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2treads's review
challenging
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
- He stares at his youngest in my arms, her head resting comfortably on my shit hole shoulder - excerpt from the story Send Her Back
Kaseke's stories are rife with immigrant experiences, questions of identity, belonging, and home. Stories that use characters in this way to question leaving and returning to their homeland, yearning for equal footing as immigrants, will always resonate with me.
But as she takes us through each scenario, each relationship, we see the common thread of reaching back, trying to hold on to parts of what/who was left behind, what can be kept and passed on, and the struggle that is inherent in just being not from there.
The stories drip with honesty and vulnerabilities, of how women and girls lose their voices in relationships, are used up and objectified by men, the sexualisation of young feminine bodies, the imbalance of power in marriages, homes, and social gatherings; yet still there is a defiance and strength that is evident in these women, who move towards a life of independence and self-actualization.
Kaseke's stories are rife with immigrant experiences, questions of identity, belonging, and home. Stories that use characters in this way to question leaving and returning to their homeland, yearning for equal footing as immigrants, will always resonate with me.
But as she takes us through each scenario, each relationship, we see the common thread of reaching back, trying to hold on to parts of what/who was left behind, what can be kept and passed on, and the struggle that is inherent in just being not from there.
The stories drip with honesty and vulnerabilities, of how women and girls lose their voices in relationships, are used up and objectified by men, the sexualisation of young feminine bodies, the imbalance of power in marriages, homes, and social gatherings; yet still there is a defiance and strength that is evident in these women, who move towards a life of independence and self-actualization.
Content Warnings
Minor: Abandonment, Gaslighting, Suicidal thoughts, and Sexual assault
thebiasedbibliophile's review
5.0
Send Her Back by Munashe Kaseke is a collection of short stories that describe the lives of many Zimbabwean women. Some of Kaseke’s characters immigrated to the U.S., while others are living in Zimbabwe, but all of them have a complex, and often complicated, story to tell.
First off, I was impressed to see that this is Kaseke’s debut book, because she writes as if she has been doing so for her entire life. Her stories are so detailed and descriptive. Each character felt unique and three-dimensional in her own way. Honestly, I would have been happy to read an entire book for each story that Kaseke included because the writing was simply stunning.
Additionally, I had to go back and check the genre of this book because the stories felt so realistic, I thought it must be nonfiction. While I can confirm that it is in fact fiction, I have no doubt that these stories are representative of the experiences of real women. Having the opportunity to see what life is like for women who are different from myself was eye-opening. I think most of us have preconceived ideas of what immigrants are like, and what Black women are like, but this book expanded my perception of humanity.
Finally, every single story was not only captivating, but also emotionally moving. It is a powerful thing for authors to have the ability to evoke such strong emotions in readers, but after reading this book, I have no doubt that Kaseke clearly has that talent.
Overall, I hope Kaseke writes another book soon because it will certainly be a must-read for me! Even if she never wrote another book in her life, Send Her Back is an amazing feat, the likes of which most authors strive for just once in their lives!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Misogyny
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Blood
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