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Nervous Conditions: Rejecting Patriarchy

Nervous Conditions: Rejecting Patriarchy

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This week we’re discussing Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga.


Nervous Conditions is set two decades before Zimbabwe gained its independence from white minority rule. The book follows 13-year-old Tambudzai as she attempts to gain an education that she hopes will elevate herself and her family out of poverty.

Tambudzai, through a series of fortunate and unfortunate events, can leave the village she lives in with her parents and live with her Uncle BabaMcghuru and his wife Myghuru to attend school at ‘The Mission’. Through several observations and interactions with her family, chiefly her cousin Nyasha, Tambudzai feels at odds with her personal aspirations and traditional Shona upbringing.


Nervous Conditions is a timeless coming-of-age story and a powerful exploration of cultural imperialism.

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