Plot Summary

Matigari

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o
Guide cover placeholder

Matigari

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1986

Book Brief

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o

Matigari

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1986
Book Details
Pages

160

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Kenya • Post-colonial era

Publication Year

1986

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Matigari: A Novel by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o follows Matigari, a mysterious figure who emerges from the mountains after his country's war for independence, searching for his family and peace. Encountering the corruption and misery that persist, he becomes a symbol of resistance, battling oppressive forces, and inspiring rumors of supernatural abilities. The novel examines themes of decolonization, faith, and societal struggle. The narrative involves violence, including shootings and police brutality.

Mysterious

Dark

Challenging

Inspirational

Suspenseful

Reviews & Readership

4.1

810 ratings

65%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Matigari by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o is widely praised for its powerful allegorical narrative and incisive social critique. Many appreciate its engagement with themes of freedom and justice. However, some readers find its allegorical style heavy-handed. Overall, it remains a compelling and thought-provoking read that continues to resonate in contemporary discussions about post-colonial Africa.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Matigari?

A reader who enjoys Matigari by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o appreciates politically charged narratives, African folklore, and postcolonial studies. Comparable books include Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart and Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude for their similar exploration of societal struggles and transformative journeys.

4.1

810 ratings

65%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

160

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Kenya • Post-colonial era

Publication Year

1986

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!