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Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga has a killer opening line that stopped me in my tracks.
“I was not sorry when my brother died.”
I had to pause and ask myself: Who is this narrator? Why isn’t she sorry? What kind of story begins with such hard-hearted honesty? And just like that, I was pulled in.
Published in 1988, Nervous Conditions is a coming-of-age novel set in colonial Rhodesia — now Zimbabwe — and follows the life of a young girl named Tambudzai, or Tambu for short.
Tambu’s world is defined by hardship, patriarchy, and colonial rule, but she is determined to break free from the limitations society places on her — simply because she is a girl.
Tambu’s Fight for Education in Nervous Conditions
Tambu’s greatest dream is to get a formal education. But as a young girl from a rural village in the 1960s, that dream is far-fetched. In her world, education is a privilege reserved for boys — the chosen heirs of opportunity.
Girls are raised to cook, clean, and marry. Her father, a staunch believer in patriarchal values, even tells her plainly that “books won’t cook dinner.” For him, investing in a girl’s education is a waste of time and resources.
Her brother Nhamo, who is chosen to attend school instead of her, mirrors their father’s beliefs and treats Tambu with contempt. His attitude only deepens her resentment — and perhaps explains why she expresses no sorrow at his death.
Ironically, it is Nhamo’s death that becomes the turning point in Tambu’s life. With him gone, she is given a chance — a rare one — to attend school under the guardianship of her wealthy uncle Babamukuru, a headmaster who lives in a more urban, Western-influenced household. Tambu moves in with Babamukuru, his educated wife Maiguru, and their children Nyasha and Chido.
This marks the beginning of Tambu’s transformation. Her dream is finally within reach.
Nyasha: The Fierce Feminist Spirit
While Tambu is quiet, observant, and determined, her cousin Nyasha is her opposite — bold, defiant, and outspoken. Nyasha quickly became my favourite character in the book. She reminds me so much of Amaka from Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus — a girl who knows what she wants and refuses to conform, no matter the cost.
Nyasha grew up in England and finds it difficult to reconcile her Western upbringing with the rigid expectations of her African home.
She challenges the patriarchy openly, fights for her independence, and often clashes with her authoritarian father, Babamukuru.
Her rebellion, however, comes at a heavy price — emotionally, mentally, and physically. Yet, through her, Tambu begins to see a different version of womanhood — one that does not involve submission and silence.
Major Themes in Nervous Conditions
1. Patriarchy:
Patriarchy is deeply woven into the fabric of the society depicted in the novel. Men are placed above women in every sphere — from education and opportunity to decision-making and autonomy.
Even educated men like Babamukuru, who holds a position of power as a principal, believe that women must submit to male authority. His wife Maiguru has a Master’s degree but is still treated with disdain and expected to obey without question.
2. Gender Inequality:
The story lays bare the harsh realities of gender discrimination. Girls are seen as inferior and disposable, their opinions and ambitions considered irrelevant.
Tambu’s journey is marked by the need to constantly prove her worth simply because of her gender. The same society that dismisses her potential applauds her brother for doing the bare minimum.
3. Feminism and Self-Liberation:
Though the novel never uses the word “feminism” directly, its spirit runs through the pages. Nyasha, in particular, embodies feminist ideals — challenging oppression, questioning traditions, and seeking autonomy.
Through her influence, Tambu begins to understand that womanhood does not have to be defined by servitude or silence. She starts to see that it is possible to live as a full, independent human being — not as an accessory to a man, but as someone with dreams, voice, and purpose.
If you’re looking for a bold, thought-provoking read that challenges you to rethink gender roles and colonial influence, Nervous Conditions deserves a spot on your bookshelf.
