84BOOK REVIEWSA New People, A New Church ?ŠZimbabwe. By G. Cuppen, B. Dijkstra and P.Linhoud. 's-Hertogenbosch, Dutch Catholic Missionary Council, mimeo, 1980,199 pp., Dfl 17.50This book is one of a series, of the same title, for other countries in Africa such asAngola and Mocambique. The title, however, is a poor guide to the contents, whichare almost entirely historical. Approximately half of the book is a general survey ofZimbabwean history, and the other half a survey of the role of the Catholic Church,mainly over the last 22 years. The latter part of the book is largely based on I.Linden's recent Church and State in Rhodesia, 1959-1979 (reviewed ante(1980), VIII, 195-212) and consequently presents a similarly distorted view of aCatholic Church allegedly weakened in its resolve to combat racism by 'establish-ment' Jesuits (pp. 90,92-4, 123). Underlying this conspiracy theory of history isthe bland assumption that the Catholic Church somehow has a natural leadershiprole in nationalism (p. 91), whereas in fact the activism permitted to Protestantministers, like Sithole, Dodge, Muzorewa, or Banana, is surely much moresignificant than Bishop Lament's pastoral letters. For a more balanced view of theCatholic Church in Zimbabwe and its recent attempts to meet the needs of thepeople, readers would be better advised to read the later chapters of The CatholicChurch in Zimbabwe by A.J. Dachs and W.F. Rea (also reviewed ante, ibid.).R.S.R.Ukama: Reflections on Shona and Western Culture In Zimbabwe. By M.Gelfand, Gwelo, Mambo Press, 1981, 129, [iv] pp., illus., index, Z$6.95.Professor Gelfand has written many books and articles on various aspects of Shonaculture. The present book deals mainly with human relationships, particularlyfamily spiritual relationships. There has been a need for a book on this aspect ofShoea culture, and he must, therefore, be congratulated for trying to fill this gap. Indiscussing relationships and behaviour he examines marriage and family, religionand community, and political organization with particular reference to traditionalsociety. Wherever possible these aspects of Shona culture are compared with thoseof Europeans.Although the book was written primarily for a lay audience, it will be a usefuladdition to our bookshelves, serving a dual purpose. For students and scholars itprovides a reference base for more specific studies, and for a lay readership itprovides a greater understanding of the Shona people. Gelfand has worked withShona people for over thirty years as a medical doctor and a student of Shonaculture. It is this experience which has made him succeed in the difficult task ofwriting a scholarly and accurate book which is readable; it is analytic without beingobscure, and generalizes with appropriate consideration for regional particularities.Many will be impressed by his sympathy towards and deep understanding of themen, women and children who are the subject of this book.University of ZimbabweG.L. CHAVUNDUKA