Set against the backdrop of Kenya's struggle for independence, 'A Grain of Wheat' weaves together the lives of several characters, each grappling with their pasts and the weight of betrayal. The story unfolds through the lens of love, loyalty, and the quest for freedom, revealing the harsh realities of colonial rule. As tensions rise, secrets emerge that test the bonds between friends and lovers, leading to heart-wrenching choices. Thiong'o's powerful narrative explores the complexities of identity and sacrifice in a world marked by political turmoil. Discover how a single grain can symbolize hope and revolution in the fight for self-determination.
By Ngugi wa Thiong'o
Published: 2012
"The man who uses force is afraid of reasoning."
Barack Obama, via Facebook: “A compelling story of how the transformative events of history weigh on individual lives and relationships.” The Nobel Prize–nominated Kenyan writer’s best-known novel, featuring an introduction by Nobel Prize winner Abdulrazak Gurnah Set in the wake of the Mau Mau rebellion and on the cusp of Kenya's independence from Britain, A Grain of Wheat follows a group of villagers whose lives have been transformed by the 1952–1960 Emergency. At the center of it all is the reticent Mugo, the village's chosen hero and a man haunted by a terrible secret. As we learn of the villagers' tangled histories in a narrative interwoven with myth and peppered with allusions to real-life leaders, including Jomo Kenyatta, a masterly story unfolds in which compromises are forced, friendships are betrayed, and loves are tested. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
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“The man who uses force is afraid of reasoning.”
A Grain of Wheat
By Ngugi wa Thiong'o
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Ngugi wa Thiong'o is a renowned Kenyan writer and academic, celebrated for his contributions to literature and social activism. Born on January 5, 1938, in Kamiriithu, Kenya, he is best known for his influential works such as 'A Grain of Wheat', 'Petals of Blood', and 'Decolonising the Mind', which explore themes of colonialism, identity, and the struggle for freedom. Ngugi's writing style is characterized by its rich symbolism, utilitarian language, and a deep engagement with the socio-political issues affecting African societies. Throughout his career, he has written in both English and Kikuyu, emphasizing the importance of language and culture in the preservation of identity. His work has garnered numerous accolades and continues to inspire readers and writers around the world.
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