Harare Voices and Beyond delves into the racial politics and turmoil that consumes life in Zimbabwe. It explores the drug addiction, abuse, grief, and loss that festers due to the political chaos that influences a majority of the characters’ life’s and decisions.
I felt like the characters in this story were used more as a vehicle to present the authors opinions about certain issues that face Zimbabwe or the world at large, than as people who have thoughts and feelings. There would be long conversations between characters that sounded more like a political debate than an actual touching conversation. Like when Julian talks about his drug addiction as a product of the political climate, since he is unable to get a job. But the emotional impact of the loss of his wife and father aren’t used as much except to further blame the government. So it seems like the characters are just spouting politics instead of basing their actions in emotions. This also happens when Marina talks about her abusive relationship with Mark to her book club. And all the women talk about how they would reprimand their sons for that behavior, or that she should just leave. But the emotional factor of being dependent on him, scared to leave him, and maybe even still a little in love with him aren’t really addressed during their conversation, and if they are they just ignore it.
I also found some of the chapters confusing because it would switch between characters’ POV without always putting the name of the character at the top of the chapter so that you would know who is telling the story now. So you would think you were reading the mom’s story, Doris, POV but then you’d actually be in Rhys’ POV.
I think this book would be a good fit for you if you like experiencing parts of other cultures. I don’t think you should read it if talks of abuse or drug use or self harm will trigger you.
I felt like the characters in this story were used more as a vehicle to present the authors opinions about certain issues that face Zimbabwe or the world at large, than as people who have thoughts and feelings. There would be long conversations between characters that sounded more like a political debate than an actual touching conversation. Like when Julian talks about his drug addiction as a product of the political climate, since he is unable to get a job. But the emotional impact of the loss of his wife and father aren’t used as much except to further blame the government. So it seems like the characters are just spouting politics instead of basing their actions in emotions. This also happens when Marina talks about her abusive relationship with Mark to her book club. And all the women talk about how they would reprimand their sons for that behavior, or that she should just leave. But the emotional factor of being dependent on him, scared to leave him, and maybe even still a little in love with him aren’t really addressed during their conversation, and if they are they just ignore it.
I also found some of the chapters confusing because it would switch between characters’ POV without always putting the name of the character at the top of the chapter so that you would know who is telling the story now. So you would think you were reading the mom’s story, Doris, POV but then you’d actually be in Rhys’ POV.
I think this book would be a good fit for you if you like experiencing parts of other cultures. I don’t think you should read it if talks of abuse or drug use or self harm will trigger you.