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All The Old Gods- A collection of ess...
A feminist’s unrivaled desire for freedom beyond the shadows cast by society and the shame accompanying unbridled self-expression. Defacing parallels drawn between femininity and weakness.
A Cyborg’s quest to discover what it truly means to be human in a journey spanning centuries. Uncertainty gives urgency to this tale as an artificial intelligence masters human emotion and the potential dangers it exposes to mankind. An analysis of the most practical financial model capable of liberating Africa from the shackles of poverty into the dawn of economic prosperity.
A family afflicted from the wounds of an absentee mother and a young woman’s great expectation of forgiveness, resolution and healing. Identity, race and the systems of control experienced through the eyes of a young man grappling with the ills of modern-day power structures. In a bid to comprehend how some men came to be unequal.
Folklore from a bygone era, exhuming an age-old question. What does it profit a man to gain the entire world at the expense of his soul?
Compiled in a thought-provoking collection of essays and short stories. Providing crystalline observations of life at large and the transcendent nature of the human condition.
GONE BUT NEVER LEFT by Joyce Mwai
Gone But Never Left is a creative story about how dysfunctional family patterns are passed from one generation to the next. How parents normalize unhealthy family patterns and unconsciously pass them to their children. It however shows how one person in a family lineage has the ability to make a decision that the dysfunctionality ends with them.
A Mysterious Woman
A Mysterious Woman is a captivating story of Nyang’arisa, the protagonist and a woman who chose a life of crime for survival. Unlike what society is accustomed to, Nyang’arisa joins a group of men, her ‘business partners,’ to make a living through an unlawful acquisition of what belongs to others.
After some time, Nyang’arisa finds love in a young, hardworking, and loving man, Michael, whom she later marries. The thought of Michael knowing of her life in crime makes her scared and restless. She chooses to lead a mysterious life, with her history hidden from her husband and family. Nyang’arisa builds a new family, her tainted past notwithstanding. However, she lives always looking back over her shoulder with the nagging thought that her past might one day catch up with her.
True to her thoughts, her past catches up with her as she ends up spending the rest of her life behind bars.
Kwamboka’s Inquiry
Who killed Dr. Sarah Kwamboka?
This popular founder of a girls’ school is shot dead in her house and an inspector from Nairobi is sent to Kisii to investigate. While attempting to uncover the motive behind the brutal crime, Sgt. James Dingiria discovers that Kwamboka had been collecting memoirs from the area as a way of preserving the region’s history.
This novel weaves a murder mystery around short stories that reveal the history of ordinary people from this part of the country with a look at present-day Kenya.
What others say
“Dobrin has carefully plotted his novel with style that provides a smooth flow through short stories. It is a carefully thought plot that rouses a reader’s tang!’’- Sally Boyani, Book Editor.
“It is a gripping story about murder, corruption, power, church politics, colonisation and chauvinism. The great drift of suspense in the text and the interwoven short stories make it a page turner. It is a well told must read.’’- Verah Omwocha, Book Editor.
The Merchant of Death by Mwebi O̵...
Lord Kitchener
Set in newly-independent Kenya, Lord Kitchener is the story of ‘two worlds’, epitomized by Ombam and Engineer Okwach, and buttressed by an eclectic mix of social and political growing pains of a young nation. Ombam is focused on education, childhood games, sickness and the like. Engineer Okwach’s are high-class socio-political and economic problems that bedevil the young African nation.
Concerned with political expediency, despite his education, Okwach is unashamed of political sycophancy and material aggrandizement under an autocratic regime that tramples upon citizens’ rights and freedoms. It is an environment that is a graveyard of independence-era aspirations where detentions without trial and opponent assassinations are the norm.
Unfavourable circumstances (greed and social stratification) mean that Ombam discontinues his schooling early, and endures many challenges that life throws at him. His education is left waiting till much later in life.
Will either of the two succeed? You, the reader, be the judge.
What others say
“The author has successfully created an imaginative and factual work of art under postcolonial and post-modernist thought, a contestation between marginal and dominant groups owing to cultural and political differences. African independence has not led to egalitarian societies but entrenched classes, political chaos and corruption.” – Dr. Andrew Nyongesa, writer & literary scholar.
