Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Publication
Oxford [Oxfordshire] ; Portsmouth, NH : Heinemann, c1965
Description
"Explores life on the Makuyu and Kameno ridges of Kenya in the early days of white settlement. Faced with an alluring new religion and 'magical' customs, the Gikuyu people are torn between those who fear the unknown and those who see beyond it. Some follow Joshua and his fiery brand of Christianity. Others proudly pursue tribal independence. In the midst of this disunity stands Waiyaki, a dedicated visionary born to a line of prophets. He struggles to educate the tribe--a task he sees as the only unifying link between the two factions--but his plans for the future raise issue which will determine both his and the Gikuyu's survival"--back cover.
User reviews
LibraryThing member TadAD
This is the story of a valley in Kenya, the ridge of Kameno on one side and the Makuyu ridge on the other. On Kamenu lived the members of Gikuyu who believed strongly in traditional practices; on Makuyu lived the members who had converted to Christianity and embraced the ways of the white settlers.
Between the ridges lay the river Honia, the source of life. More figuratively, between the ridges was the young man Waiyaki, raised traditionally but educated in white schools, charismatic and a natural leader among his people, and a man who believes that only in unity can their society survive and retain its own identity in the colonial world.
I found this a story of overwhelming sadness for, as seems to happen so often, Waiyaki finds that there are no neutrals, that "anyone not my friend is my enemy." The forces of envy, jealousy and corruption on one side, the forces of religious bigotry on the other, all conspire to leave him no place where he can place his feet.
Perhaps the most surprising thing about this story was the moderate position Thiong'o took toward this tension in his country. I think it must be hard not to take a side—are the problems of tribal society the fault of white incursion? Or, are they the result a mindset that rejects education and growth in favor of rigid adherence to tradition? Yet, he chooses neither, having Waiyaki voice concerns about both.
On one hand, the early events of the story lead Waiyaki and the reader to question traditional practices such as female circumcision: a young girl whom we are encouraged to like dies as a result of infection. Yet, Thiong'o stops short of using common, harsher epithets such as female genital mutilation, and Waiyaki ends up neither asserting its necessity to a traditional society nor condemning it.
Similarly, white influence is viewed with moderation. The patriarchal attitude of the European invaders is seen as damaging: "If the white man's religion made you abandon a custom and then did not give you something of equal value, you became lost. An attempt at resolution of the conflict would only kill you..." Yet, the benefits of education and science are written clearly through the story.
In fact, as Waiyaki makes his own way alone through his divided community, he recognizes that rejection of all change would lead to cultural death, yet that change cannot be forced or hurried, that "Patience and, above all, education, were needed."
Highly recommended.
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And these two viewpoints were coming into increasing conflict.Between the ridges lay the river Honia, the source of life. More figuratively, between the ridges was the young man Waiyaki, raised traditionally but educated in white schools, charismatic and a natural leader among his people, and a man who believes that only in unity can their society survive and retain its own identity in the colonial world.
I found this a story of overwhelming sadness for, as seems to happen so often, Waiyaki finds that there are no neutrals, that "anyone not my friend is my enemy." The forces of envy, jealousy and corruption on one side, the forces of religious bigotry on the other, all conspire to leave him no place where he can place his feet.
Perhaps the most surprising thing about this story was the moderate position Thiong'o took toward this tension in his country. I think it must be hard not to take a side—are the problems of tribal society the fault of white incursion? Or, are they the result a mindset that rejects education and growth in favor of rigid adherence to tradition? Yet, he chooses neither, having Waiyaki voice concerns about both.
On one hand, the early events of the story lead Waiyaki and the reader to question traditional practices such as female circumcision: a young girl whom we are encouraged to like dies as a result of infection. Yet, Thiong'o stops short of using common, harsher epithets such as female genital mutilation, and Waiyaki ends up neither asserting its necessity to a traditional society nor condemning it.
Similarly, white influence is viewed with moderation. The patriarchal attitude of the European invaders is seen as damaging: "If the white man's religion made you abandon a custom and then did not give you something of equal value, you became lost. An attempt at resolution of the conflict would only kill you..." Yet, the benefits of education and science are written clearly through the story.
In fact, as Waiyaki makes his own way alone through his divided community, he recognizes that rejection of all change would lead to cultural death, yet that change cannot be forced or hurried, that "Patience and, above all, education, were needed."
