African Roar Anthology 2010

Title : African Roar
Pages : Paperback 152
Publisher : Story Time Publishing June 2010
ISBN: 978-0956242280

The African Roar Anthology 2010 is a colourful collection of 10 short stories by established authors across the continent of Africa. The Anthology was co-edited by Ivor Hartmann (Editor of Story time E-zine) and Emmanuel Sigauke (Founder of Wealth of Ideas Blog, author and poet). What immediately becomes apparent as you read through the stories is that the Anthology is a flavourful snapshot of the writing talent in Africa. The Anthology opens with ‘Big pieces and Little pieces’ by Novuyo Rosa Tshuma. This is a story written in the first person. Tshuma’s choice of language allows the story to flow into a front row peak into the lives and interactions of an African family plagued by domestic violence. The perpetrator is father and the abuse is narrated through the eyes of father’s child. The child feels guilty for what father did to mother. This is truly a riveting piece of story telling that will linger in your thoughts long after you have read it. It is an accurate depiction of issues that many families experience in the world today.  The ‘Nestbury Tree’ by Ayodele Morocco-Clarke is a fast paced humorous and suspenseful account of an altercation between the Shepherd of the church and mum. The Shepherd wants the Nestbury Tree to be cut down because he believes it is a haven for witches. However, mum is in opposition to this and is adamant that the tree is NOT coming down. Mums reason; the tree was brought all the way from Kingston, Jamaica and planted by her father’s very own bare hands. Despite efforts from a Pastor to pour water on the blazing argument, the Shepherds war on the Nestbury tree escalates to a humorous level. However, what eventually happens to the tree and to mum is quite unexpected.

 The Co-editors have also offered their commendable contributions; ‘Love Lost’ by Ivor Hartmann and ‘A Return the Moonlight’ By Emmanuel Sigauke. ‘Yesterday’s Dog’ by Masimba Musodza deals with the challenges experienced with forgiveness and reconciliation in a racially divided country following a civil war in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe. Other contributors include NAMA Award wining Zimbabwean author ‘Christopher Mlalazi’ with his story ‘Cicada in the Shimmer’, Kola Tubosun, Beaven Tapureta, Chuma Nwokolo Jr, Nana A Damoah and Ayesha H. Attah.

  African Roar is definitely a collection that can be enjoyed. It is available at all major internet bookstores including  Amazon.com


African Roar 2011 and 2012 are now available.