A Dreamer's Paradise

by David Karanja

This intriguing allegorical novel by a young Kenyan author deals with the misuse of power. A Dreamer's Paradise describes Mathina's search for understanding in the face of experiences that make it hard, even for the top studen in Mariga Primary and later Pawezi Secondary, to make sense of things. Whdy did his father lose his job at Pawezi Bakery? Why did the wealthy but hated Gitonga win the local election when it was clear that the teacher Mbogo had the support of the people of Pawezi village? What was the mysterious Njayabu movement that it should be so feared by the police? And why did the hospital not have plaster to treat his mother's injured leg? Even when, years later, Mathina's fortitude seems to pay off, he is again confronted by an incomprehensible world, and the riddles in which his father used to speak start to make chilling sense. Mathina's haunting story is a parable for our own times, resonating far beyond its decptively simple surface.

208 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2002

Reviews

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. I loved Mathina and his bravery and his heart and finally, his acceptance. I hated the circumstances that he was continually faced with and the absolute ridiculousness and unjust ways of the monstrous bureaucracy. This book was extremely thought provoking; I do recommend it.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

stunning

[Zeresenay Asmelash · Rating 5 out of 5]

My name is ...
"I can't understand"

[Yassemin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this.

Love the characters the author drew up.

Wouldn't class it as a favourite book however. Just very good.