Plot Summary

Weep Not, Child

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o
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Weep Not, Child

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1964

Book Brief

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o

Weep Not, Child

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1964
Book Details
Pages

176

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Kenya • 1950s

Publication Year

1964

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

15-18 years

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Super Short Summary

Weep Not, Child by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, set during the Mau Mau Uprising in British colonial Kenya, follows young Njoroge, whose dream of education is disrupted by colonial conflicts. He navigates the complexities of family loyalty, political resistance, and personal aspirations against the backdrop of violent suppression, ultimately facing disillusionment and a loss of hope.

Melancholic

Challenging

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.2

4,199 ratings

70%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o's Weep Not, Child is lauded for its poignant depiction of colonial Kenya and the Mau Mau uprising, showcasing the author's lyrical prose and deep cultural insight. Critics praise its emotional depth and historical significance, though some note the narrative can feel disjointed at times. Overall, it's a powerful and evocative read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Weep Not, Child?

Readers who appreciate Weep Not, Child by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o likely enjoy thought-provoking narratives that explore themes of colonialism, identity, and social justice, similar to those in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart and Nadine Gordimer's July's People. They seek profound understanding of historical and cultural contexts.

4.2

4,199 ratings

70%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

176

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Kenya • 1950s

Publication Year

1964

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

15-18 years

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