"In Search of History" | Novuyo Rosa Tshuma

Novuyo Rosa Tshuma provides deeper context to her critically acclaimed novel, House of Stone – a sophisticated, philosophical and darkly humorous (re)telling of Zimbabwe’s history. We explore writing for a specific audience, censorship in Zimbabwean publishing landscape, weaponisation of history, the importance of documenting Gukurahundi massacre in fiction, understanding the ‘Born Free’ generation and so much more.

Books mentioned in this episode (widely available for purchase online and your local bookshops).

House of Hunger – Dambuzo Marechera

These Bones Will Rise Again – Panashe Chigumadzi

Stone Virgins – Yvonne Vera

My Sister The Serial Killer – Oyinkan Braithwaite

Nervous Conditions – Tsitsi Dagaremba

A Thousand Years of Good Prayers – Yiyun Li

A Strangers Pose – Emmanuel Iduma

Songs referenced this episode (listen to the playlist on Spotify, Deezer, and YouTube):

Zimbabwe – Bob Marley

Danger Zone – Thomas Mapfumo

Rhodesians Never Die – David Scobie

What’s Love Got To Do With It – Tina Turner

Aboki – Ice Prince

Coffin For Head of State – Fela Kuti

Umoya Wami – Lovemore Majaivana

Keep It Moving – Empire Cast

Cries of the Motherland - Caiiro

Reviews:

Books & Rhymes’ review on Bookstagram

Helon Habila’s review in The Guardian Newspaper

Yiyun Li’s recommendation in Vanity Fair magazine

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