Wizard of the Crow

Ngugi wa Thiong'o

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'Wizard of the Crow' by Ngugi wa Thiong'o is a satirical novel set in a fictitious African country ruled by an outrageous dictator known as The Ruler. The story follows the protagonist Kamiti, an accidental sorcerer, and Nyawira, a political revolutionary, as they navigate the corrupt political landscape filled with satire, allegory, and fantasy. The plot revolves around The Ruler's plan to build a modern Tower of Babel financed by the Global Bank, leading to a series of satirical events and colorful characters that unveil the complexities of post-colonial dictatorships in Africa.

The book is described as a mix of political satire, postmodern love story, and folk tale, with elements of psychological depth and magical realism. Through the narrative, Ngugi wa Thiong'o explores themes of power, corruption, independence, and political activism, blending humor and social commentary in a lengthy yet engaging storytelling style that draws parallels to renowned authors like Dostoevsky and Marquez.

Characters:

Characters are deeply layered, with heroes and villains that provide a comedic yet poignant portrayal of societal struggles within a dictatorship.

Writing/Prose:

The prose reflects traditional oral storytelling, characterized by humor, vibrant imagery, and a blend of satire with cultural critique.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative takes place in the make-believe dictatorship of Aburiria, highlighting the conflict between corrupt leadership and resilient characters, steeped in magical realism and satire.

Setting:

Set against the backdrop of a fictional African state, the story captures the chaotic nuances of a dictatorship with resonant cultural significance.

Pacing:

The narrative pace is expansive and episodic, encouraging reflection on characters and themes despite its considerable length.

The Ruler and his wife had fallen out one day when Rachael asked questions about the schoolgirls who, rumors claimed, were often invited to the State House to make his bed, where he, like the aging wh...

Notes:

Wizard of the Crow is a novel by Ngugi wa Thiong'o, his first published after over 20 years since Matigari.

The book is set in a fictional African country called Aburiria, which mirrors the author's experiences in Kenya under dictatorship.

It explores the absurdities of dictatorship through the character known as The Ruler, drawing parallels to real figures like Idi Amin.

Ngugi wa Thiong'o originally wrote this novel in Kikuyu, his native language, before translating it into English himself.

The story combines elements of magic realism, political satire, and folklore, making it a unique reading experience.

Characters Kamiti and Nyawira serve as protagonists who navigate and resist the corrupt regime.

The novel critiques both local corruption and the influence of international banks in African politics.

The book has been praised for its rich storytelling and its ability to convey serious themes with humor.

Ngugi wrote parts of the novel while detained by the Kenyan government, using available materials, including toilet paper.

The length of the novel is notable, with around 766 pages, making it one of his longest works.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for themes around governmental abuse, corruption, and oppression.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance between the main characters Kamiti and Nyawira, adding a personal touch to the broader political narrative.

From The Publisher:

Informed by traditional African storytelling, discover Ngugi wa Thiong'o's masterpiece.

To honour the Ruler's birthday, the Free Republic of Aburiria set out to build a tower; a modern wonder of the world that will reach the gates of Heaven. But behind this pillar of unity a battle for control of the Aburirian people rages. Among the contenders: the eponymous Wizard, an avatar of folklore and wisdom; the corrupt Christian Ministry; and the nefarious Global Bank.

Ratings (6)

Loved It (4)
It Was OK (2)

Reader Stats (14):

Read It (6)
Want To Read (5)
Not Interested (3)

1 comment(s)

Feyisayo Anjorin

Loved It

2 years

All the typical powerful men of Africa battle for the soul of the fictional African Free Republic of Aburiria. This so-called "Free Republic" is ruled by a crazy dictator who drives many crazy as they fight for and against the status quo.

A superb piece of work.

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About the Author:

Ngugi wa Thiong'o is one of the leading writers and scholars at work in the world today. His books include the novels Petals of Blood, for which he was imprisoned by the Kenyan government in 1977, A Grain of Wheat and Wizard of the Crow; the memoirs, Dreams in a Time of War, In the House of the Interpreter and Birth of a Dream Weaver; and the essays, Decolonizing the Mind, Something Torn and New and Globalectics. Recipient of many honours, among them ten honorary doctorates, he is currently Distinguished Professor of English and Comparative Literature at the University of California, Irvine.

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