Brief Summary
As the 1950s 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. Initially, Wambũi views Eileen’s attentions with suspicion and hostility, but over time, the two grow close and form a lifelong friendship. Unfortunately for Wambũi, the mid-twentieth century isn’t ready for a female math prodigy, particularly in Kenya.
But she quietly and defiantly takes on the obstacles seeking to define her, applying her unusual gifts in new directions, which ultimately benefits her impoverished family and inspires her siblings and their children to pursue their own dreams. After forty years in Kenya, Eileen unexpectedly loses her employment authorization and is forced to return to England, where she struggles to adjust to living in a country she barely recognizes. Meanwhile, Wambũi’s son, Ray, a doctor, navigates a fraught visa application process and travels to America to begin residency training; however, his hospital becomes insolvent and shuts down a year later. He and his colleagues are assimilated into other programs where, as foreign-born physicians, they endure relentless prejudice. 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.
Stanley Curtis –
Downright compelling and brilliant fiction which shows the Kenyan youth’s challenges and desperation to make tricky decisions.
Franklin Marigi –
The book delves into thought-provoking themes that resonate long after the final page is turned. It goes beyond being just a story. Perfection at its best.
Haroun Risa’s writing style is a joy to experience. The prose is seamless, and the pacing is impeccable. The author’s ability to balance descriptive passages with moments of tension and excitement showcases a true mastery of the craft.
Mombasa Raha My Foot is a literary gem that deserves every bit of its five-star rating. Haroun Risa has crafted a work that not only entertains but also enlightens. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a compelling and enriching reading experience.
The fact that he did all that using his phone. Amazing human being. Proud of you man.
Beatrice Kimaiyo –
Mombasa Raha is a unique kind of story. Tells the horrifying tales of underground deadly deals of drugs, human and organs trafficking and prostitution. It highlights the risks people are willing to get into just to be rich without considering the gravity of it’s consequences. This is a must book for everyone to read and learn from. I think it’s ideal for a movie producers to make a thrilling film out of it.The writer Harun Kimani,is an excellent thinker and creative. It’s definitely a thumbs up for Mombasa Raha series.