What do you do when you’re no longer the best in the room? When you’re used to your singular dexterity and exceptional skill in a particular field? You’re revered, you’re loved, you’re recognised. You’re comfortable in your position as the best and your skill becomes your safety. Your rank as number one becomes your safe space. You’re not necessarily proud. But you know that everyone knows you're the best. And somehow you have the feeling of invincibility. Till the rug is swept from under your feet.
The Hairdresser of Harare
This novel by Tendai Huchu, first published in 2010 gives an insight into the world of contemporary Zimbabwe. It’s a short novel of about 190 pages and between the time you begin to the time you end, you won’t notice the time. At least, I didn’t.
Summary of The Book
Vimbai, twenty six year old and mother of an adorable little girl is the eponymous character of this book and the chief hairdresser in Mrs. Khumalo’s hair salon. She’s reputably seen as the best and handles all of the elite customers. She can afford to come late on most days but banking on the fact that she brings in all the customers, she has no reason to fear the loss of her job on that account.
Vimbai’s world is soon torn apart when Dumisani randomly walks into the salon one day and wows the other hairdressers as well as the clients with his unimaginable dexterity in styling the ladies' hair. He’s soon after recruited into the salon and Vimbai watches, with a sour taste in her mouth, nevertheless, a sense of hopelessness as Dumi steals her show and rises to take all her favourite clients from her.
No one would think that these two with treat each other with anything more than quiet hostility but with Dumi’s natural way of disarming everybody, Vimbai soon finds out that she isn’t immune to his charms. She warms up to him when he becomes a tenant in her house and from their imminent friendship, love eventually blooms. Maybe things could have worked out well if this budding relationship wasn’t doomed from the start, for Dumi has a dark secret. One that might ruin things for all concerned before it begins.
My Thoughts on The Book
When I started reading this novel, I didn’t know what to expect. I mean the fact that such an exceptional hairdresser was a guy is good enough to give praise to the author. I’m not shallow enough to think that certain careers are reserved for certain genders, but it was still rather refreshing to see the way the author placed Dumi’s role. In a continent where hairdressing is mostly seen as a female profession, this bit of the book was truly welcome.
I wouldn’t want to give spoilers to the book but concerning Dumi’s secret, I kind of realized it earlier on in the book. Tendai Huchu dropped hints in a lot of places that I picked up on. But I feel it’s rather obvious to any deep thinker what the secret is as soon as you begin to delve into the book. However, the build-up to that point of realisation was exciting for me nonetheless.
I also loved the adept way Tendai portrayed the Zimbabwean culture. It has a lot of similarities to my country as well so even though a lot of information was quite new, it was still mostly relatable to me. The world of the elites and the limits they go to keep the things they want hidden, hidden. Forever and their ties to the general public, the high rate of inflation and of course, the country’s rigid view on sexuality. It’s an enjoyable quick read as I’d pointed out in the beginning and quite a refreshing story. I learnt a lot and not just about the Zimbabwean society and I’m sure you would too. I give this book a strong 3.9 out of 5 stars because it was just right.
Jhymi🖤
P.S: There's something about the book cover that also seems just... right.
Thumbnail designed by me on Canva.
