The Shattered Jewel (Signed)

The Shattered Jewel by Stan Fynes‑Clinton is a vivid and personal memoir that explores a lifetime of service and deep cultural engagement in what was once Southern Rhodesia and later Zimbabwe. First published in 2010 in a paperback edition by S.H. Fynes‑Clinton — with some later digital editions published by Matador and Troubador Publishing Ltd — this work offers readers an intimate perspective on colonial and post‑independence African society through the eyes of a seasoned civil servant.

In The Shattered Jewel, Fynes‑Clinton recounts his life from his birth in 1936 in Salisbury (now Harare) as a descendant of 1820 settler stock on his mother’s side, through his formative schooling in Rhodesia, and into a distinguished career in the Native Affairs Department — later the Ministry of Internal Affairs — where he served for twenty‑five years and rose to the rank of District Commissioner. His narrative spans fifteen district postings across the country and showcases his close study of African customs, the dynamics of colonial administration, and the seismic changes ushered in by independence in 1980.

The heart of The Shattered Jewel lies in Fynes‑Clinton’s reflections on the political, social, and economic turmoil that followed Zimbabwe’s transition to majority rule. He describes how political interference eventually made his position untenable, leading to his resignation in 1981, and he examines the subsequent economic hardships that challenged the nation and its people. Throughout the book, his first‑hand experiences provide both historical insights and poignant commentary on a land and society in flux.

With its blend of memoir, history, and cultural observation, The Shattered Jewel appeals to readers interested in colonial administration, Zimbabwean history, and personal accounts of life in Africa during a period of dramatic change. Rich in context and lived detail, this book stands as a meaningful contribution to understanding the complexities of identity, governance, and community in twentieth‑century Southern Africa.

Condition: Very good – Light wear present.