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serendipitysbooks's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A Grain of Wheat is part of my #thisisthecanon #decolonizeyourbookshelfin50books project. It’s set in a village in 1963 in the lead up to Uhuru or independence, but includes many flashbacks to events of the Mau Mau rebellion. Against this historical background some very personal stories unfold, especially that of Mugo, a man considered to be a hero by the villagers for surviving British captivity but who is harbouring a secret that may well change their opinion of him. Sometimes personal stories can be forgotten or get lost in the broad sweep of historical change, as if the individual is less important than the nation, so I appreciated this novel keeping the focus local and on just a few individuals. The writing was solid, the plot engaging and at times compelling, while the exploration of themes like colonialism, guilt and redemption, plus the balance between individual wants and the greater community good felt satisfying and worthwhile. This was a fairly male dominated story, but the female characters were shown to be strong, capable, resourceful and successful, often turning perceived weaknesses into strengths and accomplishing more than was expected of them. All in all this book was a win for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, Racism, and Colonisation
chantekotze's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Colonisation, Death, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Racism, and Violence
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