African Laughter: Four Visits to Zimbabwe Book

Not much is written about Zimbabwe during the decade following the Bush War in which the black majority overthrew the white minority British government, especially by white expatriate women who were thrown out of the country years before the war for opposing that white government. Doris Lessing, a British citizen, immigrated to Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia) at age 5 with her family, and was exiled in 1949 at age 35 for her anti-government activities. After the long and bloody war for independence was won in 1980, she returned to her homeland four times between 1982 and 1992. This personal memoir contains reflections of her childhood and young adulthood, and chronicles the dramatic changes both since her childhood and during the postwar decade. Many of these changes revolve around race relations or the natural environment. Note that Lessing was in her 70s when she made these journeys, and approaching 80 when she wrote this book. She is extremely insightful about both people and places.

Lessing's storytelling is somewhat uneven because she includes interactions with many sorts of individuals, and the reader is left to piece these diverse stories together into a whole. Also, many of these characters undergo great changes during the time in which she is writing. From interactions with her estranged brother who eventually "takes the gap" (moves to South Africa where apartheid is still in place), to conversations with black people to whom she offers "lifts" in her rental car, to interactions with white landowners and their black servants "on verandahs," to meetings with black schoolteachers trying to educate children within a corrupt system, many of the stories have an uncomfortable edge. Still, the book project, where women, who have traditionally not been allowed to speak out in black society, come together to share and record stories is one of the more hopeful themes.

Of course, another theme is politics. Robert Mugabe has been in power in Zimbabwe for decades now, and it is interesting to hear stories of his first decade, and the power struggle that led to his election. The first inklings of his corruption in terms of wealth distribution are recorded, as well as a few hints that white farmers might someday be forced to give up their land (90% were in the early 2000s). In addition, there is a fair bit of history about ancient wars and subsequent mistrust between Ndebele and Shona tribes, a bitterness that has pretty much resolved itself during the years since the book was published. In fact, it's quite fascinating how fast history evolves during the decade that Lessing records, as the postwar generation grows up thinking that war stories are "old men's stuff," not unlike what postwar children think of their fathers' stories in America.

Although there are lots of interesting details, this is not a particularly fun read. There is much to rebuild after the Bush War, and not all is rebuilt. The bush itself, which held all manner of bird and beast during Lessing's childhood, was forever changed. It is rather fascinating to read of the creatures that used to live there. Chapters and sections vary in length, like a true memoir. It's a worthwhile read for history buffs and those who, like myself, are interested in traditional and modern Zimbabwean music and art.