Looking for a Rain God and Other Short Stories from Africa

by Ian Gordon

A collection of short stories from Africa covering a range of subjects, from the conflict between traditional and new ways of life and values, to the role of women in society. The main introduction provides a background for discussion, as well as ideas for students to use in their own writing.

Genres: Short Stories, Africa

202 pages, Paperback

First published October 25, 1995

Reviews

[Wangũi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book for the first time when I was 9 years old; and of course I didn't understand too much(but The Toilet has always been, will always be my most fav story!!!) And over the years I've read it over and over,each time picking out things I previously did not understand.
The satire in some of the stories e.g. Mista Courifer; The Case of the Prison Monger... is very powerful and in some of the stories what I love is simply the style e.g. Certain Winds From The South(a conversation between the mother-in-law and the daughter-in-law written purely with the mother-in-law speaking) And The Refugee always jazzes me when the lady switches to English and asks the men some tough questions! (What would you say if I asked you to comment on the economic conditions...on literature...:I might suggest this for anyone who wants to break up with someone ;))

[Kemunto Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

My copy is worn out because I carry it with me everywhere I possibly can. Uncle Ben’s Choice, Looking For A Rain God, The Toilet, and Country Lovers, especially, have sheltered me countless countless times. And to come! <3

[Edwin Thuku · Rating 5 out of 5]

Studied this book for my kcse in Kenya. The stories are much better now. Read for fun and not just to pass an exam.

[Chichi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bessie Head's story stole my heart.

[Jessica Lowery · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Looking for a rain god" is very deep and serious. It’s hard to believe that such a big topic can be covered in only a couple of pages. At first, when I finished reading, I was dissatisfied with the length – I wanted to know more. But, then I sort of appreciated it. It’s almost as if the story gives you the feeling of confusion and heart-drop that the people in the village felt. This is how we feel when tragedy occurs – no matter how much information we can get about it.

>SPOILER ALERT<
The conflict is clear throughout – drought, lack of rain, pressure, starvation, lack of ideas on how to fix it. The crisis is there when the women are wailing and the men are talking about child sacrifice and the father must decide what to do. And the story is resolved, as well. We get to find out what it was like when they came back to the village, how the truth came out, and what happened as a result – the two men were arrested and sentenced to death. So, the plot is there – pretty uncomplicated.

[Mercy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful short story collection with many different themes. 'the girl with a twisted future' broke my heart and 'Mista Courifer the self loathing African was a funny story. Most of the stories though works of fiction tell more about issues that are faced by people in the continent. 'Isemka' is a story to remember as narrated by an illiterate woman.... A wonderful book whose stories i can read again and again

[Kondwani Nqumayo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book wrote by brilliant people in Africa. I remember my D/Head Teacher Mr Saka taught me the whole book at Secondary School of Mzimba. This book teaches a lot. Uncle Ben's Choice...keep it up writters of Africa.

[Dr Deh · Rating 4 out of 5]

So interesting

[Jeleni · Rating 4 out of 5]

i needed this re read. i remember loving these stories back in school. reading them again was just wonderful.

[Elkanah Oenga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Anot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oook

[Sulaimana Amali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

[Nothando · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved most of the short stories.❤️ It's a book I'd like to read again in my life.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memories of the second book I read after joining High School... The stories seemed different now. Maybe the time since I last read it has taught me a couple of things. Makes for an excellent read if you have very little free time.

[Mwaoshe Njemah · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent anthology and a must read early on for anyone interested in African literature.
Loaned to me by my neighbour, this book was a great read, and at the age of 10, opened my eyes to richness and diversity of African writing, and it's venerable greats.

[Linda Beauvais · Rating 5 out of 5]

my favourite book during secondary school
:) i remember clearly all the scene.

[Bernard Koech]

Where can I get this book????

[Fancey Mlotha]

fantastic

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably my favourite short stories. The first story, Looking for a Rain God, was so crushing with such telling tale of beliefs vs reason.

[Tish Kamz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cant find a way to read the book help please

[Kooki Masiaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want this book..how will can I get it

[Neville Tirimba Ogoti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emegano eye iyangogeti mono. Nonya bono ning'inyorete omogano orenge korokwa "The Prison Monger".

[Kagwima Wakahora · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book... creative writing