logo

39 pages 1 hour read

Wangari Maathai

Unbowed

Wangari MaathaiNonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2006

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

logo
Wangari Maathai

Unbowed

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2006
Book Details
Pages

370

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Kenya • 20th century

Publication Year

2006

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Unbowed by Wangari Maathai is a memoir that traces the Kenyan politician and environmental activist's journey from her rural childhood to founding the Green Belt Movement and winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. The memoir details her education in the US, her return to independent Kenya, and her struggles against sexism, tribalism, and political repression, leading to her election to Parliament. The narrative includes sexism, political imprisonment, and divorce.

Inspirational

Hopeful

Contemplative

Emotional

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.4

7,242 ratings

77%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Wangari Maathai's Unbowed is widely praised for its inspirational narrative and insightful look into her activism and environmental work. Critics commend her compelling storytelling and resilience. However, some note a fragmented structure and occasional repetitiveness. Overall, Maathai's memoir is a powerful, thought-provoking read that highlights her significant impact.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Unbowed?

Readers who enjoy Unbowed by Wangari Maathai are typically interested in memoirs centered on environmental activism, social justice, and African history. Similar readers might appreciate Rigoberta Menchú's I, Rigoberta Menchú and Malala Yousafzai's I Am Malala for their inspiring personal narratives and emphasis on advocacy.

4.4

7,242 ratings

77%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

370

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Kenya • 20th century

Publication Year

2006

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ 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.