52 pages • 1 hour read
Dreams in a Time of War
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
Dreams in a Time of War
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2005272
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Kenya • 1940s-1950s
2005
Adult
16+ years
Super Short Summary
Dreams in a Time of War by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o details his childhood and early adolescence in mid-20th century colonial Kenya amidst political turmoil and oppressive British rule. The memoir explores his family's roots and societal impact, contrasting traditional and Western influences, and his eventual emergence as a writer. The book includes discussions of patriarchal abuse and government repression.
Contemplative
Inspirational
Challenging
Hopeful
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
1,715 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o's Dreams in a Time of War is praised for its evocative prose and insightful portrayal of colonial Kenya through a child's eyes. Positive reviews highlight its emotional depth and historical significance, while some critics feel its pacing can be uneven. Overall, it is celebrated for its impactful storytelling and rich cultural context.
Who Should Read Dreams in a Time of War?
Readers who enjoy Dreams in a Time of War by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o are often fascinated by autobiographical narratives that blend personal history with broader socio-political contexts. Fans of Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart or Alexandre Dumas's The Three Musketeers would appreciate the cultural insights and storytelling.
1,715 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Thiong’o wa Ndũcũ
Thiong’o wa Ndũcũ
Ngũgĩ's father, described as a charming man with an understanding of urban life, who experiences a decline in fortune and status.
Wanjikũ wa Ngũgĩ
Wanjikũ wa Ngũgĩ
Ngũgĩ's mother, a strong and resourceful woman who provides stability and guidance, encouraging Ngũgĩ’s education and personal growth.
Wallace Mwangi (a.k.a. Good Wallace)
Wallace Mwangi (a.k.a. Good Wallace)
Ngũgĩ’s older brother and a cultural role model who actively influences Ngũgĩ’s pursuit of knowledge and political awareness.
Njinjũ
Njinjũ
Ngũgĩ’s younger brother, named after their uncle, who shares a close bond with Ngũgĩ and teaches him the value of self-worth.
Ngandi Njũgũna
Ngandi Njũgũna
A teacher and intellectual who significantly contributes to Ngũgĩ’s understanding of Kenyan history and politics.
Baba Mũkũrũ (a.k.a. Uncle Njinjũ)
Baba Mũkũrũ (a.k.a. Uncle Njinjũ)
Thiong’o’s older brother, representing traditional cultural values that impact Ngũgĩ’s appreciation for his heritage.
Lord Reverend Stanley Kahahu
Lord Reverend Stanley Kahahu
The owner of the land that Ngũgĩ’s family once tended, exemplifying modernity and its complexities within the context of colonial Kenya.
272
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Kenya • 1940s-1950s
2005
Adult
16+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.