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The Hairdresser of Harare
The Hairdresser of Harare | Tendai Huchu
8 posts | 13 read | 10 to read
In this delicious and devastating first novel, which The Guardian named one of its ten best contemporary African books, Caine Prize finalist Tendai Huchu (The Maestro, the Magistrate, and the Mathematician) portrays the heart of contemporary Zimbabwean society with humor and grace. Vimbai is the best hairdresser in Mrs. Khumalos salon, and she is secure in her status until the handsome, smooth-talking Dumisani shows up one day for work. Despite her resistance, the two become friends, and eventually, Vimbai becomes Dumisanis landlady. He is as charming as he is deft with the scissors, and Vimbai finds that he means more and more to her. Yet, by novels end, the pairs deepening friendshipused or embraced by Dumisani and Vimbai with different futures in mindcollapses in unexpected brutality. The novel is an acute portrayal of a rapidly changing Zimbabwe. In addition to Vimbai and Dumisanis personal development, the book shows us how social concerns shape the lives of everyday people.
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review
Moray_Reads
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Mehso-so

Huchu deals with some difficult issues in this story novel, homophobia, misogyny, government corruption and racial tension. It gives some insight into Zimbabwean politics and society under Robert Mugabe that were fascinating but it didn't delve deeply into any of them. The plot was quite obvious and focusing more on the second half of the story would have made it feel less rushed and superficial. Still worth a read. #bookspin @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Great progress!! 4y
28 likes1 comment
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Santie
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Mehso-so

This book was easy to read so I flew through it, there were two hints and I knew what the big reveal would be so it became predictable. The issues tackled are nonetheless very important, but most views are well known stereotypes. No new view is presented. I guess I expected the author to pour out more of himself into it and shed some light. 2/5 ⭐️ First book of the year completed 😉

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readtheworld
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this short novel set in Zimbabwe — the plot starts out relatively lighthearted and then amps up the stakes.

I have mixed feelings about the ending, which felt a bit abrupt and, in my opinion, wasn‘t fully satisfying in terms of consequences for one character‘s actions. Can‘t say anything else without getting into spoiler territory...

#24in48 #readathon #readtheworld #readdiversebooks #readdiversely

63 likes3 stack adds
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readtheworld
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Awake and ready for day two of #24in48. Reached 10 hours last night and had just started The Hairdresser of Harare when I got too sleepy to continue.

24 hours seems pretty far off at this point, especially since I have a family obligation for a few hours in the later afternoon. But I‘ll try! #readathon

Tamra I liked this one! 5y
charl08 Another fan here. 5y
readtheworld @charl08 @Tamra Glad to hear it! I like the writing so far. 5y
50 likes3 comments
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Bertha_Mason
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7 days, 7 book covers. Post a book cover you love. No explanation, no information about the book. Just a cover you love. #7days7bookcovers

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Erin7
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Finally starting on the #ATB Around the World 2018 Challenge this morning. This quote is in the first chapter and seems to be setting a tone for what‘s to come.

Tamra I liked this one! 7y
Erin7 I‘m really enjoying the writing style so far. It‘s rainy here, so this is feeling like the perfect rainy day read. 7y
Tamra @Erin7 👍🏾 7y
13 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Tamra
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Pickpick

Even though the reader can see the crisis coming, the female protagonist does not. It is a short commentary on love & sexuality & gender in modern Zimbabwe. 👍🏾👍🏾

zsuzsanna_reads It was interesting to read about life in Zimbabwe, but I agree the plot was too predictable! 7y
13 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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Devonhdunn
Bailedbailed

I really wanted to love this book. I think it had a lot of promise and some interesting characters but, honestly, I found the writing so hackneyed I just couldn't go on. Lots of characters announcing their emotions rather than feeling. Show, don't tell.