Book Review : Chaminuka Prophet of Zimbabwe by Solomon Mutswairo

May 27, 2024

Just finished reading Chaminuka Prophet of Zimbabwe by Solomon Mutswairo. It was written in 1983. It is about Chaminuka, the spirit medium who It's a good enough read but I had a few problems with the novel. It should not be read as a historical text and thus there are some historical inacurracies.

Chaminuka seems like a minor character. He appears in less than half of the book. Most of the novel is about other characters and their trials and tribulations. You finish the book without knowing or understanding who Chaminuka was. The writer does not delve into Chaminuka's thoughts and feelings. I did not get a sense of what Chaminuka's motivations were. He just appears on the page like a ghost or an otherworldly figure. Solomon Mutswairo simply writes what was already known about Chaminuka's life and does not really add anything new.

My second criticism is that the writer stuffs a lot of politics and tribalism into the book. Prophet of Zimbabwe seems like an anti-white, anti-Ndebele and pro Zanu pf fluff piece. The Ndebeles come across as one dimensional savages or idiots and the Shona seem like a valiant saints. There is a very strong anti-colonial sentiment in the book where Chaminuka makes prophecies about the destruction of the white colonialists. It is quite obvious that the writer is writing in a post colonial era.

What I did like about Chaminuka Prophet of Zimbabwe is that it does give a glimpse into the life and culture of the Shonas and Ndebele. The writing is good and the book is easy to read. I would give it a 6/10.