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Writer's pictureEzioma Kalu

Book Review: The Hairdresser of Harare by Tendai Huchu

Vimbai is the best hairdresser in Mrs. Khumalo’s salon, and she is secure in her status until the handsome, smooth-talking Dumisani shows up one day for work.


Despite her resistance, the two become friends, and eventually, Vimbai becomes Dumisani’s landlady.


He is as charming as he is deft with the scissors, and Vimbai finds that he means more and more to her.


Yet, by novel’s end, the pair’s deepening friendship—used or embraced by Dumisani and Vimbai with different futures in mind—collapses in unexpected brutality.


The novel is an acute portrayal of a rapidly changing Zimbabwe. In addition to Vimbai and Dumisani’s personal development, the book shows us how social concerns shape the lives of everyday people.


This is the kind of book that gets you hooked in the first line.


It doesn't wait for later, it grips you from the first word and refuses to let go, till you're done consuming the goodness that it is.


Vimbai, a skilled hairdresser and single mother of an adorable daughter, dreams of one day becoming a great hairdresser in Harare and running her own business.


But all she has is her dream. In her place of work, she's the best stylist, because she transforms the women into whom they could only dream of becoming, a gorgeous white woman.


Her customers adore her and praise her expertise, but her days of glory will be cut short, when Dumisani, a handsome and talented hairdresser comes into the picture.


Their relationship becomes what is expected in the actual sense, sour, because who would accept a competition with a hug and kiss?


But the dynamics of their relationship turns around into something beautiful, something priceless.


The world becomes a sweet place for Vimbai, who is now living her dream, when her destiny continues to glitter in positivity.


But will it be all sweet and rosy for our dear Vimbai? will her relationship with Dumisani blossom into a forever affair?


I enjoyed reading this book and learning some Zimbabwean words like Kombi.



The hairdresser of Harare by Tendai Huchubook cover
The hairdresser of Harare by Tendai Huchu


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