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The Trial of the GODS
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The Gong: A collection of Poems
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Callused Hands
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Kenyan coffee is renowned all over the world for its distinctive quality and hence reputation. It graces tables of the finest eateries from London to New York, and has been romanticized by those who visited the country and were enchanted by it. At one point it was the leading contributor to the country’s foreign revenue. Unknown to many in the world the slavery-like conditions under which it is produced. Callused Hands explores some of these difficult conditions under which this precious ‘black gold’ is produced, and the unseen faces that grovel under the surface in ensuring that gourmet consumers in the West are fed.
“This is a great book! It makes me feel like it is a fresh and imaginative story that makes sense the entire time of reading it. It is well written and exceptionally compelling.” – Sheena Brennan – Publishing Editor
“The novel celebrates the spirit and bravery of disempowered women who can, together, tip the balance in favour of workers and justice. This is a compassionate and ultimately triumphant story. – Linda Cracknell, Writer-in-Residence at Edinburgh Sick Kids Hospital
“Stanley Gazemba’s Calloused Hands is an exciting work that re-imagines hopelessness. In a sluggish almost non-committal fashion, the novel creates ground for the readers to take a peek into the lives of the ‘wretched of the earth.’ One feels as though he has been sucked into that bottomless pit from which the characters are struggling to come up for air. The never-ending suffering becomes a bitter-sweet element that angers and then provokes one to want to change the story- to make it sweeter for all.” – Dr. Fred Mbogo, Moi University
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The Pearl on the Horizon
The Pearl on the Horizon is a moving story about the devastating effects of materialism which sends a rich ethical message in line with religious teachings. Madame Victorine Mahfouz grows up in a materialistic family and looks at everything through these lenses. On the other hand, Eugene and Fresha believe in high achievements in education and consequent roses. Confronted with unemployment and tough socio-economic demands, Madame Victorine mocks the two and even threatens to destroy their engagement. Underlying the plot is a classic romantic love relationship between Eugene and Fresher, on the one hand, and Madame Victorine’s illicit amorous scandals, on the other. In these well-written passages with techniques enriched by letters, songs, poems and narration, the reader will appreciate the author’s juxtaposition of success and survival. The Pearl on the Horizon draws a line between survival and success, crowns the latter prominence and discredits the former. The writer suggests that success is slow but bears enduring results. Survival, on the other hand, is quick but can lead to ruin.
What others say
“The novel is captivating and factual. It captures social and material conditions in Africa occasioned by poor governance. So what is success in the face of devastating levels of unemployment, stiff competition from the large pool of graduates and the need to survive? Is it unprincipled material acquisition and a ‘good living’ or a good education and ethical living?” – Rose Keya, Book Editor.
“The Pearl on the Horizon speaks volumes to young adults who may want to take shortcuts in life and the consequences of such actions.” Harriet Irungu, Student of Literature.
Crucible for Silver and Furnace for Gold
Giorgio thought that a sojourn to Kenya's coast was the perfect way to kick back and relax, luxuriate in the sun, scuba-dive, take big-game fishing trips or a dhow cruise, but it turns out to be a break filled with mixed fortunes. On the other hand, Lavina's sabbatical for soul-searching in Malindi turns out to be a Herculean task of grappling with a moral dilemma of epic proportions. When their paths cross and their lives become intertwined, their emotionally charged struggle to connect with each other is challenging and turbulent.
This story deals with various socioeconomic issues ranging from the institution of marriage and multi-racial relationships, to amazing Kenyan art & culture, to historical land injustices brought about by the pre-nineteenth century, 99 year old colonial crown land leases, absentee landlords, and the long overdue land reform agenda on land tenures, the cause of many a conflict in the country.
The first scene opens on the Kenyan coast with captivating miles of pristine sandy white beaches, lapped by clear turquoise waters, providing the backdrop for your typical tropical beach holiday, but gets marred with a near-tragedy.
Here is a compelling and descriptive narrative that will pull at your heartstrings, but one that offers a message of hope to a moral dilemma that has bedeviled the world.
