The Mire The Mire is a series of fiction novels set between post-colonial Zimbabwe and the UK, exploring an intergenerational legacy of trauma, narrated in first person through the eyes of Ruva, a 1st generation immigrant living in the UK. In this series, Vazhure relentlessly explores the complexities of culture, religion and society within a dysfunctional family set up. Painting a mirage Painting a Mirage is a story about the coming of age of UK-born Ruva, who is raised in a privileged dysfunctional Zimbabwean family and returns to live in the UK at the age of 18. Ruva yearns to escape her toxic childhood, but relocation to the UK invokes a bitter confrontation with her illusionary upbringing; and she realises that she does not need to continue conforming to the dictates of her past. As Ruva navigates life in the UK as a first-generation immigrant, she begins to understand what it means to be a black minority living in a meritocracy. During her journey of learning to live independently, Ruva stumbles into marriage. Will the grass that seemed greener live up to her expectations? Other books by Samantha Rumbidzai Vazhure Zvadzugwa Musango- a collection of Shona poetry Uprooted - a collection of poems; Zvadzugwa Musangotranslated to English Starfish Blossoms - a collection of poems (2023 NAMA award-winner in the outstanding poetry category)