“Written in a unique, appealing flowery language, this book is rich in history dating back to Kenya’s independence. It captures the politics of the time – ideological divergence, political greed, corruption, ethnic discrimination and political assassinations, among others. Like Chimamanda Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun, it highlights the dangers (personal and community) of opposition politics in young African nations.” - Joel Onyango, teacher, literary critic and founder of iTend-Kenya.
Voices
n the small town of Soghor in Nyanza, Kenya, there exists a myth dating back to colonial times. It relates to people, termed kachinja, who were rumoured to prowl the area, arresting passers-by and tapping their blood. Supposedly, Songhor survived this way throughout the colonial period and into Kenya’s independence.
Following emancipation, the White Highlands reverted to the indigenous population, and a settlement for the Luo, Kalenjin and Kisii communities. Folklore has it that people routinely dashed for the bushes whenever they saw a red car approaching. Its white owner is said to have used the car to transport captured Africans for slaughter. The man lived near the Songhor Museum Site that was founded by two white men in 1932, and gazetted in 1981. Two African families in nearby Tamu and Muhoroni are rumoured to have been complicit, acting as ‘catchers’ of Africans.
At the white man’s homestead, the main house had a bunker-like hole with a small door, and a grilled opening. Keen observations lead to curious revelations.
This is a fictionalized account based on a long-held myth. It is meant for enjoyment.
Crucible for Silver and Furnace for Gold
Giorgio thought that a sojourn to Kenya's coast was the perfect way to kick back and relax, luxuriate in the sun, scuba-dive, take big-game fishing trips or a dhow cruise, but it turns out to be a break filled with mixed fortunes. On the other hand, Lavina's sabbatical for soul-searching in Malindi turns out to be a Herculean task of grappling with a moral dilemma of epic proportions. When their paths cross and their lives become intertwined, their emotionally charged struggle to connect with each other is challenging and turbulent.
This story deals with various socioeconomic issues ranging from the institution of marriage and multi-racial relationships, to amazing Kenyan art & culture, to historical land injustices brought about by the pre-nineteenth century, 99 year old colonial crown land leases, absentee landlords, and the long overdue land reform agenda on land tenures, the cause of many a conflict in the country.
The first scene opens on the Kenyan coast with captivating miles of pristine sandy white beaches, lapped by clear turquoise waters, providing the backdrop for your typical tropical beach holiday, but gets marred with a near-tragedy.
Here is a compelling and descriptive narrative that will pull at your heartstrings, but one that offers a message of hope to a moral dilemma that has bedeviled the world.
Here is what others say about this work:
From an an author clearly proud of her heritage and the beauty of her country comes a romantic tale set in Kenya. Featuring a jaw-achingly handsome Italian man and a beautiful, talented, but troubled local girl, the romance unfolds in a light teasing manner until the twist in the tale turns out to be a moral dilemma that would test the strength of any relationship. - Muthoni Garland - Kenyan writer nominated and short-listed for Caine Prize 2006, winner of Absinthe Literary Review 2003, and Founder of Story Moja, a new publishing initiative in Kenya
Moraa Gitaa writes with a crisp, clean style that will engage the reader from the first paragraph forward. A ground-breaking novel from a modern 'This Generation' African woman. A fine example of expressive writing that women around the world will find both inspiring and insightful. You'll turn page after page. - Rod Amis, Publisher & Editor G21 The World's Magazine
In delicious detail and with revolutionary zeal, Moraa tells a story of fierce passion, challenging tradition and breaking taboo. She weaves a surprising symphony. Fabulous! - John Mwazemba, Publishing Manager, Macmillan (Kenya) Publishers
Vigorous, with a surprise at every turn. This one will capture you alive! - Bruce L. Cook, Author-me.com
Moraa’s keen hand represents her generation’s challenges, hopes and dreams. She presents the reader with an intriguing, lyrical tale where lies a complex and breathtaking story of modern Kenya as shaped by politics, global interconnectedness, and the stirrings of hearts motivated by private sorrows, personal commitments, and high ideals. - Dr. Wambui Githiora-Updike, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Author of Wanjira.
