Strife is a rich and densely written novel that provides a dark expos of the tension between modernity and tradition, and deep insights into culture in Zimbabwe in the 21st century. Chinodya explores the powerful draw that conflicting ideologies exercise over an emerging middle-class that at once yearns for autonomy and unconsciously desires the irresponsibility of an all-pervading destiny.
born in Gweru in 1957 and was educated at Goromonzi High School and the University of Zimbabwe, where he studied literature and education. He gained an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Iowa, USA, in 1985, a year after he had attended the Iowa Writers' Workshop at the University.
He is the author of several books including Harvest of Thorns, for which he won the Commonwealth Writers Prize in 1990. His short story "Can We Talk", included in Can We Talk and Other Stories, was shortlisted for The Caine Prize for African Writing in 2000.
Other works by Shimmer Chinodya: Dew in the Morning (1982) (Available in the AWS in 2001) Farai's Girls (1984) Child of War (published under the name of B. Chirasha) (1985).
Chinodya has worked extensively as a curriculm developer, materials designer, editor and screen writer. He has been awarded various fellowships abroad and from 1995 to 1997 was the Distinguished Visiting Professor in creative writing at St. Lawrence University, New York. He lives with his wife and family in Harare.
Shona life is brought to life at an unbelievable pace covering generations. Threadbare reality. Gripping tale that's easily biographical for many a people. Challenges of national politics are cleverly screened out to reveal a family in turmoil. Tear-jerker on the way the matriach is extinguished.