Reading books makes one able to visit places and provides an opportunity to meet different personalities and observe their thoughts.
It is quoted by someone that, “If you want to know the world, then travel; if you cannot afford it, then read books.”
A British quote is also famous, “If a man reads ten books, then he can travel ten miles.”
Before reading a novel, knowing the writer is essential. Ngugi Wa Thiong’o was born on January 5th, 1938, in Limuru, Kenya.
He’s considered the leader of East African novelists. He wrote his first novel, “Weep Not, Child,” in English, which was a landmark in African literature. When Ngugi became aware of the effects of colonialism in Africa, he started writing in his native language.
Ngugi made multiple contributions to East African literature and post-colonial theory. He is also the writer of “The River Between,” “A Grain of Wheat,” “Petals of Blood,” and many more.
Ngugi was a part of a colonial state, where he lived like a colonized citizen. The word colonialism explains what type of novel it is. It captures my attention because this novel is a mirror of our society. Every moment in the novel is similar to our current environment.
Slavery is a key theme in this novel, as it is said, “Slavery is a complete disease in which the colonizers do not just take your economy; they turn you into a living dead body. They want everything from you.”
The novel is set in the environment of Kenya from the 1500s to the 1960s when the British were ruling over Africans.
The leading character of the novel is Njoroge, who had four siblings. He wanted to acquire knowledge and live a prosperous life in the future. His father’s name is Ngotho, who often told his sons that they were slaves, not just any slaves, but made into slaves.
Ngotho worked for Howland, a white settler, on land that originally belonged to Ngotho but was bought by Howland. Ngotho worked there without any salary because he loved working on his land. The novel also emphasizes the significance of the land. Ngotho was always hopeful for a brighter future.
He trained his son to read and sent him to school. Njoroge also made efforts in reading and loved it. In school, he met a girl, Mwihaki, who was his classmate. With time, Njoroge fell in love with her because they shared similar thoughts. However, Mwihaki’s father had a different mindset regarding black people.
Ngotho eagerly awaited and dreamed daily that his son would become an educated figure and provide them with freedom. The writer makes it clear that education is the only way to deal with colonizer nations. The primary aim of a colonizing nation is to obstruct access to education.
Similarly, black people protested against the British, but white settlers sent the police to beat them with sticks, causing injuries. Ngotho was one of them. This marked the “Mau Mau moment,” and liberations followed this movement. Njoroge persisted in pursuing higher education and joined a university.
One day, he was called and taken to prison because his brothers and father were members of the Mau Mau movement. He was questioned about the movement, but he knew nothing. They tortured and beat him, trying to make him confess to involvement in the Mau Mau moment.
Finally, they released him, and he had to work to survive. He wanted to read but could not afford it. He struggled with multiple hardships, planned for success, but failed. From then on, he believed he was impotent.
The novel delves deeply into the topics of colonialism and education.
Colonialism:
Colonialism is the policy or process of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and economically exploiting it with the aim of profiting from its resources and economy.
Colonial powers typically attempt to impose their own language and culture on the indigenous peoples of the countries they colonize.
Education:
Education becomes a recurring theme throughout the entire book. Ngugi investigates the potentially transformational power of education while also examining the limits to which it can be used in an unjust society. The protagonist’s longing for freedom, self-determination, and a brighter future is reflected in their pursuit of knowledge throughout the story.
Written by Bijjar Wahid