House of Hunger by Dambudzo Marechera

In House of Hunger, Dambudzo Marechera vividly describes life in the townships of Rhodesia, which at independence became Zimbabwe.

This work is actually a collection of short stories set during Ian Smith’s rule of the country. The writing style is poetic and melodious; it captures the author’s totally original voice. It also addresses serious issues: hunger, colonial violence, poverty, race, family dynamics, and interracial relationships and marriages.

Known as the “enfant terrible of African literature” and “Africa’s response to Joyce,” Dambudzo Marechera (1952–1987) has been dismissed by some as mad and applauded by others as a genius. To this day, his work continues to inspire academic studies, biographies, films, and plays.