This was quickly followed by Carcase for Hounds (1974), which won the inaugural Jomo Kenyatta Prize for Literature and was also adapted for the film “Cry Freedom”. Since then, Meja has written many
novels, most of which are published in the Peak Library: Kill Me Quick (1973), Carcase for Hounds (1974), Going Down River Road (1976), Striving for the Wind (1990) and The Last Plague (2000), which won the 2001 Jomo Kenyatta Prize for Literature.
While continuing to write, Meja is still involved in film making. Ben is a man on the move-in bars, nightclubs, in the streets, in the brothels down River Road in Nairobi. It is on one of these occasions that he meets Winni and her son Baby. But Winni runs off with her white boss leaving her little son with Ben, and destroying his trust in women.
When Ben meets Ocholla at a construction site, action, humour and more people come into the picture. Mwangi’s light-hearted treatment of serious situations makes an unforgettable impact. Rarely has anybody put so much understanding and empathy into character portrayal in a contemporary novel about our time and place. And our time and place is all this novel is all about!
Laura (verified owner) –
I’ve been reading classic Kenyan books as part of the Kenyan Readathon and Going Down River Road was a blast! I found it to be a raw and real story. Despite Ben and Ochola’s struggles, back-breaking work, and life’s constant setbacks, the two find humor and friendship that keep them going. Their friendship was my favorite part of the storyline. Their bond shows how, even in the worst situations, you can still find moments of laughter and strength. The book deals with some heavy themes, but they are balanced with light moments, making it a gripping, down-to-earth story of resilience and hope.