Glory by NoViolet Bulawayo

 

Glory is a novel that uses analogies to talk about the state of countries in Africa, although it could be anywhere in the world.  In this country, Jidada, once the populace had thrown out the English colonists, Old Horse was elected President.  But as with most any politician given power, he wanted more and more until there was a coup throwing him out and installing Tuvy, another horse as the President.  

But the population is tired of the corruption that takes jobs and money and leaves those on the bottom hungry and without hope.  They are tired of the kidnappings, the murders, the rapes and the vanishings used to intimidate any opposition.  When an election is held, the opposition wins but Tuvy remains in office through corruption and election stealing.  Will this state of affairs ever change?

This book is loosely based on the overthrow of Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe but it's reach and story reaches much further.  It shows how easily revolutionary ideals can be corrupted by power and how easily those in power reach for violence and repression to continue their rule.  The novel is shortlisted for the Booker Prize.  It has many literary innovations.  The use of repetition throughout the novel reminds readers of a chant, which is common in the African culture.  The use of animals as characters is perhaps a play on Animal Farm and used to show how easily power corrupts wherever it is found.  It is unique enough that I won't be surprised if it is the Booker winner in 2022.  This book is recommended for literary fiction readers.