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| Author Virginia Phiri reading from "Wallace in Underland" |
Every writer wants his or her books to be read, and
hopefully enjoyed. One of the ways of
getting your work noticed is through public readings. In November, I had that experience vicariously
when Zimbabwean novelist Virginia Phiri read my book Wallace in Underland at one of Zimbabwe’s secondary schools. Virginia, one of Zimbabwe’s most prominent
writers, had previously read and reviewed the book, and when she was invited to
do a reading at the school, asked if she could read my book. Well, of course, I said YES.
I’ll let Virginia’s own words describe the event:
I have just come back
from a successful Masiyephambili Junior School Readings. The students, their
teacher, the School Librarian and I had a lot of fun!
Wallace in Underland was a hit with 12 and 13 years olds. This was both boys and
girls. During the questions, answers and interaction sessions the students
seemed to have picked up the bullying aspect by Jamal and his friends and the
abused pets sentiments. It was clear that the students were able to relate the
topics to their environments.
This is a different
style of writing from what they are used to but they enjoyed every minute of
the reading.
It looks like there will
be more of these readings in other towns and at the Book Fair.
Thank you for letting me
read Wallace in Underland.
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