New Review: Hairdresser of Harare

The South African
14th February, 2013
Book review: ‘The Hairdresser of Harare’ by Tendai Huchu
by Elizabeth Glanville
As a novel that takes you right into the heart of the hopes and despair of the lives of two Zimbabwean friends, as well as the country as a whole, The Hairdresser of Harare is an enjoyable read that highlights the wider struggle of a nation within the microcosm of a local salon.

This charming tale of love and life will touch readers with its portrayal of contemporary life in Harare.

Vimbai is a renowned hairdresser at a local salon, still struggling to come to terms with tragedies of her past while single-handedly raising her young daughter. She stumbles into a web of jealousy and rivalry when male counterpart, Dumisani, appears out of nowhere and usurps her position as the best hairdresser in Mrs Khumalo’s salon.

However, events take an unexpected turn when Dumi moves into the spare room in Vimbai’s home, and the two strike up an unlikely friendship. But as the relationship deepens, and Vimbai is welcomed into the home of one of the wealthiest families of Harare, chinks become more pronounced and Vimbai starts to struggle with the ambiguity and uncertainty surrounding their partnership.

The twist in the tale is clear from early on, so the sense of tension that Huchu attemps to create is not as pronounced as perhaps hoped, but the story is gripping nonetheless. Although Vimbai’s naivety can start to grate the reader can’t help but feel sympathetic for her, and the sadness induced by the ongoing theme of pain, loss and yearning in her life was very real.

As a novel that takes you right into the heart of the hopes and despair of the lives of Vimbai and Dumi, as well as the country as a whole, The Hairdresser of Harare is an enjoyable read that highlights the wider struggle of a nation within the microcosm of a local salon. I’d highly recommend it, and hope to read more from Huchu soon.

http://www.thesouthafrican.com/zimbabwe/book-review-the-hairdresser-of-harare-by-tendai-huchu.htm