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52 pages 1 hour read

Nervous Conditions

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1988

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Book Brief

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Tsitsi Dangarembga

Nervous Conditions

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1988
Book Details
Pages

204

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Zimbabwe • 1960s

Publication Year

1988

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

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Super Short Summary

In Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga, young Tambudzai strives for education and freedom in colonial Rhodesia, navigating family dynamics and societal expectations. Her brother's death allows her to attend a mission school, where she encounters tensions, cultural clashes, and patriarchal oppression within her uncle's household. The narrative explores themes such as the impact of colonialism, gender roles, and the complexities of cultural transition. The novel addresses death by suicide, sexism, domestic violence, child abuse, and eating disorders.

Challenging

Contemplative

Melancholic

Emotional

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.3

22,259 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga masterfully explores postcolonial African identity and female empowerment with poignant, insightful storytelling. Critics praise its nuanced portrayal of cultural conflicts and gender struggles. However, some find its pacing uneven. Overall, it is considered a seminal work in African literature, rich in historical and emotional depth.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Nervous Conditions?

Readers who appreciate Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga often enjoy coming-of-age stories set against a backdrop of cultural and colonial challenges. Fans of Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe and The Color Purple by Alice Walker will likely connect with its rich, complex narratives of identity, gender, and transformation.

4.3

22,259 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

204

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Zimbabwe • 1960s

Publication Year

1988

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

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