Les Amoureus by Alison Bwalya Erlwanger
Fungisai
Fungisai did not like her hair. It was not about the texture or colour; she loved the way that the thick lush locks framed her face in brilliant dark brown waves. She loved when it was braided, the way her mother used to do it, so that the intricate embroidery of her proud mane fell loosely on her light brown skin. The braids made her feel like a revolutionary. As if the fluid movements of her hair’s reaction to every turn and swoop she made expressed her own freedom. The braids did not move in unison, or any order. They were unpredictable — lashing out like long whips in a confused chaotic dance. She loved the blatant anarchy of her braids, and it was on the days that her hair was braided that she would take Neville out dancing.
This story was selected for African Roar 2013.
Les Amoureus was written by Alison Bwalya Erlwanger.
Copyright © Alison Bwalya Erlwanger 2012.
Alison Bwalya Erlwanger is a Zimbabwean/Zambian aspiring writer concurrently pursuing a career in Public Health. She enjoys poetry, prose and everything in between, and hopes to someday blend together her writing with her passion for social justice activism.
4 comments:
This is a very compelling story, and among the most well-crafted pieces on this site. I found the characterization of Neville especially heartfelt and engrossing - but really, all of the characters felt so real and complex.
I want to see more from Alison Bwalya Erlwanger!
A thought provoking piece that addresses social and cultural issues with a subtle hint of conflict. With a relate-able protagonist and a well developed narrative, 'Les Amoureus' is not only a great story, but an artistic work of literature that showcases not only African talent, but Alison Bwalya Erlwanger's skills as a rising author. READ IT!
great staff. well structured and very interesting . MOORE FROM ALISON PLEASE
This is a very good and compelling story.The attention to detail was wow and character development was great too.
And I wonder why she calls herself an aspiring writer. With this quality in her writing, we want to begin seeing those books!
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