38 pages • 1 hour read
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'oA Grain of Wheat
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1967A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
A Grain of Wheat by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o is set in Kenya on the brink of its independence (Uhuru) from British colonial rule in December 1963. The narrative, which shifts fluidly between multiple characters' perspectives and from past to present, focuses on the villagers of Thabai dealing with the lingering effects of the Mau uprising and the British-imposed Emergency. The central plot revolves around these villagers preparing for the Uhuru celebration, while personal and communal secrets about their roles during the Emergency gradually come to light. Sensitive topics include references to torture, betrayal, and interpersonal strife arising from colonial conflicts.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o's A Grain of Wheat is lauded for its intricate interweaving of personal and political narratives set against Kenya's struggle for independence. Critics appreciate its rich symbolism and complex characters. However, some find the non-linear timeline and extensive historical context challenging. Overall, it remains a compelling and thought-provoking read that captures the ethos of its era.
Who Should Read A Grain of Wheat?
Readers who would enjoy A Grain of Wheat by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o are typically drawn to historical fiction and post-colonial narratives. Fans of Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Half of a Yellow Sun will appreciate its exploration of Kenya's fight for independence, complex characters, and rich cultural context.