This is a powerful, moving story that details the effects of the infamous Mau Mau war, the African nationalist revolt against colonial oppression in Kenya, on the lives of ordinary men and women, and on one family in particular. Two brothers, Njoroge and Kamau, stand on a rubbish heap and look into their futures. Njoroge is excited; his family has decided that he will attend school, while Kamau will train to be a carpenter. Together they will serve their country - the teacher and the craftsman. But this is Kenya and the times are against them. In the forests, the Mau Mau is waging war against the white government, and the two brothers and their family need to decide where their loyalties lie. For the practical Kamau the choice is simple, but for Njoroge the scholar, the dream of progress through learning is a hard one to give up.

作者簡介

　　Ngugi wa Thiong’o is one of Africa’s most influential and exciting writers, as well as a literary and social activist who campaigns worldwide promoting African languages. He is a playwright, novelist, essayist and editor of literary journals. Ngugi is the recipient of many international honors, including the 2001 Nonino International Prize for Literature and seven honorary doctorates.