Analysis Of The Hairdresser Of Harare

Contemporary African fiction is a genre that tells a wide variety of diverse stories pertaining to the African continent. Whether it seeks to address topics of politics or romance, there is a guarantee that the reader will finish the book having learned a great deal about what it means to be African as well as having learned that there is not one story that defines the African experience. The book The Hairdresser of Harare by Tendai Huchu is a piece of African fiction that explores the lives of modern day Zimbabweans who live under the dictatorship of the Mugabe regime. However, the story is not one of outright political discourse and engages with the social, political, and economic issues in Zimbabwe in such a way that the reader doesn’t always know the hidden political messages being shown. Huchu tells the story of a hairdresser by the name of Vimbai and how she navigates her way through working, living, and raising her daughter Chiwoniso in modern day Harare. Although an ordinary tale, various themes are discussed throughout the book, such as post-colonial Zimbabwe, cultural beliefs, violence, and economic inequality. A key character that is quickly introduced in the novel is that of Dumisani, a smooth-talking, handsome, and young hairdresser who quickly outshines Vimbai at Mrs. Khumalo’s salon. With his charm and innovative ideas, he not only brings in more business, but even bravely negotiates a raise for himself and others at the salon. Dumisani also ends up changing