The book demonstrates the social functinioning of literature in clarifying the self-contradictions that are manifest in the theory of modernisation, using fiction that is set in contemporary Zimbabwe. Using the selected short stories as places of truth- telling, the social consequences of modernisation are explored leading to the conclusion that there cant be meaningfull development if it is forced from outside and also if it is strictly centered on the monochrome of economism. Instead, the book argues for endogeneous and human development which is aimed at the harmonious humanisation of the world and also sustainable development whose roots are and can be found in the culture of the people.

Nelson Mlambo has degrees from the University of Zimbabwe and is currently doing a PhD on Cities and Urban Survival Culture in Contemporary African Literature. He has teaching experience in a number of Southern African countries and is currently a Lecturer at the Polytechnic of Namibia- English, Literature and Communication.