Things You Can’t Say With Your Mouth is Carnelian Heart’s 2024 Short Story Anthology; a collection of 19 short stories by African writers, selected from the inaugural short story competition organised by Carnelian Heart Publishing.
The anthology is a showcase of diverse voices from across the African continent, with authors from Zimbabwe, Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt. It explores themes of identity, politics, family, history, and resilience.
The winning stories include: The Cafeteria by Tanaka Chidora, which explores the human connection and isolation; All is Fair by Victor Ajwang, looks into morality and justice; and God Created A Thing by Fatima Okhuosami, a thought-provoking narrative on existence and faith.
While other standout pieces include The Politics of Murder by Tafadzwa Madzika, a gripping political thriller set in Zimbabwe; Lafa Elihle Kakhulu by Sibongumusa Ncube, which follows a journalist seeking a hidden story in a rural village; and Things You Cannot Say With Your Mouth by Joseph Jegede, the anthology’s titular piece, which confronts themes of silence and truth.
With a mix of contemporary realism, historical reflections, and speculative elements, the anthology presents a vivid portrait of African storytelling, tackling personal and societal struggles with raw authenticity and literary depth.
It is an essential read for anyone interested in African literature, offering both a mirror to society and an exploration of universal human emotions. The collection’s strength lies in its ability to blend personal narratives with broader cultural and political critiques, making it a compelling and thought-provoking anthology.
Tanaka Chidora described being published in Things You Cannot Say With Your Mouth and winning the Carnelian Heart’s short story competition as a springboard for his writing career. The writer is set to publish his debut novel soon and he also has a short story collection in the works.
“It was my first time to win such an award, so it was an honour, and it made me bolder. Before that I had predominantly been known as a poet, so I was venturing into prose and that kind of validation is very important,” shared Tanaka Chidora.
“Almost very writer needs that kind of validation. You need people to say we recognise you, you’re doing the right thing, that is really important, especially for me.”
Carnelian Heart Publishing hope to see the representation of more African countries going forward. The publisher will be opening submissions for the next contest in February 2026 and they’re excited for what submissions will bring.
Things You Cannot Say With Your Mouth is available across all major book selling platforms and locally in Zimbabwe from Book Fantastics. It’s a collection of stories you absolutely have to read.