Here is what others say about this work:
From an an author clearly proud of her heritage and the beauty of her country comes a romantic tale set in Kenya. Featuring a jaw-achingly handsome Italian man and a beautiful, talented, but troubled local girl, the romance unfolds in a light teasing manner until the twist in the tale turns out to be a moral dilemma that would test the strength of any relationship. - Muthoni Garland - Kenyan writer nominated and short-listed for Caine Prize 2006, winner of Absinthe Literary Review 2003, and Founder of Story Moja, a new publishing initiative in Kenya
Moraa Gitaa writes with a crisp, clean style that will engage the reader from the first paragraph forward. A ground-breaking novel from a modern 'This Generation' African woman. A fine example of expressive writing that women around the world will find both inspiring and insightful. You'll turn page after page. - Rod Amis, Publisher & Editor G21 The World's Magazine
In delicious detail and with revolutionary zeal, Moraa tells a story of fierce passion, challenging tradition and breaking taboo. She weaves a surprising symphony. Fabulous! - John Mwazemba, Publishing Manager, Macmillan (Kenya) Publishers
Vigorous, with a surprise at every turn. This one will capture you alive! - Bruce L. Cook, Author-me.com
Moraa’s keen hand represents her generation’s challenges, hopes and dreams. She presents the reader with an intriguing, lyrical tale where lies a complex and breathtaking story of modern Kenya as shaped by politics, global interconnectedness, and the stirrings of hearts motivated by private sorrows, personal commitments, and high ideals. - Dr. Wambui Githiora-Updike, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Author of Wanjira.
A remarkable tale of love that keeps you turning the pages deep into the night. As you close the last page, you are, without choice, left with the burning question: How do I live my life? - Onduko bw'Atebe, Kenyan Author, his debut novel The Verdict of Death won first prize in the inaugural Wahome Mutahi Literary Prize (Kenya) 2006
Cheat Sheet for Running a Start-Up in Africa
This is an amazing read for young innovators. The journey of entrepreneurship is like a labyrinth, one that calls for determination
and focus to achieve the desired goal. Indeed it reinforces the adage that ‘footprints on the sand of time are never made while sitting down’.
Aaron, you have used technology to transform and save lives through the Damu Sasa app, making blood available to the thousands in need.
~ Dr. Ademola Olajide,
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Innovators have a passion for solving problems that afflict society and,
in the process, they go through and learn a lot. Aaron’s Ogunde’s Cheat Sheet for Running a Startup in Africa is an account of a resilient
innovative endeavour whose trajectory has been punctuated by hits and misses, and highs and lows. During the journey, there has been
an accumulation of lessons worth sharing with curious individuals, nascent entrepreneurs, innovators, start-up entrepreneurs, micro and
small enterprises founders as well as academics and policy makers.
The book is a must-read for all who have been accorded an opportunity to live. ~ Prof. Vincent Machuki, Associate Professor, Faculty of Business
and Management Sciences, University of Nairobi.
Aaron Ogunde is a brilliant entrepreneur and an inspiring leader whose experiences and insights we can all learn from. This overview
of his journey, and the challenges he has faced along the way, is a must-read for social entrepreneurs and business leaders. It highlights
contextually and culturally relevant lessons for managers of early stage organizations operating in difficult and often bureaucratic environments, while also providing guidance and motivation for those looking to make a difference in society. I am forever learning from Aaron’s journey and highly recommend this book! ~ Sahar Jamal, MBA, BCom., BA; Founder & CEO, Maziwa Breastfeedin
Themes in Language, Education & Development in Kenya
Language plays a major role in the development of societies and nations. Themes in Language, Education & Development in Kenya is a collection of fourteen scholarly articles on aspects of language and its relationship with, society, education and development in Kenya. The authors follow Morgan Dalphinis remarks that:
"... to speak a language means more than an exercise in the use of a given syntax and morphology, it implies the support of a whole culture and civilization. Moreover, it is in language that people learn, relate to each other as social animals in a material world of production, reproduction, distribution and exchange".
It is not only important to understand specific languages but to also appreciate associated structural linguistics as a means of appreciating the underlying, rich cultural aspects of those languages. In this book, authors capture the richness of language and linguistics aspects of some of Kenyan languages, namely Kiswahili, EkeGusii, Dholuo and Ateso as well as appropriated languages used in Kenya such as English and French.
Themes in Language, Education & Development in Kenya discusses aspects of language and its relationship with society, education and development in Kenya. As much as possible, the authors have anchored their arguments on relevant theoretical and conceptual frameworks with chapters written either in English or Kiswahili while the abstracts are written in a different language from that of the body of the chapter.