A remarkable tale of love that keeps you turning the pages deep into the night. As you close the last page, you are, without choice, left with the burning question: How do I live my life? - Onduko bw'Atebe, Kenyan Author, his debut novel The Verdict of Death won first prize in the inaugural Wahome Mutahi Literary Prize (Kenya) 2006
Cast the First Stone
Driven by acquisitive greed, corrupt individuals lobby the government for favourable policies for their businesses. In cutthroat competition, the high and mighty engages in deadly selfish games of land and property acquisition regardless of cost. The poor are equally determined! They use every imaginable trick to have their piece of the pie.
Cast the first stone is an intriguing story on lives in an African country. Kalamu, an investigative journalist, embarks on a truth-seeking assignment at the Alfajiri Scheme, not aware that his expose’ will rattle the establishment. He discovers rot whose tentacles run deep, presenting unprecedented risk to his life and the lives of his sources! Will he unravel the tangled maze?
What Others Say
“Cast the First Stone is moving story about the pivotal role of the press in the fight for positive change in corruption-ridden societies. It is an indictment of the press and government in the perpetuation of corruption, particularly in developing countries. The novelist has demonstrated great command of the English language and written the story with a powerful message in a style that is easy and interesting to read. The issues addressed are very relevant to the African society today.” – Dr. Andrew Nyongesa, Scholar of Literature.
“From cutting deals, playing the deadly and selfish games of trampling on the poor to get ahead, to the never-say-die spirit of the poor to get a piece of the cake, Cast the First Stone is a riveting story that illuminates the realities of a corrupt, unjust society!” – Anonymous.
Why We Tell Stories
Storytelling was an intrinsic activity in traditional African communities. Typically told by older people, usually grandmothers and grandfathers, stories were a way of life for the young and old alike, linking the past, present and future of those societies. Set as they were around a fire, the storytelling tradition strengthened communal ties between the old and the young, and as reinforced bonds among the young.
Stories emphasized shared culture, cultural values and history that were the foundation of the society’s ties. They underscored important societies’ traditions, beliefs and other norms.
From the old, the young learnt lessons about their community that to affirmed their collective identity. They learnt and internalized moral values such as honesty, courage, respect, solidarity and caring for others. Invariably, stories discouraged greed and selfishness. Further, the tales captured the essence of the environment in which the people lived while reinforcing their core values. They contributed to character-building through appreciation of the moral of the stories.
In Why We Tell Stories, Dorcas Kiptoo and Arthur Dobrin bring their storytelling experiences and expertise to the fore through a selection of from the African folklore. Even as the two look back to societies of yore to dig up the tales, the inherent lessons remain as relevant in contemporary times as they were ages ago.
About the Authors
Dorcas Kiptoo was born in Mogotio, Kenya. She attended Kenyatta University where she earned her Bachelor of Education degree. She currently lives in New York.
The Harvest from the Desert by Ouma N...
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐭 describes an epic cultural journey of a family’s successive generations served in a perfect blend of devastating pain and enchanting joy. The novel is a classical African tale where virtues like hope and hard work reward a bounty, while vices like spite and malice lead characters to self-destruction.
Through the deliberate actions of the characters, the story invokes a plethora of timely social, political and moral debates.
The book gives a nostalgic view of the yore days of traditional African living as contradistinguished with changing perceptions of culture, polygamy, community, religion and governance in contemporary Africa.
Mwangi’s Adventure
When Mwangi helped a distressed lady change a punctured car tyre one day, he thought it was just that. Little did he know that the token of appreciation that the lady gave him was a trigger that would set him off on an adventure of mixed fortunes. On one hand danger looms large and, on the other, he has to keep a job as an assistant to a young Irish researcher named Trevor. Trevor, as well, finds himself on a new path with the thugs pursuing Mwangi. How the two youths juggle between their research and safety, in and around Nyandarũa, is the thrill of this compelling narrative.
Hello: Adventures of Corona the Chame...
Corona Virus is a new disease in the world today and it looks like the disease is here to stay with us. People will only have to learn to live with it by taking all the necessary measures to protect themselves.
