Together, to be launched in Bulawayo on 23 June

'amaBooks Publishers, the University of KwaZulu-Natal Press and the University of New Orleans Press invite you to the Zimbabwe launch of Together, stories and poems by John Eppel and the late Julius Chingono, on Thursday 23 June, 5 for 5.30pm, at Christian Brothers' College, Old Esigodini Road, Bulawayo.

Brian Jones of 'amaBooks will introduce the book and John Eppel will read some of his own work and of Julius Chingono.

All are welcome.

The book has already been launched in South Africa by the University of KwaZulu-Natal Press, and the University of New Orleans Press will be making the book available across North America from the 16 June. The book is on sale elsewhere through the African Books Collective.

'amaBooks acknowledge the support of the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust for the publication of Together.

The information on the back cover reads:

The two Zimbabwean writers featured in this collection of stories and poems could not be more different. John Eppel is an English literature teacher in Bulawayo; Julius Chingono, from Norton, near Harare, was a rock-blaster in mines for many years. Eppel is a deliberate stylist, while Chingono is a deliberate anti-stylist. The western literary tradition is pervasive in Eppel’s writing; Chingono is his own tradition.

In another sense, however, they could not be more similar. Both share an aversion for those in power who exploit it to the detriment of all but their cronies and themselves; both feel a deep compassion for the poor and the marginalized of Zimbabwe. And they are both very funny.

‘A jewel-filled collection of stories and poems’ – Philo Ikonya, Kenyan writer and activist

‘A distinctive and distinguished addition to a burgeoning literature of response to human rights abuses in Zimbabwe’ – Dan Wylie, Rhodes University

‘Together, in their ‘double act’, these ‘clever clowns’ have a large arsenal of highly creative critical commentary and are a formidable pair.’– Drew Shaw, Midlands State University