Wizard of the Crow by Ngugi wa Thiong'o

Wizard of the Crow

Ngugi wa Thiong'o

A true political satire, set in an imaginary African country but with parallels to so many others in many parts of the world. It's funny, witty, very human and yet monumental in scale. Be prepared for the long haul but be ready to enjoy it - I certainly did.

Extract
They had started at Nyawira’s place, but because of the influx of so many new clients they built a much bigger shrine in the prairie a short distance from the outskirts of Santalucia. The House of Modern Witchcraft and Sorcery: this was the name they gave it. Divination was at the center of all activities at the House. Most clients believed that all diseases were rooted in sorcery and could not imagine a proper diagnosis or relief not requiring some kind of divination ritual. They wanted the magic of pure performance. Kamiti and Nyawira adjusted their role according to the imperatives of the occasion. Their fee was the same for the rich and the poor, set according to what Kamiti and Nyawira thought an average working person could afford. But they were mindful never to turn people with no money away.
Parallels
  • The Dictator and the Hammock by Daniel Pennac
  • The Mouse that Roared - the film
  • Animal Farm by George Orwell