"The Wizard of The Crow"

Written by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o is both a cleverly written political critique and a quick-paced tale about Kamiti, who arrives in a large city friendless and alone.

The city to which Kamiti has come is "Abruria" (since Thiong'o is from Kenya, one can assume Nairobi or Mombasa is the intended city). Kamiti has just finished his college education in India and has come home to find work. However, he soon discovers that finding work is not so easy despite his qualifications. Kamiti soon meets Grace, an educated and gainfully employed young woman with whom he falls in love.

Abruria is the capital from where "the Ruler," governs. He has been in power as long as anyone can remember. He has recently been thwarted by the "Global bank" which will not fund his "Marching to heaven - tower of Babel" project. The thinly veiled references to development projects and political machinations are hilarious. Unfortunately the Ruler and his wife fall sick with a wasting illness - "white ache," which as its name implies, makes them wish to be white people.

Kamiti discovers that to protect himself it is necessary to disguise himself as "the Wizard of the Crow" and in so doing complicates his life. Eventually this assumed role becomes less of a shield and more of a magnet for attention as Kamiti's healing skills become known throughout Abruria.

This is a suspenseful, magical tale where the identities of the characters are constantly evolving. It will make you laugh, but not cry.