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A review by sidekicksam
Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The story is the coming-of-age story of Tambudzai, a young girl living in rural Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) in the 1960s. When her brother dies, she is able to take his place and be educated while living at her uncle and aunt's house. This opens the way for opportunities, but also conflict with her family, facing the struggles of being a woman in a patriarchal society and the downsides of education.
Though the book was written 30 years ago, and the story takes place in the 60s, it did not read as such. I loved learning more about Rhodesian culture, and seeing how colonialism affected the colonized societies. Though not a lot happens in the story and the book is not necessarily fast-paced, I appreciated Dangarembga's ability to put the reader's mind to work.
The book made for excellent discussion material during the book club, and I loved hearing more about the various interpretations of the story. I also really appreciated this as an introduction to African literature, as this was (I believe) my first.
Would definitely recommend readers who enjoyed books like Betty or A Woman Is No Man. Though not exactly comparable, I experienced similar emotions while reading those books.
Though the book was written 30 years ago, and the story takes place in the 60s, it did not read as such. I loved learning more about Rhodesian culture, and seeing how colonialism affected the colonized societies. Though not a lot happens in the story and the book is not necessarily fast-paced, I appreciated Dangarembga's ability to put the reader's mind to work.
The book made for excellent discussion material during the book club, and I loved hearing more about the various interpretations of the story. I also really appreciated this as an introduction to African literature, as this was (I believe) my first.
Would definitely recommend readers who enjoyed books like Betty or A Woman Is No Man. Though not exactly comparable, I experienced similar emotions while reading those books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Death