Ripples in the Pool

by Rebeka Njau

Book by Njau, Rebeka

Genres: Africa, African Literature

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1975

About the author

Rebeka Njau (born 1932) is a Kenyan educator, writer and textile artist.

She was born in Kanyariri in the Kiambu district, attended high school in Nairobi and studied education at Makerere University College in Uganda. She was a founder of Nairobi Girls Secondary School and served as headmistress from 1965 to 1966. Her one act play The Scar (1965), which condemns female genital mutilation, was first published in the journal Transition in 1963 and is considered to be the first play written by a Kenyan woman. Her play In the Round was performed in 1964 and was banned by the Ugandan government.

Her first novel Alone with the Fig Tree was rewritten as Ripples in the Pool (1975), which was awarded the East Africa Writing Committee Prize. Njau also writes under the name Marina Gashe.

(from Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Sal Kat Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fascinating story of a woman who does not conform to the traditional world she lives in, and the story of her ultimate downfall. Is a desire for happiness and independence, equal to madness? Does one go mad because of something inside, or because of the way she is treated?
The plot is incredible, but the writing style is a bit disappointing.

[Sheeroh · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book's plot meandered all over the place, aimlessly knitting together the threads of the story then unravelling somewhere down the road and over and over again. I feel that the author was trying too hard to be authentic and African, but because of this she lost sight of the plot. The drama was too much; I know there are stories that are tragedies but this was too tragic that it became unbelievable. I expected more from a Kenyan story written by a Kenyan author.

[Tutankhamun18 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This set in post independence Kenya, this novel follows Selina, a prostitute who has earned alot of money from men who worship her and Gikere, a tired hospital assistant and their marriage. Upon marrying they return to Gikere’s village, where Gikere’s sister Gaciru becomes Selina’s only companion as Selina is branded a Witch by Gikere and the whole village. In parellel Gikere wants to open a hospital but struggles and Karunga, a young goat herd learns about the mystical pool near the village and eventually takes a shine to Gaciru.

This novel explores Selina’s descent into madness, after accusations of being a witch and her lesbian infatuation with Gaciru, while also exploring Gikere’s descent into violence and alcoholism as the traditional narratives from the village hit upon both young people from the town.

The novel depicts same sex sexuality in 1970s East Africa, contains a strong character arc for the main female character Selina and centers the mystical pool symbolising moral decay and the loss of tradition. Themes explored are female agency and its loss, violence against women, witchcraft, mental health and forbidden love in several forms.

I really enjoyed Selina’s character and the exploration of themes. At times it did feel like a few too many things were happening at once, leading to some confusion for the reader. I’d recommend just keep reading and the sometimes uneven plot will come together for an epic ending.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a strange book, I don't even know what genre it falls in,
I immediately recognized the 70s of it all from reading and I found it refreshing how well Rebeka captured the spirit of Nairobi/Kiambu in the 70s, the contrast of city life and village life especially to me who has lived in both and also recognizing some of it is still present in current life.
It was an easy book to get through, at some point there was too much imagery and metaphors and I find that old school –oral story telling style exhausting.
I appreciated the themes of women empowerment, sapphic love - even though it ended poorly. I didn't like that she created this amazing feminine empowered woman then made her a murderer in the end. Also the morality of it all was very reminiscent of post-colonial Kenya, where the religious people doubled down on the religiosity
Also the women in the book are so varied which is nice, developing their individual characters as a form of feminism.
The book could have used maybe 50 less pages with no real impact on the plot. Kefa Munene's character and that of Maina were unnecessary. We don't know what becomes of Gikere, the one man in the book. The ending reads as if Rebeka got tired of writing and just killed people to get it over with.
I would give it 3 stars. Mainly because it has helped me get back into reading books.

[Rachael Kibicho · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me think rather deeply about the effects of destroying our environment. About the power of the unseen. And the natural places that many communities have known to be sacred and important.
My favorite character has to be old Muthee, who was unconventional in his ways of healing. Instead of making people depend on him, and worship him for his abilities, he gave them prescriptions that enabled them to reflect on their lives deeply. They of course did not see his point. But today, doctors will never be so generous and kind with information to help you help yourself.
Njau's depiction of a Kenyan politician right after independence, made me think that maybe the Kenyan State was not designed to be functional. Because, that is the exact same thing we have today. It is people like Munene, that continue to be in charge of laws, resources and society. After so many decades, we have moved many miles in that same wrong path.
The plot is yummy, however with much sourness, at the depiction of gay people and sex workers.

[Nyaboke · Rating 2 out of 5]

Have you ever read a book with all the qualities of a great novel but the pieces were all jumbled up unable to paint a clear picture. That is this book. I loved the mythology and symbolism of the pool I think that’s why the second star was given.

I struggled with the writing style as the POV’s would switch mid paragraph and it felt like there were chapters missing to explain certain parts of the book. Also, while I understand the village belief that masculinity equated to being violent, I didn’t like the almost glorified version (I might be biased as I hate any scenes with abuse)

All in all, the problem I have with the book is that it tries to tell multiple stories which are underdevelopment leaving readers guessing and VERY CONFUSED.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy the plot of this book, Selina was an interesting character and her development throughout the story (albeit quite negative) was very engaging. The book also touched on various political and social issues following Kenya’s independence which was interesting. The plot did feel disjointed at times and I’m not sure I was the biggest fan of the writing style. The ending did have me hooked though

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I chose this book as I’ve not read much African literature to date.
Written about 50 years ago, the story delves into the tragedy and spiritual disconnection in rural Africa.
It is an interesting read about rural society. However, I was slightly uncomfortable with the writing style and the complete tragedy that befalls everyone, with no exception and no offer of hope.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ripples in the pool was such a complicated read for me. I found some of the characters a bit annoying. I felt that some of the dialogues were a bit repetitive especially between Gikere and his mother.
Quite a number of themes were covered and brushed over quickly. I think adding more chapters would have made sense.

[Wamucii Kabue · Rating 2 out of 5]

I must admit - the style of writing was rather interesting. I couldn’t put the book down, yet 200+ pages later, I’m confused. Unsure of what I’ve just read and how I feel about it.

[Wim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprising novel on power relations between men and women, abuse and mental health. Beautiful but also painful read.

[Funmi]

Please where can I get this book in Nigeria?

[Mukhavi Manyasi · Rating 4 out of 5]

almost shakespearean in is tragic nature. quite an interesting read especially considering when it was written

[Ludney Obongo · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent

[Anne Catwan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The claims in the description referring to ‘rural Africa’ is misleading. This book is about a community in the country of Kenya. There are numerous specific examples from this context such as the traditional tree and names e,g, Muthee.

As another reviewer has said, some of the content is remarkably relevant even now, in terms of politics and the attitude of some people.

It’s difficult to say who is the main character. For some characters there are only snapshots of some instances in their lives. For example, Gikere’s experiences with missionaries is only mentioned briefly towards the end of the book. Also Kefa Munene’s time in detention could have been expanded upon.

Writing style wasn’t appealing, rather slow-going until the last few chapters.

[Neville Tirimba Ogoti · Rating 1 out of 5]

Egetabu eke nkebwate amagoso y'oboriki, amang'ana tarikiri buna agwenerete ase Ekenyamorero. Tari ayio oka, abanto bare ime y'egetabu eke bagotumekwa buna ebioma giokooroki ogochaya n'ogotamanya. Igo ekororekana buna omoriki oyo agotoranderia ribaga riogototebi omogano.

[Meetttoooo]

Interesting story