Review: The Hairdresser of Harare by Tendai Huchu
Title: The Hairdresser of Harare
Author: Huchu, Tendai
Length: 189 pages
Genre: Fiction, GLBTQ
Publisher / Year: Jacana (first published by Weaver) / 2010
Source: Picked up in Jo’burg
Rating: 4/5
Why I Read It: ImageNations nominated this for the Indie Lit Awards last year but I was unable to source it. When I saw it I couldn’t pass it by!
Date Read: 05/12/11
Vimbai works as a hairdresser in a well-known salon in Harare and is known as the best hairdresser there, she is definitely the queen bee. She lives alone with her young daughter and is struggling to get by on her meager salary without any support from the child’s father. When a young man shows up at the salon looking for a job and taking over her spot as the best hairdresser around, she is upset and angry. But as they learn to get along and help each other out, things change.
It isn’t often that we see GLBTQ themes or characters come up (and be handled well) in African literature – at least what I’ve come across to date. When I heard about this one I knew that I wanted to read it at some point, I just wasn’t sure how I would source it. After getting my hands on it and giving it a read I agree with Nana Fredua-Agyeman that it is well written. In the end the book displays some of the intolerance present and gives only an ambiguous resolution, but I felt it showed that change is possible and it showed a way forward. Through Vimbai and her thoughts and feelings we see that intolerance isn’t necessary and that perhaps society can move beyond it, if only enough people cared to try.
Having seen his review and having seen it be nominated I knew that the book dealt with the theme of being gay in Zimbabwe, but if I hadn’t known the book doesn’t give it away right away. I think not knowing would make the book a pleasant surprise. Using the fact that someone is gay as the ‘issue’ so to speak in the novel isn’t really a new idea and isn’t such a great one, but in this book it worked, in large part because it is still so hidden and less accepted in Zimbabwean culture at present. My one issue with the writing in the book was how heavily Huchu relied on explicit foreshadowing – it got a bit old… but perhaps I say that only because I knew what was coming.
I felt Huchu did a fantastic job of bringing both his characters and his setting to life. They all felt real and Zimbabwe was portrayed accurately and fairly in a way that showed off both the good and bad of living in Harare. The characters scheme to get sugar, complain about the inflation and prices, watch rugby, deal with the violence that comes with the political situation, and love and laugh and play.
Definitely recommended for anyone looking for more Zimbabwean fiction, for a story about friendship and love and life, or a story from Zimbabwe featuring GLBTQ themes and characters.
I can imagine being gay in that culture would still hold a stigma. This book sounds good and I have to say I love the title and cover.
Yes, beautiful cover isn’t it Kathy?
I have never even heard of a book that addresses being gay in this part of the world, so immediately my interest in piqued. I also like what you had to say about the book, and think that it would be one that I would enjoy as well. I am so glad that you were able to find it and read it! It sounds like a very unique read!
Definitely an interesting read yes zibilee
This looks interesting. I am thinking I will have to see about getting a copy.
I recommend that Kailana!
The book reflects the culture. Perhaps if I hadn’t nominated it for that award it might have surprised you a bit, though careful reading would still point to something funny going on.
Yes you definitely knew something was up just not quite exactly what, Nana. So glad you nominated it though because else I wouldn’t have picked it up!
GLBTQ and African! Right up your alley.
I know right Trisha? The perfect mix
I love the cover! The Church has a such lot to answer for with regards to the discrimination against GLBTQ people in parts of Africa! There is still a long way to go, but at least books such as this bring some of the issues out into the open.
Yes, yes it really does Violet, you are so right.
I can see how the cultural context would make a huge difference as to how acceptable it is for a book to use a character’s sexual orientation as a major plot point. This sounds like something I’d be really interested in.
Yes, it still *is* a newer thing there to find out people are gay as opposed to here where it’s, you know, life. I think you’d enjoy it Ana!
Oh, this sounds great! Thanks so much for bringing it to my attention. I’m so glad to see that authors are giving the subject the respect it deserves, within the confines of their own cultures. Also, on a more shallow note, what an excellent cover!
You are most welcome Aarti! And yes, I agree. hehe
This one looks fun!! I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled!
Good idea Lydia
Sounds like a really great book and it’d be interesting to see how he presents the reaction of Zimbabwean culture to homosexuality. Another one for the list
Glad to hear it Bina
This one sounds great! I haven’t seen much GLBTQ in African lit either, so I’ll look for this one.
I hope you can find a copy Athira. I already sent out mine sadly, so can’t offer to send it on.
I will finish reading this one this month. I’m so heartened by this book. I do hope we see more gay themed books in African lit.
I’m really excited to hear that you are also reading this one Kinna and can’t wait to hear your thoughts. I can’t wait for more GLBTQ African lit