Highly recommended.
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LibraryThing member Dan1982
I have only this to say: The River Between is the best non-fantasy fiction novel I ever laid my hands on thus far (2010). An enthralling read and a beautiful depiction of Africa, the local native culture of the setting and the tragedy of culture clash.
LibraryThing member amerynth
Ngugi Wa Thiong'o's short novel "The River Between" is a wonderful look at what happens when old and new traditions clash and divide a society.
Set in Kenya, it portray the Gikuyu and its leaders as they come of age in a time when missionaries were changing the landscape by converting portions the
I thought this was going to be a story about circumcision, based upon what I'd read about the book. While the circumcision ritual is central to the story, it is not really what the book is about.
I really enjoyed learning more about the Gikuyu and thought the overall premise that changing a tradition without giving people something equally as meaningful to them doesn't work. Really, a thought-provoking and interesting book.
Set in Kenya, it portray the Gikuyu and its leaders as they come of age in a time when missionaries were changing the landscape by converting portions the
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native population to Christianity. (It was great to read something that illustrated the reaction of native people to Livingstone.) Others fear tribal traditions are being lost and see the missionaries as an invasion upon their ways and beliefs. The story is told in such a balanced way that everyone who clings too tightly to one side or the other is in the wrong somehow. I thought this was going to be a story about circumcision, based upon what I'd read about the book. While the circumcision ritual is central to the story, it is not really what the book is about.
I really enjoyed learning more about the Gikuyu and thought the overall premise that changing a tradition without giving people something equally as meaningful to them doesn't work. Really, a thought-provoking and interesting book.
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LibraryThing member BBcummings
An excellent description of the typical dilemma African culture has faced
since the introduction of Christianity, and the divisions it caused during the time when colonialism became fully entrenched. The challenge of cultural development is still relevant today, and this book is a good start in
The book presents the problem in the form of two villages on opposite sides of a river in the Central Highlands of Kenya, one clinging to tradition, and the other transformed by the acceptance of the missionaries' set of values.
One of the most controversial arguments, the issue of female circumcision, is handled in a way that invites thoughtful debate rather than outright condemnation. This subject would have been better brought out by a female African writer, but his attempt shows Ngugi's courage to make the attempt.
The strength of this writing is that the author does not take any particular side, but highlights a poignant irony instead. The title, The River Between, could be interpreted to mean that perhaps the answer lies somewhere in the middle.
since the introduction of Christianity, and the divisions it caused during the time when colonialism became fully entrenched. The challenge of cultural development is still relevant today, and this book is a good start in
Show More
initiating discussion as to how this conundrum can be resolved.The book presents the problem in the form of two villages on opposite sides of a river in the Central Highlands of Kenya, one clinging to tradition, and the other transformed by the acceptance of the missionaries' set of values.
One of the most controversial arguments, the issue of female circumcision, is handled in a way that invites thoughtful debate rather than outright condemnation. This subject would have been better brought out by a female African writer, but his attempt shows Ngugi's courage to make the attempt.
The strength of this writing is that the author does not take any particular side, but highlights a poignant irony instead. The title, The River Between, could be interpreted to mean that perhaps the answer lies somewhere in the middle.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Jargoneer
As a young boy Waiyaki is told by his father of a messiah that will understand both the tribal tradition of the Gikuyu and the ways of the white man. After being educated at a missionary school Waiyaki returns to the tribe to be an educator and finds himself in the middle of tradition and
It would be easy to pick this book, read a page of the simplistic prose and think this was aimed at a younger audience, but there is a lot going on in the novel: perhaps too much. At the heart is Waiyaki's conflict with where he stands in the tribe; is he the messiah who will drive out the white man (interesting for a novel dealing partly with colonialism there are no white characters, the novel deals with the divisions within the indigenous people) and his love for Nyambura. Waiyuki's battle cry is not one to arms however, it is one to books - he preaches 'education' (the tribe refer to him as The Teacher) but finds his teachings do not bond people together - there are elders of the tribe wanting him to demand direct action; Joshua worries that education is dangerous. Waiyuki is trapped: both traditions and Christianity offer something more solid than his books, and he cannot reconcile the two together. Ngugi offers no easy answers, there will be no Hollywood ending; instead the tribal oath that Waiyuki is accused of betraying points towards the Mau Mau Uprising. The failure of the cry for education could Africa's epitaph for the last 50 years.
