Together

"A jewel-filled collection of stories and poems."

"A distinctive and distinguished addition to a burgeoning literature of response to human rights abuses in Zimbabwe."

"Together, in their ‘double act’, these ‘clever clowns’ have a large arsenal of highly creative critical commentary and are a formidable pair."

"Together is a delightful – sometimes painfully delightful – read worth every penny that reflects on some of Zimbabwe’s most pressing contemporary issues in surprising ways. It also is a volume that begs one to rethink how Zimbabwean literature has been read and theorized over the years."

"In a fractured nation, Together puts forth a coalescence of satire, sobriety, hope and sorrow. Careful scrutiny abuts simple observation as the authors weave their way through issues of race, violence, politics and religion. Eppel’s short stories are as esoteric as they are universal, colorfully describing a nosy neighbor or the farce of corrupt politics. Chingono’s economy of language constructs a heartbreaking image in a few poetic lines pleading with the reader to feel, to think. Together is a synthesis of deep sadness, sagacious humor and concentrated introspection of a society whose peoples are simultaneously drawn together and torn apart."

"In a country that is ruled through fundamentalist narratives along racial, tribal, political and property ownership lines, Together is not only refreshing but highly symbolic. The book brings into conversation, Julius Chingono and John Eppel, a black and white Zimbabwean respectively. Through their poetry and short fiction, both writers strike the pose of a jester in their views of what has come to be known as the Zimbabwean “crisis”.

"Readers across the continent will relate to the characters and imagery conjured up in a jewel-filled collection of stories and poems by Zimbabwean writers John Eppel and the late Julius Chingono, writes Philo Ikonya."

"For those that enjoy the simple wisdom of Chinua Acbebe, you will find it in Together. There are those who realize the cultural candor to be found in Langston Hughes and his ‘Simple’ short stories. You will find it in Together too. Sadly, Julius Chingono died too soon. There is much I would have asked him about his work and his life. But, Together will have to answer those questions…for now. I truly recommend this work."

"This is southern African satirical writing at its best and despite this situations, it describes much to be enjoyed."

"Modern African writers and poets, like the griots or praise poets in earlier times, hold a special place in society. While the job of the griot was to give praise to the traditional chief of the tribe, by virtue of his important position, the griot was able to throw in a fair amount of criticism, without being called to task. Today's African writers have a similar function: by telling it like it is, they are able to preserve the memory of the nation, while acting simultaneously as a collective conscience."

"Together, John Eppel and Julius Chingono chronicle the lives of Zimbabweans going through a difficult decade. In their unique ways, these authors bring the reader closer to what was happening in the country, and their collaborative voice is a courageous plunge into subjects many artists often dread."

"Harrowing and haunting, but also beautiful and most surprisingly tender, ‘Together’ offers the reader a chance to hold on to hope when everything seems to be most horribly undone."

"In a groundbreaking joint publication project involving two Zimbabwean writers (one black and the other white), as well as three publishers, Together reflects the innovation that went into this collaboration, emerging as a refreshing and highly symbolic text."

"This is a must-read for people who have a good sense of humour and a no-go-area for those whose humour wires take long to heat up."

"I am really impressed with the stories and poems and any reader who picks up this book is likely to be surprised with the power behind the words; for the stories and poems leave much to think about."

"With nothing in common, they find they have everything in common. "Together" is a collection of short fiction from Julius Chingono & John Eppel, two writers in Zimbabwe who come together to share different world perspectives, united in their disgust at the abuse of power for greed and hopes for their people. A fine assortment of fiction and poetry, "Together" is an excellent assortment of Zimbabwean perspective, highly recommended."

"Taken together, Chingono and Eppel’s writings complement each other beautifully. They challenge the reader to reflect on Zimbabwe’s lost decade. Together is a delightful – sometimes painfully delightful – read worth every penny that reflects on some of Zimbabwe’s most pressing contemporary issues in surprising ways. It also is a volume that begs one to rethink how Zimbabwean literature has been read and theorized over the years."