Avenues By Train

In his mid-20s, Jedza moves to Harare to escape the darkness and superstitions of his hometown, Miners Drift. He is tormented by the disappearance of his sister and encounters ancestral spirits, the shapeshifting power of the njuzu, and a vengeful ngozi. He must confront the trauma of his past to move forward.

Format: Hardback
Publication date: 26 September 2023
Publisher: Cassava Republic Press

In the small town of Miners Drift, seven-year-old Jedza witnesses a tragic incident involving a train and the death of his close boyhood friend. This traumatic experience leaves a lasting imprint on his psyche, convincing him that his life is haunted. As he grows older, Jedza, now in his mid-20s, embarks on a journey to escape the darkness and superstitions of his hometown. He relocates to Harare, hoping to start a new life free from the haunting memories. However, his hopes of a fresh start are quickly dashed when he finds himself living in the shadowy and restless atmosphere of the Avenues, a neighborhood known for its mysterious pools of water rising under the majestic musasa trees. The eerie presence of ancestral spirits, the shapeshifting power of the njuzu, and a vengeful ngozi haunt him relentlessly. Faced with the constant torment of his past, Jedza must confront the trauma and overcome his fears to move forward.

Avenues By Train is an eclectic, experimental novel that showcases the brash and confident debut of an exciting new voice in African literature. The novel explores themes of trauma, resilience, and the complexities of human relationships. Through its vivid and evocative prose, the book takes readers on a journey through the streets of Harare, immersing them in the vibrant culture and social dynamics of the city.

The story begins with Jedza's arrival in Harare, where he hopes to find a new beginning. However, the weight of his past follows him, and he is plagued by nightmares and flashbacks of the tragic incident that occurred in Miners Drift. The haunting memories continue to torment him, and he feels trapped in a cycle of despair and hopelessness.

As he struggles to cope with his past, Jedza meets a group of friends who introduce him to the world of the Avenues. The neighborhood is known for its unique culture and traditions, and Jedza quickly becomes fascinated by the mysterious pools of water that rise under the musasa trees. He begins to explore the area, hoping to find some solace and peace.

However, his exploration of the Avenues brings him face to face with the supernatural forces that have haunted him for years. He encounters ancestral spirits who demand retribution for the sins of his ancestors. He also learns about the power of the njuzu, a spirit that can take on human form and possess its victims. The njuzu is a dangerous and unpredictable force, and Jedza must navigate its treacherous waters to survive.

In addition to the supernatural elements, the novel also explores the complexities of human relationships. Jedza's relationship with his sister, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances, is a central theme of the book. He is determined to find her and bring her back home, but he must confront the painful truth that she may never be found.

The novel also delves into the social and political landscape of Harare, particularly the struggles of the working class and the marginalized communities. The Avenues is a symbol of the city's decay and neglect, and Jedza's journey through the neighborhood reflects the broader social and economic challenges that the city faces.

Through its diverse characters and complex narrative, Avenues By Train offers a fresh and innovative perspective on African literature. The novel challenges traditional storytelling conventions and explores new avenues for expressing the experiences and struggles of the African continent.

In conclusion, Avenues By Train is a brash and confident debut by an exciting new voice in African literature. The novel explores themes of trauma, resilience, and the complexities of human relationships, offering a fresh and innovative perspective on African literature. Through its vivid and evocative prose, the book takes readers on a journey through the streets of Harare, immersing them in the vibrant culture and social dynamics of the city. The novel challenges traditional storytelling conventions and explores new avenues for expressing the experiences and struggles of the African continent.

Weight: 520g
Dimension: 162 x 242 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913175504