The Gospel of Unmade Creation

by Thabani Tshuma

The Gospel of Unmade Creation , the debut collection by Thabani Tshuma, is about reshaping. It is an examination of the ways we are taken apart and put back together and what exists in that space before 'rebuilding' or 'recovery'. This book is a truth, in the way truth can be both something made and something that already exists. It is an origin story told in non-linear vignettes. Part-testament, part-tome, part exercise in reflection, the poems in the Gospel of Unmade Creation traverse scene, theme, space, and time in search of a sense of 'self'.

Genres: Poetry

106 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2023

About the author

Thabani Tshuma is a multi-award-winning Zimbabwean writer and performance poet currently based in Naarm. His work can be found in publications such as Dichotomi magazine, Next in Colour, CUBBY ART, Cordite Poetry Review, and ABC ArtWorks’ SLAMMED. Thabani is co-curator of Thin Red Lines and his debut collection released in 2023 through Recent Work Press. Writing is the aperture through which he views the world and experiences self in relation to others.

Reviews

[Maxine Maposa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently had the privilege of delving into "The Gospel of Unmade Creation," the remarkable debut collection by Thabani Tshuma. This poetry book is an absolute masterpiece, deserving nothing less than a glowing 5-star review.

Thabani’s work in this collection is a profound exploration of the human experience, beautifully centered around the concept of reshaping. The poems in this book delve deep into the intricate process of being taken apart and put back together, capturing the essence of existence in that vulnerable space before "rebuilding" or "recovery."

What sets this collection apart is its ability to evoke a profound sense of truth. It reminds us that truth is not just something constructed but something that already exists within us, waiting to be discovered. "The Gospel of Unmade Creation" serves as a mirror to our souls, reflecting the hidden truths that often go unnoticed in the chaos of life.

The non-linear vignettes that form the narrative of this book are nothing short of brilliant. It's an origin story like no other, weaving together the threads of our existence in a way that is both thought-provoking and deeply moving. The poems read like a testament, a tome of wisdom, and an exercise in reflection all at once.

Throughout the collection, Thabani’s words traverse scenes, themes, spaces, and times, creating a tapestry of emotions and experiences that resonate with readers on a profound level. At its core, "The Gospel of Unmade Creation" is a journey in search of the elusive sense of 'self,' a journey that every reader will find themselves drawn into.

In conclusion, "The Gospel of Unmade Creation" is a poetic masterpiece that deserves a place on every bookshelf. Thabani’s words have the power to touch your heart, challenge your perspective, and leave you in awe of the unmade creations within us all. This is a book that will linger in your thoughts long after you've turned the last page. Highly recommended!

[Eima · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a direct copy of my review from my blog (eimalikesblog)

In the interest of transparency: over the past few years I’ve been fortunate enough to develop a quasi-friendship with Thabani that ebbs and flows with its own current. However, very little of that influences the fact that “The Gospel of Unmade Creation” is an easy 5 stars, or the extent to which I will rave about it to anybody who happens to ask or pick it out of my shelves and thumb it’s pages.

As I make my way back into the world of attempting to construct any meaningful review of a book, thanks to an ever pressing case of imposter syndrome (After all, who am I to criticise the work of someone with far more courage and skill than myself? ) That I should chose The Gospel of Unmade Creation to start with. It’s heady, and strong, and inspires a desire to reflect on oneself and truly get to the core of who you are.

Poetry can be such a polarising medium. It can be hard to hear, harder to read, and definitely harder still to write, but Thabani has made it feel effortless on all fronts.

Within The Gospel of Unmade Creation you will find as much vulnerability as you will humour. From exploring themes of mental illness, recovery, and displacement to gentle jibes at onself and not taking yourself so seriously, Thabani has such a masterful way about his turn of phrase that it was impossible not to devour every word and feel an immense craving for more afterwards.

Stand out pieces in The Gospel of Unmade Creation for me include:

How to Fall: A Saga
Junglebook
A River Gods Wrath
Give Me a Prayer
The Gospel of Unmade Creation is meticulously constructed, artfully woven, and unforgettably beautiful. It would be a delight for poetry lovers, and romantics alike.

All in, I give The Gospel of Unmade Creation 5/5 Stars. Seldom have I felt so many feelings in a single read.

TW: References to drug use, mental illness, and grief

[F.M Papaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection is really an unmaking & reconstructing of the poet's identity. There is vulnerability from beginning to end of this collection, I was especially moved by the pieces dealing with alcoholism and sobriety. Thabani exercised so much creativity in his approach to so many of these pieces, I was constantly surprised by the variety of form and voice!

My favourite poems were S(K)IN, Message in a Bottle, Not a Poet & Give Me (a prayer).

I feel like the poetry was at its best when it was playful. There was a substantial amount of abstract pieces that left me desiring a few more specific details to ground what they addressed!