This is the story of my life that will be published soon. It is set in Zimbabwe where I was born. In this book I talk about growing up in the 1960s through to the 1980s, in a country torn by civil strife. I talk about the challenges of growing up in a society that was deteriorating both physically and socially due to the ravages of a war and due to global influences.
During that period, I (as part of a group) attended many vigils (pungwes) where the wartime message was spread. Some of my peers were persuaded to travel gruelling journeys to neighbouring countries to join the liberation struggle. Some joined and fell by the wayside and some returned, traumatised by the realities of a bush war. I lost a close family member. That left me devastated. That aside, the other negative effects of the war, coupled with societal problems of the time left a mark on me.. My book narrates all those unforgettable experiences.
This is a captivating story about growing up as an African girl. The story gives a fresh perspective into the African way of life then and now. I question the relevance of 'some' lingering African customs as well as beliefs and norms to today's society. At the same time I question whether 'modern lifestyles' are the way to go. By modern lifestyles, I am referring to today's complicated lifestyles.
This is a real life story soon to be in a good book store near you. The book will be published by AuthorHouse and the title is still under review. The book might come under a different label but the message remains the same.
I hope you will enjoy reading this story! On another note, another GRIPPING story by a notable female writer, Betty Makoni, is out, called 'Never Again - not to any woman and girl again'. I thought mine was 'the story' but wait till you READ this one.
Ruth xx
