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Cover of Petals of Blood
Literary Fiction· Kenya

Petals of Blood

by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o
Aggregate Editorial Score10/100
ALA Notable Books
Published 1977English
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About This Book

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o's Petals of Blood (1977) stands as one of the most significant works of literary fiction of its era. Four inhabitants of the small Kenyan town of Ilmorog—a schoolteacher, a former freedom fighter, a barmaid, and a businessman—are implicated in the murder of three local directors. Ngũgĩ's sweeping political novel is a devastating critique of post-independence Kenya. Themes of post-independence Kenya, corruption, class run through the work. The book has received recognition from ALA Notable Books 1977.

Awards & Recognition

ALA Notable Books
notable · national
197710
✍️
About the Author
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o
Kenya
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Petals of Blood about?

Four inhabitants of the small Kenyan town of Ilmorog—a schoolteacher, a former freedom fighter, a barmaid, and a businessman—are implicated in the murder of three local directors. Ngũgĩ's sweeping political novel is a devastating critique of post-independence Kenya.

Who wrote Petals of Blood?

Petals of Blood was written by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, from Kenya. First published in 1977.

What awards has Petals of Blood won?

Petals of Blood has received the following awards and honours: ALA Notable Books 1977.

Is Petals of Blood worth reading?

Petals of Blood is a book that has earned critical recognition, with an aggregate editorial score of 10/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in post-independence Kenya, corruption, class.