The Hairdresser of Harare: Politics of life through hair

Rosetta Codling, European Literary Scene Examiner

September 8, 2011

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Author: Tendai Huchu

Title: The Hairdresser of Harare, 2010 http://www.amazon.com/Hairdresser-Harare-Tendai-Huchu/dp/1779221096/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1315455810&sr=1-1

Attention readers: Atlanta is the Black hair capital of the world. Atlanta is renowned for the sensational hair shows and competitions that have contributed to the fame of this city. TendaiHuchu ’s book may provide insight into the mystique of this culture of Black hair. The work is set in Zimbabwe, but the politics, culture, ‘sex’, and life of hair are proven to be international through this work.

Synopsis: Vimbai is the main character and heroine of this book. She carves a lucrative business and reputation as one of the best hairdressers and stylists of Harare, Zimbabwe. Yet, her fame and her ego suffer a reshuffling when a male hairdresser comes into the shop offering his services. Dumisani is the mysterious, male hairdresser that rivals Vimbai. Hair and the processes of uncurling, heating, treating, and defeating it form the fiber of the lives of the characters in this novel. Tendai Huchu illustrates universal notions well as her characters wind their way through the hustle and bustle of the dense, congested city streets and lives of the people of the Harare community. Yet, the rivalry of the characters Vimbai and Dumisani slowly morped into a kinship based upon need, understanding, and the sharing of similar tragedies.

Critique: The ability of Zimbabweans to find humor and solidarity in the face of adversity was certainly evident in this novel. I enjoyed reading about Vimbai and her philosophy of life…it was illustrated through the combs, picks, and curling irons that she welded. I also enjoyed seeing Dumisani emerge as the head ‘peacock’ on the hair scene. The tools of his trade were his best defense mechanism against the challenges he faced in life. But, it was the utter raw, emotional bond that developed between these two that endeared me to the book most. Dumisani changed Vimbai’s world. She was introduced to a social circle that was previously forbidden and inaccessible to her. And Dumisani found that something which was ‘lost’ from this social circle. It was replaced by something more chaste and durable. This book is a testimony to the universal nature of man and the human condition. Tendai Huchu teaches us that we are all one with ‘hair’…no less and no more.

Continue reading on Examiner.com The Hairdresser of Harare: Politics of life through hair - National European Literary Scene | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/european-literary-scene-in-national/the-hairdresser-of-harare-politics-of-life-through-hair-review#ixzz1XRJ0Lrkn