Dreams in a Time of War

by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o
Dreams in a Time of War cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Technical
  • ID: 3131
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
African Book Addict · 2015-04-14
emotional 4.00

The book had a profound emotional impact, blending personal memories with historical context in a way that feels both intimate and educational. The reviewer was particularly moved by the author's journey and the cultural insights provided.

The reviewer was initially unsure what to expect from this memoir but found themselves deeply affected by the end. They appreciated how the book seamlessly blends personal anecdotes with a broader historical context, providing a rich tapestry of Kenyan life during colonial times. The reviewer also noted the emotional depth of the narrative, which made the reading experience both enlightening and moving. They felt that the book's ability to evoke such strong emotions is a testament to the author's skill as a storyteller.

Quick quotes

    I didn't think this book would have such an impact on me. I was a bit emotional by the end of the novel.

    Every time I read a chapter, I felt like I was transported back in time.

    The book is a treasure-house of childhood memories, informative and didactic.

The Guardian · 2010-07-02
inspiring 4.50

The memoir offers a poignant look at the impact of colonialism on a young boy's life, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit. The narrative is both heartbreaking and inspiring, showcasing the power of memory and storytelling.

The reviewer found this memoir to be a deeply moving account of Ngugi wa Thiong'o's childhood during a turbulent time in Kenya's history. They appreciated how the book vividly portrays the harsh realities of colonial rule and its effects on everyday life. The reviewer also noted the author's ability to weave together personal and historical narratives, making the memoir both intimate and universally resonant. Overall, they felt that the book is a testament to the enduring power of dreams and the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Quick quotes

    This absorbing memoir recounts how Ngugi's boyhood was affected by mass expulsions, indiscriminate reprisals and internment camps.

    It is a remarkable demonstration of how memoir can be as much about inspiring the present as it is about recalling the past.

    The portrait of Gikuyu life is both tender and unflinching, capturing the essence of a community under siege.

The Independent · 2010-03-26
powerful 4.50

The memoir is a powerful exploration of the human right to dream, even in the worst of times. The reviewer admired the subtleties and complexities that enrich the narrative, making it a compelling read.

The reviewer found this memoir to be a powerful exploration of the human spirit, highlighting the author's unwavering belief in the power of dreams. They appreciated the delicate and powerful subtleties that enrich the narrative, making it both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. The reviewer also noted how the book serves as a reminder of the importance of dreaming and aspiring, even in the face of oppression. Overall, they felt that the memoir is a remarkable demonstration of how personal stories can inspire and inform the present.

Quick quotes

    Dreams in a Time of War speaks to the human right to dream even in the worst of times.

    It abounds in delicate and powerful subtleties and complexities that are both enlightening and moving.

    The book is a remarkable demonstration of how memoir can be as much about inspiring the present as it is about recalling the past.

Appears in Lists