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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Aquilina by Masimba Musodza is a tragic and gripping tale where a young science teacher’s troubled past and misogyny lead him to murder his live-in girlfriend, intertwining a dark narrative with the moral power of folk tales.
Aquilina
Originally published as an e-book in ChiShona, Aquilina now emerges in English, offering a uniquely Zimbabwean narrative with global appeal. Rooted in the traditions of ChiShona literature and orature, the author breathes new life into cautionary fables, particularly those addressing the pitfalls of urban life for young men. By blending these traditional elements with supernatural intrigue, Musodza creates a compelling and unexpected story.
Though based in the UK, the author’s deep connection to Zimbabwe allows for a fresh and critical perspective on the country’s traditions and challenges. With echoes of Poe and Lovecraft, Aquilina employs an epistolary format to delve into the dark mind of its protagonist. The line between fantasy and reality blurs, leaving readers uncertain whether they are experiencing a chilling ghost story or a psychological thriller.
Hatifari Maforimbo, a troubled young teacher, walks into Tswakata Police Station one morning and confesses to the brutal murder of his live-in girlfriend, Aquilina. His detailed statement plunges readers into a chilling narrative, revealing a history of misogyny and a descent into darkness. Yet, beneath the surface of this tragic crime, a supernatural element emerges, hinting at a ghostly presence that defies rational explanation.
Masimba Musodza
Masimba Musodza, a Zimbabwean-born writer now based in Middlesbrough, UK, has published over 40 works of speculative fiction in anthologies and periodicals worldwide. With a keen interest in horror, science fiction, and fantasy, he infuses his stories with profound messages about real-world issues, holding up imaginary monsters as a mirror to the societal challenges of Zimbabwe. His work, often featuring supernatural elements, draws inspiration from traditional ChiShona literature and orature, offering a unique blend of the familiar and the fantastical.
Musodza is a contributor to Sticks & Stones, a leading Black British community magazine, and has been recognized as one of the 100 African Writers of Speculative Fiction.
Find more from Masimba Musodza now:
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