The Perfect Nine: The Epic of Gĩkũyũ and Mũmbi
The Perfect Nine: The Epic of Gĩkũyũ and Mũmbi
Book Brief
BetaThe Perfect Nine: The Epic of Gĩkũyũ and Mũmbi
Fiction | Poem | Adult | Published in 2020240
Poem • Fiction
•
Fantasy•
Historical FictionMythical Kenya • Pre-colonial
2020
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Perfect Nine: The Epic of Gĩkũyũ and Mũmbi by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o is a mythic poem recounting Gĩkũyũ and Mũmbi's journey to find husbands for their daughters, the Perfect Nine. It blends folklore and fantasy, exploring themes of identity, perseverance, and community in Gĩkũyũ culture, using lyrical storytelling and rich imagery.
Fantastical
Inspirational
Adventurous
Contemplative
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
1,251 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o's The Perfect Nine: The Epic of Gĩkũyũ and Mũmbi has been celebrated for its lyrical prose and inventive blend of mythology and feminism. Critics praise its rich cultural tapestry and storytelling, although some find the narrative's pace uneven. Overall, it is lauded for its imaginative retelling of Kenyan origin lore.
Who Should Read The Perfect Nine: The Epic of Gĩkũyũ and Mũmbi?
Readers who enjoy rich mythological epics, African oral traditions, and poetic narratives would appreciate The Perfect Nine. Fans of Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe and The Odyssey by Homer, for their exploration of cultural heritage and epic storytelling, may also find this book compelling.
1,251 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Perfect Nine is a groundbreaking novel as it is one of the first full-length epic poems written and published in the Gikuyu language, highlighting Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o's dedication to preserving and valorizing his cultural heritage.
The novel was longlisted for the 2021 International Booker Prize, marking a significant recognition of its literary innovation and its contribution to global literature.
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Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o combines traditional African storytelling with modern literary techniques, creating a unique narrative style that celebrates the richness of oral traditions.
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240
Poem • Fiction
•
Fantasy•
Historical FictionMythical Kenya • Pre-colonial
2020
Adult
18+ years
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