The Birdcage Archives

Wednesday 22 September 2021

Tsitsi Dangarembga, Named the Future Library Project Writer For 2021

Hello Gentle Reader 

Tsitsi Dangarembga is the newest writer to be included in the Future Library Project. The announcement was made just under a month ago. The announcement appeared to be so quiet not even a ripple could be detected. By being included in the Future Library Project, Tsitsi Dangarembga becomes the eighth writer to participate and join the time capsule literary and art project. 
 
Previous contributors include: 
 
Margaret Atwood - 2014 
David Mitchell - 2015
Sjon - 2016
Elif Shafak - 2017 
Han Kang - 2018
Karl Ove Knausgard - 2019
Ocean Vuong - 2020
 
An overview of the previous contributors it is difficult to discern any synonymous treatment or node points which connect them in any real capacity, besides the fact that they're all writers, and some share a common literary language. Their thematic preoccupations vary, from the diverse and prolific palette of Margaret Atwood to the autobiographical mammoth work of Karl Ove Knausgard, to the still burgeoning literary output of Ocean Vuong, and the postmodern novels of David Mitchell. The rationale and reason for each writer's invitation and contribution to the project are not entirely known. Regardless, their literary voices will echo long after they themselves have become silent. 
 
Tsitsi Dangarembga is a writer who breaks down barriers, starting with the fact that she is the first black Zimbabwean female writer to write and publish in English, with her debut: "Nervous Condition," in 1988. Since then, Dangarembga has remained a spark of hope. A consistent intelligent, breathing flame that demands to entice and enrich the world with the need to cling to hope. Hope that tyranny is toppled by the will of the oppressed. Hope that hatred is replaced with empathy and understanding. Hope that injustice is appealed. Hope that tomorrow the dawn will brighten the sky in a lively flash of colour that palpitates with to startle and remind us we are alive. 
 
As the Future Library Project is a time capsule - that in itself provides hope - that the human race and society is to exist into the future, surviving (or perhaps on a more optimistic level curtailing) the climate crisis, whose glowing shadow can be seen rising over the horizon of the immediate future; then the induction of Tsitsi Dangarembga is a welcome event. The writer is known for her principles, moral compass, and empathetic virtues, all of which will glow into the future. A spark of hope which will be reignited in the future, and shine a light on the past, and provide further insight into (what we hope to be) substantial social adjustments. 
 
Congratulations to Tsitsi Dangarembga, the invitation to contribute to the Future Library Project is merited.
 
Thank-you For Reading Gentle Reader
Take Care
And As Always
Stay Well Read
 
M. Mary

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