The Mzungu Boy

The Mzungu Boy (2005) by Meja Mwangi. 150 pages.

ISBN: 0-88899-653-5

Kariuki lives the hard life of a village boy in Kenya. After attending school, where it's "one long battle" with a bullying headmaster. At home, his mom has a long list of chores for him. His father and older brother, Hari, hit him on the head when they were unhappy with him. The story takes place during the Mau Mau rebellion in the 1950's, when European settlers owned the best farms and the native Kenyans worked the land.

Kariuki lives on a farm ran by Bwana Ruin, a white farmer; his father cooks for Ruin. Ruin treats his Kenyan servants with a brutal hand.

On one of his trips in the forest, Kariuki meets Nigel, the mzungu boy, little white master. Nigel, Ruin's grandson, has just come from England. Bored with his grandparents, Nigel sought Kariuki's companionship. This posed a problem for Kariuki and his family. Blacks and whites didn't mix; this could get Kariuki's father fired. Regardless, the boys explored the forest, hunted, swam, fished and became close friends. On one of their forest trips, Nigel is abducted by the Mau Mau. Kariuki later finds him and is captured as well. Hari, involved with the Mau Mau seeks to release the boys.

The novel moves quickly with elements of suspense, fear and danger. Told from Kariuki's twelve old point-of-view, the story focuses on the boy's friendship, feelings of freedom as they explore the forest, and dismay at the adults. Interesting read for 10 to 12 year olds.

Official website of Meja Mwangi.

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