The People of Ostrich Mountain
by Ndirangu Githaiga
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Pub Date May 09 2020 | Archive Date Apr 13 2023
Bon Esprit Books | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles
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Description
As the Mau Mau war breaks out in the foothills of Mt. Kenya, Wambũi, a fourteen-year-old girl leaves her besieged village to join a prestigious boarding school a half day’s journey away by train. There, she becomes aware of her extraordinary mathematical abilities discovered by her teacher, Eileen Atwood, whom Wambũi initially regards with suspicion and hostility, and with whom a lifelong friendship subsequently develops. Kenya in the 1950s is not ready for a female math prodigy but Wambũi quietly and defiantly takes on the obstacles seeking to define her.
Eileen is unexpectedly forced to return to England after spending forty years in Kenya, and she struggles to adjust to settling back in a country she barely recognizes. Meanwhile, Wambũi’s son, Ray, a doctor, travels to America to begin residency training, unaware of the myriad challenges that await him. As a black man, he also discovers that the streets of Chicago are sometimes quick to judge, with serious consequences.
A saga of family and friendship spanning five decades and three continents, The People of Ostrich Mountain chronicles the interconnected lives of three outsiders as they navigate the vagaries of race, gender and immigration.
A Note From the Publisher
Kirkus Star Award recipient
Readers’ Favorite Award recipient
Semifinalist, BookLife Prize
Addtional Formats
E-book: 9781735041711
Audiobook: 9781735041759
Kirkus Star Award recipient
Readers’ Favorite Award recipient
Semifinalist, BookLife Prize
Addtional Formats
E-book: 9781735041711
Audiobook: 9781735041759
Advance Praise
“Best Books of 2020”
—Kirkus Reviews
“. . . Githaiga introduces readers to a bevy of memorable characters that are so skillfully drawn that they effortlessly leap off the page and into readers’ hearts . . .” —Booklife Reviews, Editor’s Pick
“A rich, absorbing story of destinies intertwined across time and space.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Powerful and absorbing, this novel is a must-read for its vivid depictions and literary relevance.”
—Readers’ Favorite Reviews
“. . . would highly recommend.”
—LoveReading UK
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781735041704 |
| PRICE | $12.99 (USD) |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Dora Archie O, Reviewer
There's always something memorable about the books that take you back into time or those that have characters and stories set upon some time in history- and more often than not, such stories serve as reminders of the events that happened and how it affected people.
In this book, set in the 1950s at a time when Kenya was fighting for her independence, and follows the life of Wambui. She goes to Alliance, gets an education at a time when her mates are getting married, but her Father is steadfast and insists that his daughter will go and get an education- probably the only man in that village who foresaw the future and changing times.
From then, it's an account of the people who influence her life, like Eileen Atwood, her teacher- and then down the line the family she creates and her children weaving their way around the world.
The pace makes this an interesting read.
Thank you Netgalley for the eARC.
Reviewer 1022532
I really enjoyed every minute of this book. It really captured my attention from the very first sentence and held it throughout. I thought the historical setting was particularly well drawn and the characters came across as very believable.
If you enjoy quality historical family sagas, then this book has to be on your to-read list. I highly recommend it.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for review consideration.
Aria H, Reviewer
Beautifully written with an enchanting storyline and characters that were so well developed that I felt like I could jump into the pages and be welcomed by them. I felt ike I knew them and I absolutey loved them. I loved the setting and the historical content. A really enjoyable read.
Andrea B, Educator
A beautifully written Historical Fiction novel focusing on the life of fourteen year old Wanbūi in 1950s Kenya. Wambūi wins a scholarship to a missionary school where she proves to have a phenomenal mathematics ability. However, the Mau Mau war and her family's poverty prevent her from going to university. The novel follows Wambūi and her family as her daughter and son move to the United States and her dear friend, teacher Eileen Atwood, returns to the UK after living in Kenya for forty years.
Kenya is lovingly captured in wonderful descriptions. A real enjoy to read.
I will be exploring more of Githaiga's other works.
Thanks to the publishers, Bon Esprit Books, and NetGalley for access to the e-arc for this copy.
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