Mobility in Contemporary Zimbabwean Literature in English: Crossing Borders, Transcending Boundaries

This book explores the concept of mobility in Zimbabwean works of fiction published in English between the introduction of the Fast Track Land Reform Programme and the end of the Mugabe era. It examines the link between state authoritarianism and control of mobility and investigates the potential of literature to intervene into dominant political discourses.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 260 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive monograph delves into the intricate concept of mobility in Zimbabwean works of fiction written in English between the introduction of the contentious Fast Track Land Reform Programme and the conclusion of the Mugabe era. Since 2000, Zimbabwe has witnessed an extraordinary surge in transnational out-migration, driven by the political turmoil and economic decline often referred to as the Zimbabwe Crisis. This migration phenomenon has resulted in a remarkable outpouring of literary works that explore the experiences of migration, both in locally produced texts and in works by authors residing in the diaspora. By situating Zimbabwe's recent literary developments within the broader context of Southern African writing and history, this book specifically focuses on texts that depict movement within Zimbabwe's cities, between rural and urban areas, to South Africa, and beyond. The author employs a rigorous analytical approach to examine significant developments and trends in contemporary Zimbabwean literature, exploring the intricate relationship between state authoritarianism and control over mobility. Furthermore, the book aims to investigate the potential of literature to intervene into dominant political discourses. Comprising in-depth analyses of ten recent works of fiction published in the post-2000 era, this monograph establishes mobility as a vital category of literary analysis in Zimbabwe's contemporary literature. By engaging in a rich dialogue between literary criticism and mobility studies, this book offers valuable insights to researchers interested in African literature, Southern Africa, migration, and mobility.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367703929