A Grain of Wheat by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o

A Grain of Wheat is a major work of historical fiction by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o (originally published in 1967) set just before Kenya’s independence (Uhuru) from British colonial rule. The novel takes place in a small village called Thabai during the tense days leading up to Uhuru Day in 1963. Through a web of intertwined characters, its narrative explores themes of betrayal, loyalty, sacrifice, love, and national identity.