I Will Marry When I Want (African Writers) [Paperback]

Ngugi wa Thiong'o (Author), Ngugi wa Mirii (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0435902466 | ISBN-13: 978-0435902469 | Publication Date: January 1, 1982 | Edition: 1

This is the renowned play which was developed with Kikuyu actors at the Kamiriithu Cultural Centre at Limuru. It proved so powerful, especially in its use of song, that it was banned and was probably one of the factors leading to Ngugi's detention without trial. The original Gikuyu edition went to three printings in the first three months of publication.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)

About the Author

Ngugi is world famous for his novels from Weep Not, Child to Matigari and the impact of his plays, especially in Gikuyu, which led to his detention in Kenya. He is now Professor of Comparative Literature and Performance Studies in New York University. This book reflects many of the concerns found in Decolonising the Mind and Moving the Centre.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Heinemann; 1 edition (January 1, 1982)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0435902466
• ISBN-13: 978-0435902469
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 4.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #254,694 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #11 in Books > Literature & Fiction > World Literature > African > East African
  • #42 in Books > Literature & Fiction > History & Criticism > African

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I will marry when I want, May 4, 2007

By 

J. Kubly "Jlynn" (Jlynn) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: I Will Marry When I Want (African Writers) (Paperback)

This is a wonderful play and as a reader feel lucky to have been able to share the insights offered through story since it is designed to be performed. The play tells of the time not too long after Kenya claimed its inderpendence. The play eludes the struggles the people of Africa continued to have and the remaining hold European imperialism remainingly has on their culture, their people, and their lives. Very insightful, written in black and white, very little interpretation needed. A must read.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The play that incarcerated its writer, still great 30 years on!, April 29, 2008

By 

fivefingersfivetoes (Morley, West Yorks) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I Will Marry When I Want (African Writers) (Paperback)

A fantastic play from Ngugi and Kamiriithu, the group who put the play on. Ngugi talks of this play in 'Decolonising the Mind' and 'Detained,' his prison diary that he wrote after being incarcerated for a year due to his involvement with writing the play. After reading it, it is understandable why the Kenyan government felt threatened by it - it talks candidly about neocolonialism, is filled with Gikuyu songs and proverbs, and chants the message of the famous Mau Mau rebellion. In short, it is a reminder for and by the people that Kenya IS the people and will never be anything less.

1 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars I will die of boredom when i want, April 15, 2006

A Kid's Review

This review is from: I Will Marry When I Want (African Writers) (Paperback)

I had to read this play as part of my International Baccalaureate English A1 HL course, World Literature section.

this is the WORST play I have ever, ever read.
Being a lover of English, I desperately struggled to find something good about this play, but I couldn't. The musical interludes only add to the all-round tedium of this play. do not read it unless you have to, I implore.