When It's Your Turn For Midnight

By Author / Illustrator

Blessing Musariri

Genre

Representation & Inclusion

Age range(s)

14+

Publisher

Zephyr

ISBN

9781035902538

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

07-11-2024

Synopsis

'Wars never end, they just change location.' An exceptional, thought-provoking YA novel about sisterhood, trauma and the fighting spirit of women, from Zimbabwean author, Blessing Musariri.

When her Mama drops a bombshell, Chiante's world shatters. In Zimbabwe, bloodlines matter, so when Chiante discovers her Baba is not the man she thought he was, she flees. Seeking refuge in a secluded corner of Mutare with her feisty, stylish grandmother, Chiante finds solace in a sisterhood forged by bonds of war.

This close-knit community of elders and ex-combatants are living their best lives: singing, dancing, drinking and running a successful fashion-upcycling business. But at the heart of their carefully-built world are secrets no one can give voice to.

As Chiante pieces together the puzzle of her family's past, she wrestles with how sorrow seeps down the generations, and how hope survives all, obliging us to step up and live life to the full.

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Reviews

Lorraine

Chianti's world is torn apart when a shocking secret is revealed by her mother. Feeling abandoned by her parents she runs away to her grandmothers for sanctuary. But grandmother and her friends are not ordinary women, having lived through and fought a war for their independence. As more shocking secrets are gradually revealed, Chianti questions what family and love really mean.

When It's Your Turn For Midnight by Blessing Musariri is a tale that keeps you enthralled from the beginning. The story meanders through twists and turns, which suits the characters and narrative perfectly. Set in Zimbabwe, the main action takes place is a small commune of Chianti's grandmother and her friends. Their relationships and strong bonds shine throughout the book, as does their verve for life after previous struggles.

The book is one that touches on so many things; war, love, friendship, family, relationships, trust and mental hardships. With some action, mystery and danger thrown in, it really is an intriguing read, and the revelations and relationships throw questions about the true meaning of family and love. Chianti and her sisters are characters in their own right, and shine through, even when two of them are living elsewhere.

The writing enables the reader to be immersed in the culture and setting of another country, as well as the dangers and trials inhabitants might face. The book would make a lovely group read, with lots of opportunity for discussion, but likewise is a good page-turning solo read.

192 pages / Reviewed by Lorraine Ansell, school librarian

Ruth

When It's Your Turn For Midnight by award-winning author Blessing Musariri is a real life novel about a family based in Zimbabwe. After the shock of discovering a life-changing family secret, Chianti, the eldest daughter, leaves her home and heads for a community of wise elder women in Mutare for sanctuary and solace. Chianti discovers all sorts of secret lives, inspirational stories, and profound truths amongst this welcoming sisterhood.

The narrative is a beautifully written balance between lyrical descriptions of the countryside and community and raw descriptions of the hidden historical conflict of the civil war (the Zimbabwean War of Liberation). Gradually we discover the impact of relationships within the family. As Chianti negotiates growing up with a new understanding of her family and her community, the story draws to both a conclusion and a new beginning.

When It's Your Turn for Midnight is an inspirational tale for readers that offers a richly observed story, focused on a central character whose life is affected in both challenging and positive ways by the other characters, making it a warm yet thoughtful read for secondary school aged students.

192 pages / Reviewed by Ruth Cornish, school librarian