'Hello: Adventures of Corona the Chameleon' is such an educative, entertaining and informative book which is best suited for school going children of grades 1,2,3,and 4.
It is written in a very simple language and through it, every child can learn more about the disease: how it mutates to different variants, the symptoms and also what to do in order to protect oneself from infection now and in the future!
Ten Thousand Rocks by Ndirangu Githaiga
Will’s abrupt decision to leave his medical practice in Atlanta and take up a new job in Virginia Beach catches Laura by surprise. But moving back to their hometown was always going to be complicated since Will never told his family about their eight-year marriage.
Still fresh in their minds is the stinging memory of Laura’s disastrous first meeting with his parents, particularly his mother—for whom a white daughter-in-law is an anathema.
As Will settles into the tedious routine of his new job, the simmering estrangement between him and Laura gradually deepens, until the day comes when he is involved in a near-fatal car accident. Laura is left reeling in the aftermath and forced to come face to face with her in-laws at the hospital, when complex medical decisions need to be made in the absence of clear-cut answers, and where strong opinions and poorly disguised animosities seem to have the upper hand.
Weeks later, Will emerges from a coma, and upon discovering he is quadriplegic becomes uncharacteristically vicious towards Laura, sending their relationship into dark, unfamiliar territory.
Amidst this rising turmoil, the ocean remains a source of serenity, with the rhythmic breaking of waves and joyous cries of seagulls serving as an abiding reminder that life is worth living even when we go astray and need help finding our way back home.
Kagituju Kajigi na Johana Muritu Meru...
Kiss, Commander, Promise by Alexander...
In Kenya, an Egyptian defector becomes the focal point of an African Cold War - but is he a player or a pawn in the international game of political chess?
In North Korea, a disillusioned spy plays a cat-and-mouse game against his own secret service…
In Canada, a successful businesswoman must outwit a stalker who has come a little too close for comfort…
In Israel, a secret plan to bioengineer an army of cloned soldiers creates ʹthe perfect storm’ of controversy…
In Rwanda, a young family flees the 1994 in a heart-rending tale of courage, sacrifice, hatred and fear…
Back in Nairobi, an investigator is called in after an Indian family’s wedding plans turn into funeral arrangements…
Ripples of alarm begin to spread when a soon-to-be-crowned Nobel laureate goes missing, believed kidnapped…
A varsity student meets her idol...
A political assassination is investigated...
And a love triangle between a high-strung cop, a naïve writer and a beautiful girl spirals dangerously out of control…
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"A seriously thrilling collection of short stories. From espionage to crimes of passion to tragic love stories. Alexander Nderitu's heavily researched anthology is proof that Kenyan writers have come of age, ready to compete with international big guns." - Ciku Kimani-Mwaniki, author of the Cocktail book series
A Boy named Koko by Adipo Sidang
Brief Summary
Koko is a talented boy. His teachers like him and try to help him develop his talent. However, he is different from others - he lives with albinism. This makes others treat him differently.
His mother punishes him frequently and hurls insults at him, in spite of being restrained by the neighbor. Boys of his age find pleasure in making fun of his condition and often provoke him to fight. But Koko is a calm boy who does not like controversy.
With a view to running away from constant scolding and conflict, Koko runs away from home. What follows is a roller-coaster of events and experiences. Will Koko emerge from his social maze and amount to something? Find the answers to this question from this spellbinding story.
Flashes of Vice: Vol I by Vincent de ...
Flashes of Vice: Vol I is a collection of flash fiction stories, the first in a series of flash stories first published on Flashes of Vice, the author’s blog published within a duration of one year.
Flashes of Vice tells life as it is in short, punchy, thrilling stories. The switch is flipped on and off before you know what is happening, leave you wanting more and more – something you will never get.
Good Luck, Toni by Waithira Francis
Brief Summary
Toni is back Not as the naive, unsophisticated young girl we first met in My Name is Toni, but as a young mother, navigating a second marriage which does not escape the drama and love snares that seem to follow toni everywhere. Will her marriage survive or will it crumble like the first one?