Sekuru: Searching for Silas by Lesley Lysaght

In this poignant memoir, Lesley Lysaght unravels the complex tapestry of her childhood in colonial Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. At its heart is Silas, the man she called Sekuru—grandfather—who cared for her as a child and shaped her worldview.

Separated by war and politics, Lesley spends decades searching for Silas across continents. Her journey weaves through Zimbabwe’s tumultuous history, from white minority rule to independence and beyond.

More than a personal quest, Sekuru is a meditation on love that transcends racial boundaries, the lasting impacts of colonialism, and the power of human connection. As Lesley reconciles her privileged upbringing with her evolving understanding of injustice, she grapples with questions of identity, belonging, and responsibility.

Lyrical and introspective, Sekuru offers a unique perspective on family, race relations, and the enduring bonds that define us.