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 First edition | |
| Author | Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Historical novel |
| Published | 1967 (Heinemann) |
| Publication place | Kenya |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 247 pp |
| Preceded by | The River Between |
| Followed by | This Time Tomorrow (play) |
A Grain of Wheat is a historical novel written by Kenyan novelist Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, first published as part of the influential Heinemann African Writers Series. It was written while he was studying at Leeds University[1] and first published in 1967 by Heinemann. The title is taken from the Gospel According to St. John, 12:24.
The novel weaves together several stories set during the state of emergency in Kenya's struggle for independence (1952–59), focusing on the quiet Mugo, whose life is ruled by a dark secret. The plot revolves around his home village's preparations for Kenya's independence day celebration, Uhuru day. On that day, former resistance fighters General R and Koinandu plan on publicly executing the traitor who betrayed Kihika (a heroic resistance fighter hailing from the village).
In 2022, A Grain of Wheat was included on the "Big Jubilee Read" list of 70 books by Commonwealth authors, selected to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II.[2]
- ^ "Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o: A Grain of Wheat", themodernnovel.org.
- ^ "The Big Jubilee Read: A literary celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's record-breaking reign". BBC. 17 April 2022. Retrieved 15 July 2022.