The novel is not without flaws however - Joshua and the treatment of Christianity at times comes across almost as cliched as Footloose; some of the symbolism is very heavy-handed; and, at times, there is a feeling that Ngugi has bitten off more than he chew - that ideas are raised but not fully developed.
Worth reading. ***
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Christianity. His position is made more difficult by the more vocal wing of the tribe wanting action, and Waiyaki's love for Nyambura, the daughter of Joshua, the local firebrand preacher.It would be easy to pick this book, read a page of the simplistic prose and think this was aimed at a younger audience, but there is a lot going on in the novel: perhaps too much. At the heart is Waiyaki's conflict with where he stands in the tribe; is he the messiah who will drive out the white man (interesting for a novel dealing partly with colonialism there are no white characters, the novel deals with the divisions within the indigenous people) and his love for Nyambura. Waiyuki's battle cry is not one to arms however, it is one to books - he preaches 'education' (the tribe refer to him as The Teacher) but finds his teachings do not bond people together - there are elders of the tribe wanting him to demand direct action; Joshua worries that education is dangerous. Waiyuki is trapped: both traditions and Christianity offer something more solid than his books, and he cannot reconcile the two together. Ngugi offers no easy answers, there will be no Hollywood ending; instead the tribal oath that Waiyuki is accused of betraying points towards the Mau Mau Uprising. The failure of the cry for education could Africa's epitaph for the last 50 years.
The novel is not without flaws however - Joshua and the treatment of Christianity at times comes across almost as cliched as Footloose; some of the symbolism is very heavy-handed; and, at times, there is a feeling that Ngugi has bitten off more than he chew - that ideas are raised but not fully developed.
Worth reading. ***
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LibraryThing member cestovatela
Waiyaki, the main character of The River Between, is born just as white missionaries bring change to rural Kenya. The son of a famous seer, he is prophesied to be his people's savior but privately he is torn between his respect for the tribe and his love for the white man's education. With simple
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prose, Ngugi captures the sweetness of every day village life but we never lose the feeling of great forces building in the background. At times I worried the book was headed toward a didactic message of peaceful compromise, but the powerful, haunting ending is anything but simple. Although the book is short and not stylistically challenging, it took me a long time to read. Waiyaki is depicted as a Christ figure and the many Christian allusions gave me a lot to consider about both the book itself and African literature as a whole. The African perspective on controversial topics like female circumcision was equally thought-provoking. I recommend this book highly for its unique flavor and resonant characters but you should probably save it till you're in the mood for a book that requires thinking. Show Less
LibraryThing member whitewavedarling
Solid and urgent, this is one of those novels that seems both timeless and utterly contemporary. Toward the end, some of the more sentimental sections of the novel are somewhat overwritten, but the book as a whole is a meditation on unification, personal belief, and confidence. The characters and
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descriptions here bring the full work to life, in wonderful detail, and I imagine it's a rare reader who won't be moved by the story Thiong'o explores here. Absolutely recommended. Show Less
LibraryThing member kidzdoc
This short novel is set in colonial Kenya, in an isolated region where two rival populations each live on a ridge separated by a river that nourishes—and erodes—the land of both communities. One community is mainly Christian, led by a local man who has embraced the colonialists' religion and
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rejects traditional values, particularly circumcision of young men and women; the other is based on tribal traditions, led by a group of elders and influenced by a young man who is descended from a rich lineage, was educated in part by the Christian missionaries that influenced the other camp, and is highly respected by many in the community for educating its young people. This community embraces circumcision as an essential ritual, and is torn between those who embrace and support the Teacher, and a small but powerful faction led by a sworn power hungry enemy of the Teacher. The Teacher himself is torn by his duty to the community, passed down by his father, his love of the uncircumcised daughter of the preacher of the neighboring community, and his belief that the two rivals must unite to combat the increasing influence of the colonialists and gain independence from them. This was closer to a 4½ star than a 4 star read for me, and is highly recommended. Show Less
LibraryThing member maryreinert
Although this is a book set in Africa with a clash between cultures that are specifically African, it is much more. It is a story of what happens when two opposing sides on any issue both claim moral certainty. It is a story of what happens when ideology takes precedence over both rational thought
Set in Kenya at a time when white missionaries have obtained a strong foothold and tradional tribal beliefs are being seen a evil, many find themselves torn between the long cherished beliefs of ancestors and the new promises of a better life after death, but with little promise of a better life while living. The main character of Waiyaki finds himself torn between the oath he took in becoming a man in the tribe and the realization of a better life that the white man’s education can bring his people now. His struggle to bring these ideals together prove that “no good turn ever goes unpunished.”
