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Running with Lions
As a boy in colonial Kenya, Pius Kamau learns early what it means to run with lions-both the metaphorical powers that stalk his people and the real leopard he encounters alone in the forest, the first of many times he will stand eye-to-eye with death.
Born under British rule and hardened by the unspeakable violence of the Mau Mau Rebellion, Pius grows up where curable illnesses claim loved ones and hope feels scarce. Inspired by his tubercular father, he dares to believe education can be his escape. He flees on foot toward Sudan in search of schooling but is arrested and sent back. He refuses to surrender. A scholarship to Strathmore College in Nairobi leads to medical studies in Spain, where Europe's art, philosophy, and culture widen his world even as he confronts the contradictions of colonialism.
Returning to an independent Kenya as a doctor, Pius discovers oppression has simply changed hands. This powerful memoir traces his journey from dirt-poor village boy to physician and eventually to surgeon, proving resilience, intellect, and courage know no color or border.
Born under British rule and hardened by the unspeakable violence of the Mau Mau Rebellion, Pius grows up where curable illnesses claim loved ones and hope feels scarce. Inspired by his tubercular father, he dares to believe education can be his escape. He flees on foot toward Sudan in search of schooling but is arrested and sent back. He refuses to surrender. A scholarship to Strathmore College in Nairobi leads to medical studies in Spain, where Europe's art, philosophy, and culture widen his world even as he confronts the contradictions of colonialism.
Returning to an independent Kenya as a doctor, Pius discovers oppression has simply changed hands. This powerful memoir traces his journey from dirt-poor village boy to physician and eventually to surgeon, proving resilience, intellect, and courage know no color or border.
224 pages, Paperback
Published July 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 8, 2026
Resilient
Running with Lions is an honest and engaging memoir by Pius K. Kamau. Reading it felt like listening to stories from a grandparent's friend, someone sharing firsthand experiences with both humor and candor.
What impressed me most was everything Kamau overcame to achieve his dream of attending medical school in Spain. The obstacles, prejudice, and hardships he faced could easily have stopped him, making his determination and success all the more remarkable. I also appreciated that he was honest about his own biases and shortcomings, as well as the prejudice he experienced from others. Even if he doesn't realize his biases readers will clearly see them.
An informative and inspiring life story that left me amazed by the resilience it took to reach his goals.
Running with Lions is an honest and engaging memoir by Pius K. Kamau. Reading it felt like listening to stories from a grandparent's friend, someone sharing firsthand experiences with both humor and candor.
What impressed me most was everything Kamau overcame to achieve his dream of attending medical school in Spain. The obstacles, prejudice, and hardships he faced could easily have stopped him, making his determination and success all the more remarkable. I also appreciated that he was honest about his own biases and shortcomings, as well as the prejudice he experienced from others. Even if he doesn't realize his biases readers will clearly see them.
An informative and inspiring life story that left me amazed by the resilience it took to reach his goals.
July 30, 2026
Wow, a journey that I can barely comprehend being possible. What courage, passion and drive to push forward through all he had to endure to get into medicine. Had me researching history I barely knew and geography I probably never knew in order to fully appreciate the story.
Only thing keeping it from a 5 star review for me was the overly repetitious diatribes about the evils of the British Empire. How can one ever understand that kind of evil? I guess by repetition it helps drive home the point. History tends to forget stuff like that so it is important to point it out...but maybe not in every chapter.
It ended too soon...hopefully there will be a part II!
Only thing keeping it from a 5 star review for me was the overly repetitious diatribes about the evils of the British Empire. How can one ever understand that kind of evil? I guess by repetition it helps drive home the point. History tends to forget stuff like that so it is important to point it out...but maybe not in every chapter.
It ended too soon...hopefully there will be a part II!
July 30, 2026
An inspirational account of Dr. Kamau’s childhood in colonial Kenya, his education and travels across Europe, and his eventual return home as a medical student. Through his deeply personal experiences with education, art, and literature, he powerfully confronts the raw horrors of colonialism.
Unfortunately, it does not go into his life as a Dr, and his extensive charity work, just saying that that is a story for another day.
Favorite quote:
“Western medicine in Third World poverty is no better than old world witchcraft”
Unfortunately, it does not go into his life as a Dr, and his extensive charity work, just saying that that is a story for another day.
Favorite quote:
“Western medicine in Third World poverty is no better than old world witchcraft”
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A very powerful, emotional memoir by the author, who was born in Kenya. It is written with honesty and courage. A remarkable story of human resilience and fortitude by an amazing human being and one I would recommend. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
October 16, 2026
What an amazing memoir!! So interesting, inspiring and easy to connect with the author. It was like listening to family members telling stories about their experiences and lives. I truly hope everyone reads this book!!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews