Eavesdropping

A collection of short stories published by the Zambian women writers' collective (which also admits and publishers men writers). The stories take up subjects such as life during the Second Republic (1972-1991), oppression of expression, the power of the military and the return of racism. One story tackles the issue of homosexuality, which in the light of its illegality is a radical step for fiction publishing in Zambia. Other stories address topics particularly relating to the experiences of women: the 'choice' many women make between hawking and prostitution; and childlessness, presenting a subtle social critique of the cruel but common societal prejudices against women who do not bear children. A final story is a biographical account of the murder of the author's great-great-great grandmother, which has been passed down orally from generation to generation, and finally committed to paper.