The book is divided into three major themes: Theoretical Linguistics and Language in Society, Language and Education, and Language and Development.
Educators, students and general readers interested in issues of language, linguistics, pedagogy and development will find great benefit from this book. In particular, students and lecturers of African linguistics, English, Kiswahili, Education and Sociology would be great beneficiaries.
What others say
This edited volume comprises detailed, substantive, methodological and theoretical research by fine investigators and practitioners in linguistics, English, French, Kiswahili, education and development. It is so detailed and a must-read piece of work for scholars interested in the interface between language and other fields. -- Bob Mbori, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega
Writing/compiling an edited book requires masterful selection of articles that ensure the common thread runs through the chapters. This book achieves this by putting language firmly in the agenda of education and development in Kenya. -- Hilary K. Sang, Department of Linguistics and Foreign Languages, Moi University
This is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in languages, education and development beyond Kenyan borders. It sets the pace and a new trend for research in African languages. -- Gilbert Gumoshabe, Makerere University, Uganda
A note about contributors
Writers come with diverse experience and education in the subject of languages, ranging from linguistics, language in society, education and development. Their varied education background and experience reflects their international training and linkages. In turn, this finds expression in the associated essays.
Chachu za Waja : Augustine Muhindo
Udhalimu wa wanawake na wanaume ni suala la kawaida. Kazi hii inadhihirisha uhalisia wa maisha katika familia nyingi za kisasa ambapo kuna ufeministi ambapo hata mwanamke anahisi kuwa nguzo ya familia. Maisha hayo ni sawa na yale watu waliyokuwa wakiishi katika nchi dhahania ya Sokoya, iliyokuwa na makabila mawili yaani Wakomoro na Warambi.
Riwaya yenyewe, inadhihirisha dhahiri shahiri jinsi wanaume wanavyodhulumiwa na wake zao. Bw. Mkata ni mfano bora anayedhalilishwa na mkewe Zekelina, mwanamke mashuhuri na maridadi katika mavazi yake kwa sababu ya hali yake ya uchechefu wa pesa. Latifu pia anadharauliwa na mchumba wake Firinda anayetambua kuwa hajatahiriwa kwa mujibu wa utamaduni wa Rambi.
Kinyume na matarajio, mahusiano yanazuka wakati ambapo wanawake wanawapenda wanaume na kuvuka mipaka na kutangaza hisia zao. Peremina anamchumbia Isma naye Firinda anamsalitikia Latifu na mahusiano hayo mawili yanaishia kwenye machozi.
Maoni ya wasomaji...
Anuani “Chachu za waja” inaafiki matukio yaliyoangaziwa kwenye kazi yenyewe. Pengine hakuna anuani bora zaidi ya Chachu za waja kusawiri dhamira ya mwandishi.
Mwandishi ametumia mbinu ya kipekee ya chachu katika harakatio za kuunda kazi yake kuonesha kwamba, swala analolizungumuzia lipo na waathirika ni wengi.
The Girl of Red Beauty
In these thirteen chapters of verse, titled The Girl of Red Beauty, Alfred Nyagaka Nyamwange captures voices of the people of Gusii, AbaGusii, through their songs, proverbs and play games. The voices pronounce AbaGusii philosophies, fears, moods, and tempo as they work and traverse the hills and the valleys that constitute the Gusii Highlands. The element of the poetry here emanates from the beliefs, norms, proverbs, sayings, wisdom, songs, stories, and the environment, all of which combine to produce a presence of living souls. The personas fully manifest in an active environment, whereby, at every strum of the lyre and roll of the drum, the verse comes alive. Welcome, sing and dance along.
What Others Say
Nyamwange writes in the trend of African oral tradition with his poetry using local imagery and idioms, and of simple and direct language. "It affirms valuable continuity with pre-colonial African culture synthesized with other cultures to create something unique.” – Dr. Chris Okemwa, Author, Poet and Lecturer in Literary Studies.
“The uniqueness of the anthology of this poetry lies in the thorough depiction of the culture of AbaGusii from different facets such as marriage, circumcision, religion, environment through poetry. The work resembles great poetry such as Song of Lawino and Song of Ocol.” – Dr. Andrew Nyongesa, Editor and Literary Scholar
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