Secret Lives and Other Stories

Ngugi wa Thiong’o is world-famous for his novels from Weep Not, Child to Matigari and for the political impact of his plays, which led to his detention in Kenya. He is presently Professor of Comparative Literature and Performance Studies at New York University. This collection of early stories displays Ngugi’s immense skill as a storyteller. He vividly portrays a world of magic and superstition which has not yet been erased by the “white strangers” and their new religion. In “The Village Priest” the rainmaker still exerts deep-rooted power, while the priest cannot deal in certainties, nor work miracles to end the drought; and “A Meeting in the Dark” sees the central character caught in moral dilemma. Christian ideals and ancient tribal customs are shown in conflict, causing tragedy. His later stories reveal an increased political disillusionment and foreshadow the novels which have made him one of Africa’s leading commentators.