60 pages • 2 hours read
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'oThe River Between
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1965A 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
The River Between by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o details the story of two rival Gikuyu villages, Kameno and Makuyu, divided by the river Honia and their reactions to the arrival of European settlers and Christianity. Central to the plot is Waiyaki, a young man believed to be a savior, who attends a missionary school and grapples with his role in preserving his culture. The book examines cultural conflicts, colonial influence, and the impact of Christian and traditional beliefs on the community. The novel contains descriptions of male and female genital mutilation, as well as themes of colonialism, racism, and cultural disintegration.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o's The River Between masterfully explores the complexities of colonialism, tradition, and cultural clash through vivid prose and rich symbolism. While some critics find its pacing slow, the novel's strong character development and poignant social commentary earn wide praise, making it an essential read for those interested in African literature and history.
Who Should Read The River Between?
Readers who would enjoy The River Between by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o are typically interested in post-colonial literature, African culture, and the psychological impacts of colonialism. Fans of Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart and Tsitsi Dangarembga's Nervous Conditions would find this novel compelling for its rich depiction of Kenyan society and tradition amid cultural upheaval.