The ManicaPost
Morris Mtisi
WRITERS or authors, call them what you want, are the nerve centre of all systems of education worldwide. The pedestal on which all educational wisdom stands is books. Without authors and ultimately without books, there is no education to talk about. It is just that simple. Helen Walton said, “It’s not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived.” And authors do that best. They scatter or share their knowledge and experiences, creative or real, with the world through writing.
This is what a young cop has done. At 24, young Stephen Mutsago has accumulated enough life experience and wisdom to scatter around for the benefit of others. This column is strictly about Education and Stephen Mutsago proudly joins the list of writing educators through his first published novel, Vicious Circle.
The author of “Vicious Circle” was born in Dangamvura and grew up in Mutare. Stephen is the fourth-born child to the late Pauline Mutsago. He went to Zamba Primary School and St Joseph’s High School respectively. The young policeman has written quite a number of books, he told this reporter, all of them yet to be published.
Vicious Circle presents a thrilling, painful and intellectually gainful story in which a competent, extraordinarily intelligent, God-loving and nationally celebrated detective, HOD, bravely and successfully investigates highly complicated and tragic crimes. His job intricately ends up involving his family but ends up with deserved apprehension of a notorious criminal network called DETROIT.
Talking to Morris Mtisi on Diamond FM radio’s educational programme-HEAD-TO-HEAD WITH MM recently, the real-life detective, Stephen Mutsago, said age did not necessarily bring about wisdom.
“It is experience and will power that drive the engines of writers. At 24 I am grown up enough to share a lot of experience and useful knowledge for honest and serious readers,” said the new crime-stories writer, adding: “My boss at work, Commissioner General of Police, Dr Augustine Chihuri read this story and encouraged me to go ahead and publish it.”
I asked Stephen on radio: “Why, do you think, this book is relevant to our youths in Zimbabwe? And why must they read it?”
“Zimbabwean youths must know that Zimbabwe is a NO-CRIME ZONE. No matter how notoriously cunning criminals may be, the nation’s CID is above all shenanigans imaginable in crime.
You may celebrate a few criminal successes but as sure as death you will be apprehended and wish you were not born when you languish in the tight grip of the Law. In simple language, Vicious Circle teaches one thing: Crime does not pay,” Stephen answered.
“And if you dare commit a crime, be prepared for the consequences. This is a gentle but honest and friendly warning.”
In typical Sergeant Chimedza-crime dramatic style, a famous old school literature set book, Vicious Circle explores similar escapades of crime and apprehension of perpetrators of crime.
Those who loved or love the famous Hardy Boys series by prolific writer Edward Stratemeyer – writing under the pseudonym Franklin W. Dickson, here is Hardy Boys reincarnation or indeed James Bond OO7 come alive, this time happening in and around Dangamvura and Sakubva-Chikanga in Mutare! Mutsago said he wanted to see his first book in schools, where the theme of crime and its consequences shall catch them (students) young so that they do not ever contemplate living a life of shortcuts through crime.
“I also want to see this story acted and filmed,” revealed the 24 year old writer. No surprise!
“The thrill of investigation stories is heightened through film. This book is a crime thriller! And I will not rest until I have achieved this filming goal and dream,” said Mutsago.
The best way of reviewing a book is not to say too much about it and kill the anxiety and curiosity of the prospective readers. Those who enjoy reading about crime and detective stories, this is a gem of a book.
Well done Stephen! You have done what many fail to do. It takes a fisherman’s patience to write a book and publish it in Zimbabwe. You have done it and your courage and willpower are frightening.
“Remember, happiness doesn’t depend on who you are or what you have; it depends on what you think,” said one social commentator and philosopher, Dale Cranegie. I will tell you that today. And I want to end by sharing with you the wise words of Pamela Vault Starr: “Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal.” I admire your courage and achievement Stephen. Those who don’t can only be your enemies. Don’t sit on that talent and dream. This is only a beginning. The greatest things are ahead.
Vicious Circle is a successful debut work of self-publishing by Stephen Mutsago.
All those who want a copy of Stephen’s Vicious Circle can contact me by cell phone and WhatsApp on 0773 883 293. I will advise you how to purchase a copy for yourself. Or contact the author directly on his cell phone numbers 0772 831 995/ 0734 253 032.
Comrades and friends, if you have a serious book just published or indeed you intend publishing one soon, I can review it on Diamond FM Radio’s channel HEAD-TO-HEAD WITH MM with you and / or on The Manica Post’s Education page.
Writers are the nerve centre of all education systems. Without them, we have nothing to read. And we have no source of knowledge and learning. Lest we forget!
