Northern Nigeria Public Libraries Network

Some notable books written by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o

Novels

Weep Not, Child (1964) – His first novel, and the first in English by an East African.

The River Between (1965) – Explores the clash between traditional African culture and Christianity.

A Grain of Wheat (1967) – Set during the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya.

Petals of Blood (1977) – A critique of neocolonialism and corruption in post-independence Kenya.

Devil on the Cross (1980) – Written in Gikuyu while Ngũgĩ was in prison, later translated to English.

Matigari (1987) – A political allegory originally written in Gikuyu.

Memoirs

Detained: A Writer's Prison Diary (1981) – Account of his imprisonment without trial.

Dreams in a Time of War: A Childhood Memoir (2010)

In the House of the Interpreter (2012)

Birth of a Dream Weaver (2016)

Plays

The Black Hermit (1963)

Ngaahika Ndeenda (I Will Marry When I Want) (co-written with Ngugi wa Mirii, 1977)

Essays and Non-Fiction

Decolonising the Mind: The Politics of Language in African Literature (1986) – His influential work on language and literature.

Writers in Politics (1981)

Moving the Centre: The Struggle for Cultural Freedoms (1993)

Something Torn and New: An African Renaissance (2009)

Ngũgĩ wrote in both English and Gikuyu, often translating his own works to promote African languages and decolonize literature

: RENOWNED KENYAN AUTHOR NGŨGĨ WA THIONG’O DIES AT 87
Renowned Kenyan author and academic Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o has passed away at the age of 87, his family confirmed on Wednesday evening. Ngũgĩ, celebrated for his impactful novels, essays, plays and social criticism, died after battling health issues, including kidney problems and limited mobility.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, his daughter, Wanjiku wa Ngugi, shared the news, saying: "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dad, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o. He lived a full life, fought a good fight. As was his last wish, let’s celebrate his life and his work. Rîa ratha na rîa thŭa. Tŭrî aira!" a Gikuyu phrase meaning, "With joy and sorrow. We are proud."

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o's work, including his famous short story "The Upright Revolution," has been translated into over 100 languages, setting a footprint for his legacy as a key figure in East African literature. Plans for memorial services and tributes will be announced soon by his family.