Book Review: A walk into Zimbabwean History in Tawanda Vombo’s ‘Monomotapa’
‘Monomotapa’ is the debut novel from Zimbabwean short-story writer, novelist and spoken word artist Tawanda Vombo. The book tells the harrowing story of a villain set on revenge and honour. Set in pre-colonial Zimbabwe.
The four kingdoms (Bantu, Manyika, Zezuru and Karanga) are at peace with each other until an evil force threatens the survival of all kingdoms. Suspicion among the kingdoms rises while loyalties are tested.
The raise of this evil entity will set a chain reaction of events that will thrill you as you go through Vombo’s book.
“The ancestors are angry. All the kingdoms have forsaken their ancestors. They will not rest until all the kingdoms have restored our traditions. War is not the solution,” echoes one character in the book. The book makes use of supernatural elements, a love story and warfare to add flavour to already fascinating historical facts.
Vombo playfully uses Zimbabwean dialect to name his characters. He also brings up questions on modernisation and the effects of social collusion. Readers of historical fiction will find this a definite add to their ‘must-read’ shelves.
The author is contactable on their social media platforms Instagram (Joshua Vombo (@joshvombo) • Instagram photos and videos) and Facebook (Facebook)
