Zambian ARTS Publications is thrilled to share a recap of what transpired at the February 2024 book review program in Lusaka. The event was held at our usual spot at Meraki Café in Rhodes Park and featured seven readers, including the program host, Anna Zgambo. It is our culture to analyze and review locally written books published under Zambian ARTS Publications for the sake of literature improvement while promoting the local reading and writing culture. By reviewing these books, we provide authors with creditable opinions about their book projects, thus ensuring their development while building a community of informed readers and writers.
In February 2024, our interest fell upon the book written by Jimmy Kayika, a Zambian poet and NGOMA Awards 2023 finalist, with his 2023 publication of “Venus”, a collection of over 50 poems rooted in love, pain, and happiness. This amazing collection has been described by many as one of the best poetry books ever written by him; this has been proven by its accomplishment at the 2023 NGOMA Awards, as it was announced to be one of the best 3 poetry books written in 2023, according to the National Arts Council, under the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Arts. The book “Venus” has made dozens of sales and is still selling both in hardcopy and digital formats on different platforms, including the Zambian ARTS Bookstore.
The reviewers perused through the book and analysed the collection poem-by-poem while discussing their intuitions concerning each piece of writing. Everyone gave their view and how they found each poem that was discussed. This opened up a complex discussion on the importance of love in our lives and just how sometimes we need to be reminded that this life is not permanent. This came to light after the reviewers analysed a piece entitled “When We Grey” from Venus.
The reviewers posed for a photo: Juliet Lwenje, Onechi Lwenje, Cornelius Mwanza, Madalitso Phiri, Emmanuel Chimantila, Jinxia Yang (with her son) and Anna Zgambo discussed Venus at Meraki in Rhodes Park.
Some Reviews
“I am eager to buy Venus and keep it in my library,” Cornelius Mwanza said after sampling a few poems.
The readers agreed that Venus is an accessible book for the whole family.
“Venus is a book for us all,” Jinxia Yang said. “Kayika’s poems explore the meaning of love.”
As the reviewers concluded the session, it was evident that the book had left an impact on them, and provided room for further analysis as they dispersed to their diverse homes.
How Do I Order This Book?
Venus (A Girl From The Moon)- Author: Jimmy Kayika
“I write about you as my heart has unequivocally chosen you. From the treasured moments to the deepest shadows where our disagreements may dwell, amidst it all, my love for you shall endure to the edges of my breath. Now, as we grow together, navigating through the passage of time and the changing seasons, may my heart always rest in your palms.”
“Venus,” a Ngoma Awards 2023 finalist book project by Jimmy Kayika, is now available for hardcopy orders.
Be sure to secure yourself a hardcopy of this book, currently available for just K200 on this website. Click on the product above to purchase your copy of “Venus” by Jimmy Kayika.
Event Photos: Juliet Lwenje, Onechi Lwenje, Cornelius Mwanza, Madalitso Phiri, Emmanuel Chimantila, Jinxia Yang (with her son) and Anna Zgambo discussed Venus at Meraki in Rhodes Park.
I am looking forward to our 3rd book review, it’s always a pleasure to interact with the Authors and Readers.