Description

Renowned for his politically charged novels and plays, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o also proves, in this landmark collection, that the short story can be a sharp instrument for social change. First published in 1975, these stories trace how colonial modernity, superstition, and the natural world collide in everyday lives—often revealing the quiet negotiations, fears, and hopes that shape a community. Across tales where magic meets belief and where power reshapes the landscape, the collection explores resistance, identity, and the struggle to make meaning under pressure. With Ngũgĩ’s unmistakable blend of vivid storytelling and political insight, these “secret lives” illuminate the human cost of history while celebrating the enduring force of narrative itself.

Available Editions

paperback edition cover

paperback

Penguin Random House

Published Jan 1, 2018

176 pages

ISBN: 9781784873370

available

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Details

First Published

1975

Language

eng

Content Warnings

Content and trigger warnings for Secret Lives and Other Stories by Ngugi Wa Thiong'o.

Racism/Discrimination
War/Trauma
Death/Grief