Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga – review

‘This journey of Tambu helps us view society from a different perspective’

Alexia Ternate
Monday 28 March 2016

Nervous Conditions is a non-fiction book that deals with the themes of poverty, the challenges faced by women trying to achieve their aims in life and the struggles they have to undertake to be able to succeed. The main protagonist of the novel is Tambu, who is given a chance to go for higher education after the death of her older brother Nhamo.

Nhamo was the only male in the entire family and therefore he was always given the most attention as Jeremiah (their dad) expected that he would bring them out of the squalor they were living in. However, due to exposure to western culture he shuns his own culture and starts to distance himself from the family. Soon after his death, this opportunity is given to Tambu to go and achieve her dreams, however her mother Ma Shingayi is afraid of the change that may happen to Tambu due to a similar influence by western culture.

Tambu goes along with Babamukuru (her wealthy and learned uncle) for higher studies in England. Babamukuru was always given respect and was looked upon with awe as he could achieve success through persistance and hard work. As Tambu goes on to live with Babamukuru, many other secrets and true colours of Babamukuru is revealed. In her journey to better her condition through education she finds out shocking truths in the Babamukuru’s household. It is not what seemed like from a distance and the lives of Maiguru and Nyasha were not what it should have been like.

This book introduces us to many numerous struggles that women experience. This journey of Tambu helps us view society from a different perspective and the fact that everything is achievable is what is portrayed throught this marvellous work by Tsitsi Dangarembga. It surely is a must-read book… You are missing a lot in your life if you haven’t read it yet. Make sure to READ IT.

THE GUARDIAN