Joki

by Njeri Mbugua

Set in Kenya and UK between 1963-2004, this novel tells the deeply moving story of Joki, an abandoned orphan, and her loving foster-father, Mr. Tembo. After receiving an engineering degree and work

Genres: Fiction

236 pages, Paperback

First published December 29, 2004

Reviews

[Walter · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the back cover of Joki we are told that sociologist Njeri Mbugua "takes us inside an African society rarely discussed," creating a "profound yet humorously narrated story [that] demonstrates the restorative power of love and faith in the face of greed and cruelty." As a fellow sociologist who reads work that usually puts one to sleep within minutes, I was a little worried that "Joki" would go down the same road. I'm very happy to report that I was wrong, as in addition to having me hooked and rooting for Joki from page one, Mbugua also very nicely weaves sociological insights into the narrative. It is a rare treat when an author can both entertain and educate us, especially in a post-9/11 world. Thank you, Njeri Mbugua!