Harvest of Thorns (African Writers Series)

Rating:
Summary: great book teaches the courage of fighting for ideals & self
Review: One of the greatest struggles anyone goes through, is simply to figure out who they are. There is nothing simple about this process, weighing past experience, where you come from, and your family. Shimmer Chinodya identifies the growth of oneself in a more hostile environment, the liberation wars of Zimbabwe in the late 1970's. The main character Benjamin revolts against his families' norms, of living a content quiet life, collobrating with the oppresive system of Rhodesian Apartheid. Benjamin looks to find himself, leaves his school and joins the Zimbabwean liberation armies. The book serves as Benjamins recollection of his identity, his experience in the bush fighting, his personal relationship developed during the struggle, the family he has abandoned, and the oppression he fights. Wrapped into Benjamin's identity is the story of his parents, moving to Harare, their hardships with their new life, their adoption of Christianity, their worries over their son. Benjamin survives to see a free Zimbabwe, but now finds his world and identity unresolved. He is a husband, a father, a soldier, a philospher, and a forgotten hero. Benjamin returns home to juggle his new life and forge a better future for his infant country. Harvest of Thorns story is not only endearing, but accurate and informative. This story fits well into the historical context of the plot, accurately describing the struggle of Zimbabwe's independence, colonialism in Zimbabwe, and the forgotten hero's of the independence movement. The reader must dig deep into their own experience to find themselves at the end of the novel and wonder who or what has made them the person they are today. For this credit, it is clear Shimmer Chinodya's self-reflection into his native country have created a magnificent story.