Foreword
FOREWORD
Authors have always written fiction to tell the truth. Accordingly, there is proof that the only effective way to tell the story of Black Women in the political arena is, therefore, by way of writing fiction as this area is often neglected and sidelined for obvious reasons.
Proof is manifest in some of the books that I have read such as Stone Virgins, Yvonne Vera 2002, Negras, Yolanda Arroyo Pizarro, 2012, Woman at Point Zero, Nawal El Saadawi 1975, On the Road Again, Freedom Nyamubaya, 1986, and Living in the Light, Zoe Wicomb 2006. Also having had the privilege and the opportunity to read the manuscript of Mystery in Harare, before it was sent for publishing (2017), I have no doubt that this book, which is part of a trilogy, “Priscilla,” has broken new ground.
Professor M.J. Simms-Maddox is a courageous and talented author. She deserves to be congratulated for this sterling piece of work. I have been a witness in the subject matter since I was a little girl, and I now realize that my presentation, “Silent Liberators - The s*x Workers of the 1970s,” at the 2016 ALA Conference in Atlanta, was not a mistake after all, as it has connected me to this great book.
Mystery in Harare is a thriller that demonstrates the wit and skill in which Professor Simms-Maddox carefully crafts, reflecting Priscilla’s leading role in what could be described as mission impossible since the issue of a*******d South Africa has always been sensitive. Because of natural resources in diamonds and gold, the system could not let go.
This book cuts across cultures and nations reflecting that the question of kith and kin cannot be underestimated, as clearly shown by the sacrifices and the commitment made by Priscilla and her abductors to bust an a*******d assassins’ network thousands of miles away from home.
Priscilla’s abduction, having been a question of a protective ploy to keep her safe from an assassin who blew her groom’s brains out at the altar instead of an intended anti-a*******d associate, leaves her frightened and confused. Despite the trauma as a result of the foiled assassination, abduction and all odds, she wins the battle.
Her sole crime for being hunted down was having been a witness.
First, the battle exposes the evil and hypocrisy of the Anglican Cathedral of the Diocese in Harare and its hierarchy for being the nerve centre for the pro-a*******d assassins’ network.
Odder still, the real battle to liberate South Africa, so that the majority Black people could be free, is fought at the Anglican Cathedral, without sophisticated weaponry, where, thrown into the deep end, Priscilla’s resilience helps her win the silent battle in unarmed combat supported by duck and dive tactics. Ironically, the battle takes place in the environs of the Parliament building, banks, hotels and newsrooms; but no one is aware, including the numerous security details who are always on the lookout for trouble.
With the a*******d commandos out of the way, Priscilla and her abductors, who are, in fact, her comrades in arms, march on to South Africa for the final push, despite baptism of fire from more assassins on the way and in South Africa itself.
In the end, Priscilla is the heroine in the liberation of a nation.
Fictional histories, futures and current affairs of Black Women in the political arena must continue to be written by women themselves in all corners of the world. The struggle continues.
VIRGINIA PHIRI
Ms. Phiri is a founding member of Zimbabwe Women Writers, active in The African Literature Association and an orchid expert. She has published over 50 articles in orchid journals and four novels: Desperate (2002), Destiny (2006), Highway Queen (2010) and Grey Angels (2017).
