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The launch date for Rotten Row, Petina Gappah’s new short story collection, has been set. On December 3rd at 4:30 pm, book-loving residents of Harare will be treated to a one-of-a-kind literary event at the Reps Theatre. In a Facebook announcement of the event, Gappah called it “Zim’s biggest book party ever.” And we completely agree with her.

First of all, Paula Hawkins is billed to participate in the event. Yes, you heard right. The Paula Hawkins of the international bestseller Girl on the Train. Hawkins who is Zimbabwean has never done a literary event in her home country, so this will be her first. Hawkins and Gappah will take part in a conversation session anchored by the Tanzania-born Zimbabwean actress Chipo Chung.

There are other fun activities lined up for the evening. There will be music by Tariro Negitare, Hope Masike, and Edith Weutonga. Readings from Rotten Row will be dramatized in a set of performances directed by Zane Lucas.

When the main book event is over, attendees will have the option of continuing the merriments at an after party hosted at Gava’s, a venue located across the street from the Reps Theater. You’ll need tickets to get into the after party. For information on how to get tickets for the main event and the after party go to www.thespotlight.co.zw

If you’re still not sure about attending, perhaps Gappah’s rallying cry is the nudge you need: Zim’s BIGGEST BOOK PARTY EVER !! Books! Music! Food! Paula! Chipo! Hope! Edith! Tariro! Zane! Oh, and me ! And lots more at THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN MEETS ROTTEN ROW! Tickets at THE SPOTLIGHT.