Zamani: A haunted memoir of Tanzania

Jane Bryce returns to Tanzania to reconnect with her past and is ambushed by the present. She discovers the Swahili sea of time, which reveals social and political change in Tanzania over the last 50 years, and invites her to take her place in it.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 20 October 2023
Publisher: Cinnamon Press

After being haunted by memories of her childhood in Tanzania, which was tragically cut short when her parents were deported, Jane Bryce returns to her homeland in search of closure. However, she is met with a harsh reality as she confronts the present. As she retraces her own and her parents' footsteps, she is surprised by the unexpected connections that she uncovers, reaching back into the colonial past and even further into a time of myth and legend.

The key to unlocking the mysteries that bind these disparate elements together comes to her in the form of 'zamani,' the Swahili concept of time, where spirits inhabit places and landscapes, memory animates the everyday, and voices from the past speak to the present. Collectively, these voices paint a vivid picture of social and political change in Tanzania over the last 50 years. They invite Jane to take her place in this transformative journey.

As Jane delves deeper into her family's history, she discovers that her parents were caught up in the political unrest that characterized the country in the 1960s and 1970s. They were activists fighting for the rights of the Tanzanian people, and their work put them at risk of persecution by the government.

Despite the dangers they faced, Jane's parents never lost their passion for their homeland. They continued to work for the betterment of Tanzania, even after they were forced to leave. Jane is inspired by their courage and determination, and she resolves to carry on their legacy.

Through her research, Jane also learns about the cultural and historical significance of Tanzania. She discovers that the country has a rich heritage, with a diverse range of traditions and customs that have been passed down through generations. She visits ancient ruins, meets with local artisans, and learns about traditional medicine and healing practices.

As Jane continues her journey, she begins to feel a sense of belonging and connection to her homeland that she had never experienced before. She realizes that her parents' memories and the experiences they had in Tanzania are a part of her own story, and she is proud to carry on their legacy.

In the end, Jane's journey is not just about seeking closure for her own past. It is also about recognizing the importance of her heritage and the role that she can play in shaping the future of Tanzania. She returns home with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to making a positive impact in her community and beyond.

In conclusion, Jane Bryce's journey back to Tanzania is a testament to the power of memory, resilience, and the human spirit. Through her exploration of her family's past and the cultural and historical richness of her homeland, she discovers a sense of belonging and purpose that she had never experienced before. Her journey inspires others to embrace their own heritage and work towards a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

Weight: 370g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788649865