The short story collection 3:15 am and Other Stories arrived as Rudo Manyere's solo debut into the literary world. Although having had some of her short stories published in the multi-authored collection Brilliance Of Hope, this was her first dip into the water all alone. A confident offering that dived into subjects not often reflected on in Zimbabwean storytelling.
3:15 am features nine stories which make it a fairly quick read, but one not lacking in engagement. The tales encompass the period from colonisation, the days of the liberation struggle, to post independence Zimbabwe.
Rudo's writing style is captivating yet one of simplicity, this makes it especially easy to get attached to the stories she tells. The writer has described the anthology as the work of 23 year old Rudo that she held onto and cherished for years, until finally getting the chance to have them published.
From the first story Kurauone, it's immediately noticeable that 23 year old Rudo maintained a healthy dose of cynicism. Kurauone is both a story that carries with it nostalgia and expectation, with the euphoria of a future once denied but now seemingly possible. Yet ultimately it's a story of compromise. In fact as you go on from one story to the other, you realise that a simple happy ending to any of these stories, will not be forthcoming.
From just the outlook of how her stories begin, you would think that Rudo is the ultimate hopeless romantic. Yet the twists & turns the tales have give the image of the ultimate pessimist. Reading through this anthology is a constant journey of heartbreak. Some stories being heartbreakingly sad while others are heartbreakingly beautiful.
The story 1965 is one of the collection's standouts. It's not just in how the story goes but the period it depicts. There are chance encounters, an unhealthy dose of racism (there's never a healthy dose but yikes), betrayals, heartwarming moments and a little bit more racism. From the moment you begin it, you'll be right at the edge of your sit. If you could only read one story in this book, that would be it.
Pamushana follows as a close second but a part of me completely hates it. It covers the period from early post-independent Zimbabwe until the present day, with reflections on tribalism & the Gukurahundi genocide. What seems like a simple story of a grandmother spending time with her granddaughter turns into an epic tale of love. A love spanning decades that ends in an unforseen reunion. A reunion which is short lived. Rudo once again rips the rug from right under our feet with no warning.
3:15 am and Other Stories is a really great read but for all she got right, they are certain things she got wrong. In some instances the dialogue is slightly rigid and stories feel abruptly ended, as if Rudo had more she could tell but was cut off. She also made awkward use of indigenous phrases and those instances stuck out like a sore thumb.
However, the anthology is a cohesive whole that brilliantly dives into Zimbabwe's past, while also shining a light on the present. Rudo Manyere showcases her brilliance as a storyteller and this makes "3:15 am and Other Stories" an impressive debut. A worthy nominee for the 2023 NAMA Awards.
Title: 3:15 am and Other Stories
Authors: Rudo D.M Manyere
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Carnelian Heart Publishing
3:15 am and Other Stories is available across all major book selling platforms and locally from Book Fantastics.
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