Author: Tsitsi Dangarembga

Books

This Mournable Body 2020

Tsitsi Dangarembga is a prominent Zimbabwean author, playwright, and filmmaker, whose impactful storytelling has marked her as a vital voice in contemporary African literature. Born on February 4, 1959, in Mutoko, Zimbabwe, she spent part of her childhood in England before returning to her home country. She pursued her education at the University of Zimbabwe and later studied film direction in Germany.

Dangarembga’s debut novel, "Nervous Conditions," published in 1988, is celebrated for its introspective exploration of identity, colonialism, and gender in post-colonial Africa. The novel earned international acclaim, becoming a foundational text in African literature and making Dangarembga the first Black woman from Zimbabwe to publish a novel in English. Her work extends beyond literature; she wrote and directed films that shed light on societal issues in Zimbabwe.

Throughout her career, Dangarembga has remained an ardent advocate for human rights and feminism, using her platform to support social justice movements. Her storytelling continues to resonate worldwide, drawing attention to the challenges and triumphs of African women.