Julius Chingono was born on a commercial farm and worked for most of life as a blaster on the mines before late in life becoming a published author.
I have reviewed his very fine collection of poetry and short stories, NOT ANOTHER DAY, at Africa Book Club. If you’re not going to click through, let me just leave you with this lovely little sample of his work, the poem AFRICAN SUN:
The African Sun
shines bright
even upon dictators
warms even
absolute rulers,
Sets even upon despots
The non-discriminatory sun… thanks. I heard of Julius when his work with John Epple came out.
Sounds like a really great book of poems, I have to click through after reading that poem 🙂
Amy, I wonder if any Canadians outside universities know as much African lit as you? You are becoming an expert!
Gosh, Nana, you are another expert! I am really impressed you have heard of his book with John Eppel.
I feel I must improve to catch up with you two . .
Heh I hope there are a lot who do, because I feel like I hardly know anything yet! And really what I do know is centered around two or three small areas. Embarrassing really 🙂 Here's hoping I have many years left to keep learning and reading!
I love that poem, Sarah! What you have said about Amy is so true 🙂 I read the review at the link you have given. Quite nice! I liked your observation on 'place of residence'.
Chingono, I know, was a brilliant writer. I've read some of his excellent pieces from 'Together' and one poem that quickly comes to mind is 'At the bus station. You have rendered your review so nicely that I am tempted to pick up this book. I kwow I have to read more from Chingono.
And yes…I second Vishy's comment about Amy. It is so, so true.
I really do recommend getting hold of more Chingono if you can! One thing I think happens everywhere in the world is that middle class people get to be writers – so the view of the world we get is very middle class. Chingono gives us a much more rounded view of Zimbabwe. I haven't read TOGETHER yet – I'm impressed you have your finger so on the pulse, like Nana, as to have heard of it!