THIS extraordinary book of life under apartheid is a triumph of the human spirit over hatred and unspeakable degradation. Leaving Zimbabwe voluntarily to settle in South Africa, the young Mutobaya found himself a victim of one of the most notorious and evil systems of Government to ever exist on planet earth, yet the easier option of going back home never crossed his mind.
Like his Black brothers and sisters, he endured the difficult life in South Africa. Yet, as a young man, romance, fun, work were part and parcel of the matrix. The author found himself surviving on the dangerous streets of Johannesburg, or 'Jozi' as he called it. He had to learn a new language to survive the Black-on-Black violence that ensued. He had to find ways and means to survive the brutality of the Apartheid system, clearly represented by the Afrikaner cop.
If you ever wondered what life was like for South African blacks under apartheid, this is a must-read. The novel demonstrates how racism was institutionalised and how the Black person was predisposed for failure. It gives a glimpse on the divide-and-rule tactics employed by a ruthless and corrupt system and how branches of government, helped entrench and sustain an evil system. Recourse to the law was not a privilege to be enjoyed by the Black South African, even after the symbolic release of Nelson Mandela. The Apartheid system, by dividing the Black population also encouraged violence and greed among the Blacks.
Yet, Mutobaya's account is also about human triumph in the face of evil and how the human spirit is indistinguishable. The tragic ending is but a reminder that the system had its victims; sometimes closer to home.
I did not put the book down from the moment I received it in the post to the time of writing this review. The candid, yet cautious expression, employed by this new author, inspires the reader's respect and interest. Prejudices, fear, moments of triumph (in career and in love), peer relations, cross-cultural challenges, introspection, and family are all here. What was more interesting for me was the contrast with the life I was living in Zimbabwe then, the similarities and differences. I could not help, but ask, "Why endure this when you had a home to go to?" Yet this was home for Mutobaya, for the other people who lived in South Africa then, even for the notoriously evil Afrikaner. Some overcame, some succumbed.
His youth inspires the story. The period he writes about is post-colonial Africa, when everyone else was independent. There's no despair, but hope - "Drums in the mist". Drums symbolise the life, the heartbeat, the rhythm of day and night, the communication, the skills needed to survive. The 'misty' environment presented a stark contrast to the seemingly golden city, or as the writer puts it: "The City of Gold".
The natural flow in storytelling is magnificent. The manner in which he narrates romance, prison life, professional life and family life is not only impressive, but also flawless. The de scri ptive talent paints vivid contrasts with the evil environment he chose to live.
Mutobaya is a great storyteller who represents the proud tribes of Zimbabwe from which he is descended.
I couldn't help but crave more of this unique brand of storytelling. He could have given us more de scri ption of his encounters with the gorgeous South African women and his charm with the ladies. Yet he was careful enough not to glamourise the difficult life he lived under this evil Apartheid system.
If you ever wondered what life was like for an intelligent young and promising Black man under the Apartheid system in South Africa; how difficult it was to break cross-cultural, racial, social status and gender barriers; and emerge victorious, this book is a definite revelation.
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Click HERE to buy Mutobaya's "Drums In The Mist" from Amazon.com
READER OPINIONS
David Musikavanhu • d.musika@yahoo.ca Subject: n/a Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:37:15 • A very brave move made by Mutobaya, and this review does major justice to the book although I haven't read it yet.
Petulla Chambati • n/a Subject: n/a Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:30:35 • Why doesn't The Zimbabwe Guardian start a Zimbabwe Diaspora Writers' Forum and host it on this website. I think this is one of the best moves ever made by these guys. hats off and Mutobaya well done. We need more diaspora-based artists/writers.
Nash • n/a Subject: excellent review Mon, 14 Jan 2008 22:05:29 • The experiences sound very similar to some of us in the diaspora, perhaps I should also start writing my highs & lows - decent income, good career (at least so i think, dont ask me what i do, maybe reserese), but challenges along the way, racism, wrong accent, lack ofproper social life, culture shock etc but I still soldier on....
I`ll definately be getting my own copy Jose - and to the editor, hats off for that review, whether the book will be as fascinating as your review is something else, what is certain is that I`ll be getting my own copy.
Frank Chivanze • n/a Subject: Keep it up Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:21:15 • Although I haven't read, I already feel the pulse. Will sure get it soon. Keep on keeping on Mutobaya.
Rita Musengezi • n/a Subject: n/a Mon, 14 Jan 2008 10:28:19 • I think this is excellent Garande what you are doing with our literature. We have witnessed a death in Zimbabwean literature since we left home and I think you have taken a huge step in making sure that we remain on the literary radar. Our literature bureau has also become highly sensored with no place for new and budding writers to express themselves. I think you should also cover the classics, the Chenjerai Hove's, Marechera's, etc. And also some Shona writers to inform the new skool that Zimbabwe had a huge literary industry that was respected world-wide. You have generated enough interest on Drums In The Mist and I will be ordering soon from Amazon. Well done.
Philip Maunze • n/a Subject: Good review Mon, 14 Jan 2008 02:52:48 • This is a brilliant review. I cant wait to read the book. Sounds interesting.
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