Zenzele: A Letter for My Daughter

Zenzele: A Letter for My Daughter

This book 'Zenzele: A letter for my daughter' was written by Jacqueline Nozipo Mararie, the author who debuted with this poignant piece of writing in 1996. This 1996 New York Times notable book basically intertwines within it touch of history and personal thoughts to concentrate on the theme of identity. It is pre-dominantly based on a Zimbabwean mother who writes a letter; where this book basically acts as a letter, to her daughter who is going to study abroad. As a word of wisdom and advice, reflecting her experience, to help her daughter navigate clearly out of hurdles whilst upholding her African heritage, mother writes to her daughter, Zenzele, this letter.

Search for Identity

The history lends clarity through the war fought by her people to attain freedom from British. Amai tells within the letter Zimbabwe's history of liberation attained from the Britons which was witnessed by Amai herself. When she was child, she witnessed the apartheid, Cecil Rhodes style. Once during her past when she was young, Amai got to know that her cousin has disappeared from the village to participate in the fight against British for liberation of Zimbabwe. These are the hardships that they faced for the freedom that reinforces the identity as African of Amai Zenzele.

Then there is another event which happened after the independence of Zimbabwe and which further adds clarity to the Amai Zenzele's search for identity. She imparts to her daughter this story in the letter as when she visited the city of Warsaw in Poland, one poor Polish woman thought of her as a recent immigrant. The poor woman thought of Amai as poor unemployed and homeless woman who is looking for job. This was despite of being Amai sitting in ...