Combining the poems and short stories of the late Julius Chingono and
John Eppel, the book, Together,
focuses principally on the trials and tribulations of Zimbabweans during the
last decade or so. Chingono read his poetry at the Poetry International
Festival in the Netherlands and at Poetry Africa in Durban.
The title, Together,
resonates with significance: the racially charged atmosphere that has
characterized the politics of the country since the land invasions is one of
the recurrent themes, as is the descent into lawlessness. Yet, respectively,
the writers provide interesting and valuable insights into the plight of the
poor, dispossessed and marginalized. The horrific brutality of the politically
motivated violence that has plagued the nation is exposed; the vulnerability of
those made destitute by Operation Murambatsvina is foregrounded, as is the
self-serving nature of the elite. The struggle for a dignified existence on the
part of blacks and whites living in Mashonaland and Matabeleland is highlighted
in the poems and stories that challenge the docility of many Zimbabweans; the
authors champion the decency and courage of those who reach out to serve those
worse off than themselves, regardless of race; and they celebrate those who are
willing to stand up and be counted, whilst defending the principles they live
by.
The two writers, curiously, were born within a year of each other. Chingono
spent most of his working life as a rock blaster in the mines, the same
profession as that of Eppel’s father. Both authors have a great sense of
humour, which reflects Zimbabweans’ strategy of coping with hardship; both have
a keen eye for the lighter side of life, as well. Chingono’s style is more
direct, Eppel’s is often consciously literary, but between them, they take
seriously the African artists’ roles as the voice of the voiceless, as the
chroniclers of their age.
Mbongeni Malaba
English Department
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Pietermaritzburg
South Africa
from: English Academy Review 29 (7) 2012
© The English Academy of Southern Africa
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