When Runesu boldly steals a bride from her betrothed, it sets into motion a series of events that take a toll on the whole community. This is a story about love, betrayal, revenge and justice in which the author weaves an intricate web of characters and Karanga cultural practices into a rich tapestry of life in pre-colonial Zimbabwe.

Vice Nganga was born in Gweru in Zimbabwe. He attended six schools from primary to high school in Hwange, Gweru, Mberengwa and Gokwe. After school, he worked as a newspaper reporter in Zimbabwe and South Africa, then as a manager in several retail outlets in both countries before venturing into his own projects that he currently manages. Vice writes in Shona and English, and Once Upon a Time is his debut.