Huchu’s novel is set largely in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, where the three main characters named in the title of the book live – having left their homeland Zimbabwe. In the words of the back cover:
“Three very different men struggle with thoughts of belonging, loss, identity and love as they attempt to find a place for themselves in Britain. The Magistrate tries to create new memories and roots, fusing a wandering exploration of Edinburgh with music. The Maestro, a depressed, quixotic character, sinks out of the real world into the fantastic world of literature.
The Mathematician, full of youth, follows a carefree, hedonistic lifestyle, until their three universes collide. In this carefully crafted, multi-layered novel, Tendai Huchu, with his inimitable humour, reveals much about the Zimbabwe story as he draws the reader deep into the lives of the three main characters.”
His short story ‘The Intervention’ was shortlisted this year for the prestigious Caine Prize for African Writing. The books are available in Bulawayo and Harare, and will soon be available online elsewhere through the African Books Collective.
Post published in: Arts