Summary

Set in the village of Mahua in Kenya, the novel opens on a scene in which a small boy, Njoroge, is invited by his mother, Nyokabi, to attend school. It is his greatest dream and he eagerly accepts, even when conditions are placed upon him. None of his siblings have been to school and he wants to share his news and his learning with his half-brother, Kamau. Kamau is training as an apprentice carpenter, so he will learn a trade and bring in money, rather than going to school. He is happy for his brother, nonetheless. Both boys hope that their paths will bring them wealth and happiness.

The narrator describes the countryside and village life, including the black sealed road that crosses the landscape, having been put there by the white settlers. There are distinct geographical markers that...