Peter Molife, a promising new voice in the literary world and genre of African literature, is proudly making his solo literary debut, with the novel Eriza. Published in England by independent publishing house Conscious Dreams Publishing, the story of Eriza is set in the fictional village of Chena in pre-independence Zimbabwe.
It is an enchanting tale of rural life, the twists and turns of family dynamics and the immigrant journey. The novel spans a 20-year period from the 1960s to 1980 when Rhodesia becomes Zimbabwe. Being an intelligent girl, Eriza is encouraged by her father to live to her full potential. This sees her secure a place to train as a nurse in England.
Although excited at the chance to expand her horizons, Eriza’s heart remains firmly in Chena. As she embraces all that 1960s England has to offer – freedom of speech, relationships, multiculturalism and racism – she is enthralled by the rapid and dramatic changes that reshape her family, village and country, as well as some shocking discoveries, all fueled by the raging War of Independence.
Peter Molife is originally from Msengezi. The author began his tertiary studies at the University of Zimbabwe before completing them in Leeds, England. Molife then embarked on a career in education primarily in the Caribbean and England. His time in various Caribbean countries informs his appreciation of the intersection of African cultures around the world. A theme that features heavily in the book.
Molife’s upbringing in Msengezi is however the main inspiration for the book. He recalls seeing how women would leave their villages to improve the lives of their families which in turn inspired others to do the same; it is something he saw in his own family too.
The migration of Zimbabwean women had a significant impact on families including my own, and it still has today. I saw how much our life changed after my sister came to England to study nursing. Then there was the fact that men also became inspired to pursue the profession when it had always been seen as the domain of women.
In addition to this, Molife’s novel was also inspired the women who became more involved in the political liberation of Zimbabwe. He states that they were true political agitators through their professional achievements and desire to make Zimbabwe better.
Daniella Blechner, founder of Conscious Dreams Publishing, speaks highly of Peter’s debut literary work. Blechner went as far as stating that “the world needs more works of literature from Peter”.
At Conscious Dreams Publishing, we are passionate about providing a platform for strong and powerful underrepresented voices that have important stories that need to be preserved… In Eriza, Peter reflects on the rapidly changing political and social climate of 1960s Rhodesia vividly, whilst also drawing contrasts between 1960s UK and Eriza’s rural village, Chena.
This debut novel is poised to engage readers from a range of backgrounds. It has insights on family, the migrant experience of the intersection of black cultures and the history of Zimbabwe’s road to independence. It’s available to purchase via Amazon, through Conscious Dreams Publishing and will be available in bookshops in the next month.
