Wizard Of The Crow By Ngugi Wa Thiong’o Book Review- Tosin Majekodunmi
This is one of the most interesting books I have ever read.
Ngugi Wa Thiongo took us on a journey where we explore post colonialism of an African state. It made use of “psychology” as opposed voodoo (as the name Wizard might implies).
My hero in the book is AG. He can be likened to as the unofficial forerunner of the Wizard. His tales birthed the protagonist, ‘Wizard of the Crow’. I dare say every adventure of Wizard of the Crow was because of AG and Nyalwra.
Ngugi showed vast knowledge of not only the African states where he mentioned books written by African authors. Through Ngugi, we are able to explore the Indian culture and their influence in some African states.
The realism in this book depicts what majority of the African states suffer. Strive Masiyiwa once wrote in a Facebook post that majority of Nigerians are educated even to Ph.d levels and yet there are no jobs. His company had advertised a job and he was surprised at the thousands who applied for the job all with degrees. In Ngugi’s book, your degree is only good on paper. It is not a license for a good job. Our leaders have sold us rubble as gold.
Ngugi also thankfully “appreciate” women. We see how Nyalwra, a woman, was able to dream the new nation. She is mother Africa with her hopes and dreams. Amidst failed dreams by the government in providing basic amenities for her nation, we see a mother who won’t let go of her desires.
I love her combination with Wizard of the crow. He is said to tend the soul, and she, the body.
The final twist in the plot was Tajirika. We see how man is able to stretch and show strength when it is dependent on self-preservation. “Every man for himself”.
I think this is a gift Ngugi gave us in this epic book, ability for us readers not to see what was coming. Not only has he successfully carried us along in this journey(as is a long read), he made sure we stayed glued to the book till the very end with sprinkle of comic reliefs and magic.
We see vices such as selfishness, dishonesty, betrayals, and the ills of dictatorship.
It is a book I will recommend to everyone.
On a final note, I think Africa is the only one that can write her story.
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