Writer-cum-poet and journalist Dyson Mthawanji has published a 75-page book titled Chiphadzuwa cha Usiku comprising a collection of 12 vernacular short stories.
The short stories reflect on topical issues on the themes of love, politics, intelligence, morality and poverty among others.
The stories mainly are set in a rural setting and although it is just a work of fiction, they reflect things that happen in people’s everyday life.
The stories in the book have been captured in titles such as Chikondi Chozama, Izi ndi Ndale Mwanawe, Tsiku Latsopano, Nkhondo ya Chikondi, Vikula, Telala Wosauka, Wapolisi wa Nzeru Zakuya, Zotsatira za Zisankho, among others.
The stories are thought-provoking, at times stirring wit and profound humour while at the same time delivering life lessons.
But Mthawanji’s hard work has been betrayed by apparent grammatical glitches, apparently emanating from poor editing.
A lot of words were mis-spelt such as mayina for maina, wrongly separating words such as la chisanu instead of Lachisanu, pa nthawiyo instead of panthawiyo. There was also some notable disregard of punctuation marks for words such as m’chipindamo and m’khosimu.
In an interview, the author said he was inspired to write the book after noting the lack of interest among youths in reading literature material which is done in vernacular. He said it was also meant to show the pride he attaches to the language.
He said: “My understanding is that they just lack good Chichewa stories. It took me three years to produce this book because I wanted to ensure that it is a book with well-coordinated stories so I can attract as many readers as possible.”
This is Mthawanji’s second publication having previously co-authored an anthology titled The Familiar Stranger. The book is currently being used by the Ministry of Education as part of its Junior Certificate of Education literature.
According to the author, the book which was published by Montfort Media, is available in all Montfort bookshops across the country.
“I have received some encouraging response from those who have already purchased the book. They are surprised that we also have such good fiction in the vernacular language. The first delivery was actually sold out,” he said.
The writer said the publisher Montfort Media financed the project and they are the ones marketing and selling the book.
