Carcase for Hounds

by Meja Mwangi

Meja Mwangi's second Mau Mau novel tells the story of a small isolated group of forest fighters; one of many after operation Anvil. The group is under the command of a general called Haraka (Hurry) and the plot revolves round the fight between Haraka's men and British troops led by a Captain Kingsley. The fictional protagonists, Haraka and Kingsley, know each other as Haraka was once chief of a village under Kingsley's
jurisdiction. The Captain is under pressure from his superiors, who demand immediate results in the attempts to crush the resistance met with from Haraka and his men.

Genres: Africa, African Literature, Fiction

134 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1974

About the author

Meja Mwangi began his writing career in the 1970s, a decade after his more well-known compatriots such as Ngugi wa Thiong'o and Grace Ogot had been publishing their works. When he burst onto the scene with the award-winning Kill Me Quick in 1973, Mwangi was hailed in various quarters as a rising star in the East African literary constellation who was helping to disprove Taban lo Liyong's oft-cited claim that East Africa was a literary desert (Taban 1965, Nazareth 1976). Since then, Meja Mwangi has gone on to establish himself as one of the most prolific of Kenyan writers, publishing eleven novels in seventeen years in addition to short stories, children's books and working with a variety of projects in film. Mwangi's works have received awards in Kenya and abroad, they have been translated into six languages, and there are film versions of two of his novels.

For many Kenyan writers, the armed resistance to British colonialism in Kenya, which came to be known as the Mau Mau revolt and reached its height in the 1950s, was a far-reaching experience. [Meja Mwangi' Mau Mau novel] Weapon of Hunger is perhaps [his] best book yet. The picture he paints of the relentless quest for modern Africa is grim. What is most depressing, is that there seem to be no solutions. Western philanthropists, such as Jack Rivers, are portrayed in a favourable light as sincere people. All their energies, however, are expended on trying to understand Africa's problems and once they understand them they realise that the problems are beyond them. As for the Africans themselves, they could have provided solutions, but since they are lined up in warring factions, that is impossible. While the two sides fight on to the finish, will million of ordinary people continue to starve to dead? That is the questions which Meja Mwangi asks himself and which he asks the readers of Weapon.
(Excerpt from: Lynn Mansure, Weekly Review)

Reviews

[aria ✧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Let's kill him boldly but not wrathfully,
Let's carve him as a dish fit for the gods.
Not hew him as a carcase fit for hounds."

I'm sorry but Bartholomew's balls is the whitest insult I have ever heard.

Carcase for Hounds tells the story of Kenya's legendary MAU MAU fighters and how for so long they evaded the British. In this particular story we follow General Haraka and a small isolated group of forest fighters in Nanyuki as they basically terrorize the white invaders. Captain Kingsley finds his job on the line as his superiors demand he deals with the 'terrorists'.

The atmosphere was amazing, the bromance between Haraka and Kimamo was adorable and the overall story was another lovely read from Meja Mwangi.

[Eva · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Let's kill him boldly but not wrathfully,
Let's carve him as a dish fit for the gods.
Not hew him as a carcass fit for hounds."

[Sammy Mwatha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this great book when in high school in the 80s. I am glad to have read it again when more mature. The story is now more relatable as I can understand the deeper issues author Meja Mwangi was dwelling on.

A good book for the post 90 generation as it educates about where Kenya has come from and the sacrifices made.

[Nezer Ebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am yet to read this great book. Don't be dismayed why u called it great yet I have never even flipped it's cover page. It's all in account if my dear mothers nostalgic memories of this book. You can see her veins shiver as she recounts this conglomerate of the wild, brave and the assertive which after reading leaves you with at least nightmares according to her😀😀. This book was one of her set books in high school👊👊it will be my first reading in 2020. I want to be bewildered and terrified too😂😂😂

[Liza · Rating 3 out of 5]

пытаюсь расширять географию. есть соблазн писать о колорите: что то же восстание, привычное, но вокруг джунгли как третий герой (первые два — мау-мау и британские колонисты). тяжело, конечно, из 2019 читать про стойких героев, почти горьковских данко, но советский душок истины и справедливости хоть и затхлый, но сладкий и ностальгически приятный.

[Dickson Otieno · Rating 5 out of 5]

As people revised for KCSE 2011, I read this book and was hooked all through the first week of exams. I love anything by Meja Mwangi.

[Matsiko Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to remove from my all time favourites.

[Corvinus Maximilus · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not really my cup of tea, but a good story all in all.

[Paul Korir · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wonder where the author's gone to. Great book. We need more Kenyan writers like 'im.