The story, which won the Caine Prize for African Writing in 2011, features in “We Need New Names” in a-using Bulawayo’s own words-“a reworked and re-imagined fashion”. Those listening to the reading would have been forgiven for experiencing a sense of déjà vu as Bulawayo recited her characters’ names since they are exactly the same as those used in her award winning short story, “Hitting Budapest”. From these sitcoms she learns the appropriate use and contextual justification for such charming phrases such as, “messed up” and “douchebag”. Having moved from Zimbabwe to the United States, the character Darling attempts to settle into her new life by receiving lessons in semantic acculturation delivered by popular shows like “The Simpsons”, “That’s So Raven” and “Glee”. Above the persistent din of voices outside the reading room, Bulawayo managed to read in a low, but perceptible voice, a section concerning her teenage protagonist’s endeavours to imbibe Americanism. Bulawayo introduced the audience to her book – a book described by Parkes as “interlinked short stories” – by reading an entertaining and gratefully received lengthy passage from it. The evening was led by the African Writers Trust’s very own Nii Parkes. On Tuesday 4th June, NoViolet Bulawayo paid a visit to London’s Southbank Centre to discuss her new novel, “We Need New Names”.
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