The role of female circumcision becomes the focus of the story but it is always in the background. This is the story of what happens when the fundamentals of a society shift. It is a story of sadness, respect, fear, and love. The author has taken an issue far removed from our culture today but has dealt with in in such a way that the reader can’t help but think of some of the fundamental issues that divide our culture today and how both sides seem so sure they are right.
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and love for one’s neighbor. Set in Kenya at a time when white missionaries have obtained a strong foothold and tradional tribal beliefs are being seen a evil, many find themselves torn between the long cherished beliefs of ancestors and the new promises of a better life after death, but with little promise of a better life while living. The main character of Waiyaki finds himself torn between the oath he took in becoming a man in the tribe and the realization of a better life that the white man’s education can bring his people now. His struggle to bring these ideals together prove that “no good turn ever goes unpunished.”
The role of female circumcision becomes the focus of the story but it is always in the background. This is the story of what happens when the fundamentals of a society shift. It is a story of sadness, respect, fear, and love. The author has taken an issue far removed from our culture today but has dealt with in in such a way that the reader can’t help but think of some of the fundamental issues that divide our culture today and how both sides seem so sure they are right.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Lukerik
The writing’s incredibly concentrated and the more you look at it the more meanings you can find. His style is very much ‘tell, not show’. Normally that annoys me, but here it’s elevated to an art. It’s more like having someone tell you a story directly than reading a novel, but then
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every once in a while he surprises you with something beautifully poetic that brings things into focus. Superb ending as well, or lack of one, as you already know exactly what's going to happen. Show Less
LibraryThing member DeltaQueen50
The River Between by Ngugi wa Thiong’o is about the Gikuyu people of Kenya who lived in a remote area of ridges and valleys. The time is during the early days of white settlement, some of the people were lured by the new religion and “magical” customs and so they followed Joshua, a Gikuyu
Firmly in the middle stands Waiyaki a young man who has been educated by the missionaries but belongs to a family of visionaries who foresaw the coming of the white man and the turmoil, changes and confusion that would arise with their arrival. To make matters more complicated he falls in love with Nyambura, the Christian daughter of the fiery pastor, Joshua. Waiyaki believes that education is the answer but he also wants to honour his father’s wishes without really understanding what his father was trying to say.
[The River Between] stands as a social critique as there is, of course, no answer to the problems that the Gikuyu were facing. The two factions were both doomed as once colonialism and Christianity get a firm hold and white settlers arrive in their numbers, the rift will continue to grow and tribal independence along with their customs and culture will disappear.
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convert who preached Christianity. Others wanted to keep to the tribal customs and old ways. Battle lines over female circumcision have been drawn as the Christians try to outlaw the pagan practice while the traditionalists feel it is an important part of their culture.Firmly in the middle stands Waiyaki a young man who has been educated by the missionaries but belongs to a family of visionaries who foresaw the coming of the white man and the turmoil, changes and confusion that would arise with their arrival. To make matters more complicated he falls in love with Nyambura, the Christian daughter of the fiery pastor, Joshua. Waiyaki believes that education is the answer but he also wants to honour his father’s wishes without really understanding what his father was trying to say.
[The River Between] stands as a social critique as there is, of course, no answer to the problems that the Gikuyu were facing. The two factions were both doomed as once colonialism and Christianity get a firm hold and white settlers arrive in their numbers, the rift will continue to grow and tribal independence along with their customs and culture will disappear.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Aidan767
3.5, I did like the book and I learned a lot from it but you can tell its the author's first novel. The first half of the novel is a classic coming-of-age tale with a practical realism meeting the magical memory of the Kenyan hilllands. It plays out important issues for Africans under colonialism,
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dealing very directly with the complex issue of female circumcision. But the second half of the book is too burdened by repetitive exposition, and morality play style allusions for it to really shine, although certainly, the potential is there. The book is worth reading and I look forward to reading other of Thiong'o's works. Show Less
Language
Original publication date
1965
Physical description
152 p.; 19 cm
ISBN
043590549X / 9780435905491