blendedbydesignreads's review against another edition
5.0
This was such an incredibly well written book on a topic that I was not familiar with. It gives such a well rounded view of the politics and the effects of British governance/rule in African cultures in the early to mid 20th century. It showcases a tone of survival and freedom, where values are as unique as the individuals fighting for them.
This story tells of a core group of people and how they are individually affected, even though they are connected as a whole. And when their lives once again intersect under a banner, or in this case, under the flag of independence, the tables of blame are turned, and the concept of deceit and trust are to be drafted up all over again.
The characters are alive, and well crafted. There is an immediate investment into their well being, and a deep empathy for choices made. I love when you can connect with a character and know that while their decisions might not be in line with your own personal core values, it is so well presented and with total consideration to the situation, you can at a bare minimum whisper 'I get it, I don't like it, but I get it.'
This book really makes you think about what your own actions would be when faced with protecting your freedom, the freedom of your family, the freedom of your community, and/or the freedom of your country. It makes me question, in what order do my allegiances lie, and what am I willing to sacrifice?
I also really love the voice it was written in; told in a way that I feel like I am sitting at the fireside of an elder, listening as they tell the story of their experiences, all those years ago. I feel connected, like the story is weaved in a way that feels like a family history is being passed down for me for protection.
This story tells of a core group of people and how they are individually affected, even though they are connected as a whole. And when their lives once again intersect under a banner, or in this case, under the flag of independence, the tables of blame are turned, and the concept of deceit and trust are to be drafted up all over again.
The characters are alive, and well crafted. There is an immediate investment into their well being, and a deep empathy for choices made. I love when you can connect with a character and know that while their decisions might not be in line with your own personal core values, it is so well presented and with total consideration to the situation, you can at a bare minimum whisper 'I get it, I don't like it, but I get it.'
This book really makes you think about what your own actions would be when faced with protecting your freedom, the freedom of your family, the freedom of your community, and/or the freedom of your country. It makes me question, in what order do my allegiances lie, and what am I willing to sacrifice?
I also really love the voice it was written in; told in a way that I feel like I am sitting at the fireside of an elder, listening as they tell the story of their experiences, all those years ago. I feel connected, like the story is weaved in a way that feels like a family history is being passed down for me for protection.
ahynesa's review against another edition
5.0
I had difficulties when I started reading keeping the characters straight. I had difficulties processing the violence of the story. This was due to my lack of knowledge about Kenya and its history. Because of this, I have no way of knowing the historical accuracy of the novel. What is clear, is that the characters were well thought out and complicated.
A lot has been written about the influence Franz Fanon had on Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o. I've read a little Fanon, not enough to consider myself well versed, but that which I've read fits very well with the novel. If anything, this novel might be a great entry point into the history of Kenya and Fanon's Fanon’s philosophy about neo-colonialism.
If you want a good read that is thought provoking, this fits the bill. It has left me wondering what other books are out there like it.
A lot has been written about the influence Franz Fanon had on Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o. I've read a little Fanon, not enough to consider myself well versed, but that which I've read fits very well with the novel. If anything, this novel might be a great entry point into the history of Kenya and Fanon's Fanon’s philosophy about neo-colonialism.
If you want a good read that is thought provoking, this fits the bill. It has left me wondering what other books are out there like it.
jordiolmo's review against another edition
2.0
3,5. Empieza de 3 y acaba de 4. Otro forma de escribir, curuioso leer sobre otro mundo, parecido pero diferente. Algunas cosas reales son mas de ciencia ficción que algo de Asimov.
hollymckie's review against another edition
3.0
I have absolutely NO CLUE what really happened during most of this because it is not a book to take ages reading. I'm definitely going to have to re-read it to fully appreciate it because I THINK it's good? Am I allowed to say that?
ashels's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? No
0.75
Would have abandoned if it wasn't for class. Author loves the sound of their own voice and using big words to prove they know them. Some interesting insight into Kenyan history.
kailehhh's review against another edition
3.0
a bit dry but I especially liked gikonyo and Mumbi’s stories. I thought the book explored different facets of life in British colonized Kenya, there was a lot of intersection between colonisation and gender roles too. I thought that was an important thing to explore and to have in conversation too.
Christianity also plays such a big role in colonisation as it is both a weapon of the coloniser to beat others into submission and a weapon of resistance and hope for the marginalised.
Christianity also plays such a big role in colonisation as it is both a weapon of the coloniser to beat others into submission and a weapon of resistance and hope for the marginalised.
paulinemason's review against another edition
dark
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.0
erinriker's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
kmb729's review against another edition
2.0
The timeline had me very confused. Probably better on a reread.
oriannajoi's review against another edition
5.0
Set in the time of British-ruled Kenya, A Grain of Wheat was such a fascinating story. Ngugi's genius is that he draws out a wide range of colonial/postcolonial experiences through his characters.
Between Mugo, Kihika, Gikonyo, Mumbi, and Karanja, we see different responses to the whiteman's rule from the leader of the Mau Mau to the whiteman's underling. I loved the variety of characters and underlying themes; there are so many things to think about from a postcolonial lens, and as for historical fiction goes, this is one of my recent favorites.
Between Mugo, Kihika, Gikonyo, Mumbi, and Karanja, we see different responses to the whiteman's rule from the leader of the Mau Mau to the whiteman's underling. I loved the variety of characters and underlying themes; there are so many things to think about from a postcolonial lens, and as for historical fiction goes, this is one of my recent favorites.