Writer by Kenyan novelist Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, A Grain of Wheat captures the complexities, complications, and confusion in the wake of British colonialism. Set on the cusp of Kenya's independence from Britain, A Grain of Wheat villagers whose lives are transformed during the Mau Mau Revolt, one of the bloodiest post-war conflicts of the British army. 

Although the uprising would be defeated, many Kenyans still regard this revolt as a significant step toward independence. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o captures the confusion caused by a desire to retain the benefits of colonial life without those who introduced it. In doing so, Thiong'o is fair in occasionally capturing the more noble aspects of British colonialism. 

However, these more noble aspects often descend into oppressive Colonial rules, which dehumanize tribes and grab prized real estate. The tensions created by these rules reinforced resentment for even the kindest of settlers. Likewise, in the village where the story takes place, alliances are forced, friendships are betrayed, and even love is tested. 

Mugo is the principal protagonist. He is at the heart of the story, which is one of mistaken heroism and a search for the betrayer of a Mau Mau leader. The story attempts to reconcile concepts such as loyalty to a movement, love of country, individual prosperity, and Marxism. 

It is a well-written and insightful novel, especially for anyone wanting to understand the cost of progress and the consequences of colonialism. Thiong'o may know. He lived it, and then, he lived an even more tortured period after Kenya achieved independence as his political views ran contrary to his country's views, eventually leading to his imprisonment and later exile.