Ripples in the Pool

This Kenyan postcolonial tragedy, shaped by the aftermath of the Mau Mau rising and written half a century ago, is another classic from the Heinemann African Writers Series that is currently being reprinted by Apollo Africa. African political freedom and rebellion are given an early post mortem by Rebeka Njau in this memorable novel, in which the stench of death and madness from the past still clouds the east African country’s current fortunes. The ghosts can still be heard saying “Not yet Uhuru”, and the pool might conceal deep hidden secrets, but is also a mirror into the hearts of those left behind, their religiosity, and their motivations for better lives.