biscuit Years!’ where he is chronicling his early years.
In an interview, Prof Matambirofa said the book is an autobiography that covers the early years of his life.
“I felt the years I covered were eventful and tumultuous with reference to my own physical growth from boyhood to adolescence in tandem with the political landscape of the country transitioning from Rhodesia to Zimbabwe – Rhodesia to become Zimbabwe in the course of a short space of time.
“There had been an intense armed struggle leading to several false starts that eventually culminated in Independence in 1980.
“This period interfered with normalcy, expectation and tradition. It is the memory of this upheaval, uncertainty, false starts and the promises of a better tomorrow that coagulated in my mind like some pregnancy that had become full term hence the birth of the story,” he said.
The title of the book was inspired by the youthfulness of the time which is being covered.
“Biscuits are symbolically regarded as favourite confectionary of young people.
“Biscuits are a snack and analogous to the young unlike a proper meal which would be analogous to adulthood.”
Prof Matambirofa believes the book, which he took four months to write, will certainly take readers back memory lane.
“People should cooperate with life and if given a lemon people ought to make lemonade.
“Things are not as bad as they appear to be. Be strong and soldier on. You will get there somehow, somewhat.
“I want readers to notice the Hand of God in individual people’s lives, His hand in the destiny of nations and how apparent setbacks can turn out to be launch pads to greater heights and far-reaching and gorgeous vistas of life’s experiences.”
Asked about the challenges he faced, and how he is going to take the book to the readers, he said :
“Writing all alone and with no one to turn to for ideas. Writing is rewriting and reworking things and the tedium that goes with it takes a toll on the mind.
“I am planning to launch this book and the dates will be advised soon.”
Prof Matambirofa was born and bred in Chirumhanzu. “I come from Chirumhanzu and l did my primary in Chatsworth where my father worked as a tailor. Chatsworth was a small but important settlement that marked a point of intersection between the Mvuma-Masvingo railway spoor and the Gutu-Chatsworth road.
“ It was essentially a small service centre that was designed to serve white, cattle ranching farmers.”
To date, his published works are mainly in the areas of Bantu linguistics, culture and lexicography.
He has written Shona poetry in anthologies such as ‘Mutakunanzva weNhetembo’ and ‘Jakwara re Nhetembo.’
Prof Matambirofa encouraged upcoming authors to read widely.
“Read extensively and widely before you seek to write your own things. Find your own unique voice no matter how much you admire certain authors.
“Thou shalt not allow thyself to be a copycat
“Never be in a hurry to get a piece of work done and dusted before its appointed time – the temptation to use ChatGPT and other AI aids it so greater.
“Be willing to work hard and to listen to those that have walked the same path but have gone ahead of you. Listen and obey your sixth sense. With it you can avoid common pitfalls and you can be led to fountains of inspiration.”
The book was published at Carnelian Heart Publishing Ltd and it can be found at Amazon, Barnes and Noble.
