The 11 short stories in this book provide insight into a broad spectrum of Kenyan experiences, such as the diaspora of Rwandans after genocide, child homelessness and the battles of the Ogiek peoples for their ancestral home. Strong characterisation is shown through the development of Salinda in “An infusion of masala tea” – a confronting portrait of a woman in an abusive relationship that deftly depicts her growing determination to defy her husband to reclaim her life.
In “Beading”, 11-year-old Naisula excitedly watches her mother make her a beaded bracelet, naive to the knowledge this means she is promised in marriage. The setting in this story clearly evokes village life, with vivid descriptions of huts, roasted goat meat and the scorching heat. This anthology provides much scope for student discussion and further research. It would be valuable as a focus book for secondary classrooms. The author seamlessly blends Kenyan language into her writing, including a glossary indicating what dialect the word comes from.