Monday 17 March 2014

The Hangman's Replacement, 2013, Taona Dumisani Chiveneko ***

This is one difficult novel to review. It started off with the wretched Abel Muranda being interviewed for a Hangman's position in the city of Harare. A hilarious one. The poor man was only interested in the job because it meant free health care for him and his family. However, there were people who thought that such position weren't meant for loyal and honest men like him. On the other hand, some others also thought he was just the perfect candidate. From there on, the story started to unfold peculiarly, with many characters involved; lawyers, judges, scientist and most importantly a carnivorous flame lily and the gallows. Interestingly, it seems a person in the dark was manipulating the whole situation to his own interest.

In my opinion, lots of effort was put into writing this novel, you can tell that the writer is full of imagination. I have never read a novel with that many characters. However, it felt more like a movie, which I think it is a story that would rather be more interesting seen than read due to its complexity.

Additionally, I am so glad to read about a totally different topic by an African writer, some sort of science fiction (actually not) futuristic novel I must confess. Sometimes humorous and thrilling.  I'd recommend if you are looking for a completely out-of-the-ordinary read by an African writer. Also, keep in mind , it's almost 500 pages, which took me a while to read.

Finally, I would like to say thank you to  Taona for sending me a  copy of your novel to read and to review, I truly appreciate.

5 comments:

  1. I am always happy when an African writes something different. This one looks interesting. I think it will be a series of sort... I see Book I written at the back. I really am interested in the Carnivorous lilly.

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    1. Hi Nana, yeah it is a serie, this is only book 1. If you are interested in the carnivorous flame lily, then this is your book.

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  2. That's a big book, but it sounds interesting.

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  3. That's quite voluminous, Mary and you did well reading it all. These days, my reading has become rustic and so 500 pages seem daunting.

    Interesting review.

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    1. yeah quite voluminous. Not so daunting if you are really enjoying the experience though.

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