Whatever Happened to Rick Astley?

Bryony Rheam's collection of short stories, Whatever Happened to Rick Astley?, explores life in Zimbabwe over the last twenty years, featuring ordinary Zimbabweans and their daily routines with a deft, compassionate touch and flashes of humor. The stories pay tribute to the resilience of the human spirit.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 10 July 2023
Publisher: Parthian Books

Whatever Happened to Rick Astley? She imagined that he was happily married with children. A record producer, perhaps? That was the usual way with singers, wasn't it?

From Bryony Rheam, the award-winning author of All Come to Dust and This September Sun, comes a collection of sixteen short stories shining a spotlight on life in Zimbabwe over the last twenty years. The daily routines and the greater fate of ordinary Zimbabweans are represented with a deft, compassionate touch and flashes of humour. From the potholed side streets of Bulawayo to lush, blooming gardens, traversing down-at-heel bars and faded drawing rooms, the stories in Whatever Happened to Rick Astley? ring with hope and poignancy, and pay tribute to the resilience of the human spirit.

The stories in Whatever Happened to Rick Astley? are a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. They showcase the daily struggles and triumphs of ordinary Zimbabweans, from the potholed streets of Bulawayo to the lush, blooming gardens. Rheam's writing is filled with a deft, compassionate touch that brings the characters to life and allows readers to empathize with their experiences.

One of the standout stories in the collection is "The Last Bus to Harare." In this story, a group of Zimbabweans board a bus bound for the capital city, Harare, in the hope of finding a better life. The journey is long and arduous, and the passengers face numerous challenges, including food shortages, political unrest, and the threat of violence. However, they remain determined to reach their destination, and their resilience and perseverance are ultimately rewarded.

Another notable story is "The Garden." In this story, a young woman named Tambudzai struggles to make ends meet in a small village in Zimbabwe. She works as a gardener, tending to the plants and flowers that provide a source of income for her family. However, when the government takes over her land and forces her to move to a resettlement camp, Tambudzai must find a way to adapt and survive in a new environment.

The stories in Whatever Happened to Rick Astley? also explore the complexities of Zimbabwean politics and society. Rheam provides a nuanced portrayal of the country's history, including the rise and fall of the Mugabe regime and the ongoing struggles for democracy and social justice. The characters in the stories are often caught up in the political turmoil, and their lives are affected by the decisions made by those in power.

Despite the challenges faced by the characters in the stories, Rheam's writing is filled with hope and optimism. The stories showcase the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community and family. They remind readers that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light and a chance for a better future.

Whatever Happened to Rick Astley? is a powerful and thought-provoking collection of short stories that provides a glimpse into the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans over the last twenty years. Rheam's writing is filled with compassion, humour, and hope, and her stories will resonate with readers who are interested in understanding the complexities of life in a country that has faced numerous challenges.

Weight: 232g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914595141