Lonely Planet Songs to an African Sunset: A Zimbabwean Story

by Sekai Nzenza-Shand

An unforgettable picture of contemporary Zimbabwe from the perspective of an African woman returning to her country after years of living in the west. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0864424728
• ISBN13: 9780864424723
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: Lonely Planet
• Length: 248 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.2" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

Songs to an African Sunset

The complex journey back to Sekai's roots in this autobiography, begins with her taking a trip back to Zimbabwe to visit her family. The book revolves mainly around the events that happen to her and around herin Zimbabwe. I think that the theme of the book is really re-discovering your roots, and finding your true heritage. I found this book to be very easy to relate to, as i am familiar with the land of Zimbabwe and some of the phrases and words used in the book. Many of these elements are the foundation of Sekai's complex story, which captures your attention instantly. My only critisism about the book is that sometimes the author goes so deeply into a subject, that she gets slightly off track. I personally was drawn into the book by the authors use of catchy sentences and complex ideas that made me want to keep reading. In conclusion, I'd recomend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story with a cultural and ethnic flare to it.

conflicting emotions

I experienced many different emotions while reading this book. Oftentimes, I found humor where it wasn't expected--the author's 1000 brick punishment for the man who had stolen her bedspread, the feminist caricatures, as well as, the antics at the baby shower (who'da thunk it? ). Similarly, I was also discouraged where it wasn't expected--the medical student who wanted to marry the author's, likely HIV+, sister-in-law (discouraged because if he didn't understand/care about the risk he was taking, how could any of his other relatives?). Furthermore, I was also unpleasantly surprised at the author's depiction of rampant infidelity in the book.Finally, I particularly enjoyed the stories about the author's mother. She appears to be a particularly savvy and strong woman. Specifically, I found the story of her first beer quite remarkable.Overall, I've assumed this book to be, like "I, Rigoberta Menchu," auto-biographical in nature and non-fiction that's *based on* the truth of a people. Unfortunately, I don't know if that's a good assumption.

I liked this very much. Helpful in understanding issues.

I took someone's advice in reading this book. I liked it a lot; it was helpful in understanding the AIDS health issues in southern Africa, as well as cultural, and political situations. My teenaged daughter wrote an excellent school report and radio dramatization based partly on reading this book. I heartily recommend the book to anyone trying to understand more about the country of Zimbabwe and its struggles today.

Nzenza took me on a fantastic journey !

This book gave me a front row seat in an African village. I could smell the food and hear the sounds of her homeland. I enjoyed the book and would highly recommend it to everyone. I think that those who have visited that region will especially appreciate this book. The stories will immediately immerse you a into Zimbabwean way of life.

african villages in modern times - what really happens

I found this book to be very very interesting! It's a great insight into how the Zimbabwean people manage to combine their traditional ways in the modern world - and the ensuing problems that arise.This is one woman's story who returns to her birth country after living in western society. Her insights into the differences (and similarities) between Africa and the West are enlightening.A fantastic read which combines reality and history!