Great African Reads discussion

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Great African Reads: Books > Novels set in the Mathare Slums of Kenya

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message 1: by sandra. (new)

sandra.  (depaulbluedemon) Is anyone aware of any novels set in the Mathare Slums of Kenya? I am looking for novels to read.


message 2: by Andrea (new)

Andrea | 622 comments Murder in Majengo is set in Nairobi slums, although it is an older book. Say You're One of Themhas at least one story set in Nairobi. Meja Mwangi's novels are also older but set in Nairobi.


message 3: by Matt (new)

Matt | 11 comments I read a book "Graceland" that is set partially set in the slums of Lagos. I know the thread specifically asks about Nairobi; however, I thought "Graceland" had some interesting insight if you are looking for descriptions of life in a big-city African slum. I have not been to Lagos and can't verify the authenticity of his writing. He includes some traditional recipes intermixed in the book.

The author is Nigerian, but I hear he comes from a more privileged class so I'm not sure how much experience he has living in the slums, either.

My $0.02 on this book: I really didn't like it, but found the setting descriptions and the recipes pretty cool.


message 4: by sandra. (new)

sandra.  (depaulbluedemon) I just finished Graceland and it was AMAZING.


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