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Weep Not, Child

By Ngugi wa Thiong'o
Penguin Classics
Series: Penguin Modern Classics
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Brief Description
Legendary writer Ngugi wa Thiong'o's debut novel, a powerful story about the tragic effects of colonialism on the lives of ordinary people. ‘It is not much that a man can do without a piece of land’ Njoroge has big dreams for the future. Unlike his brothers... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2800
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Releases 26th January 2027 (Approx. Date) Pre-order  "Weep Not, Child" now to secure your copy from our first shipment

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Legendary writer Ngugi wa Thiong'o's debut novel, a powerful story about the tragic effects of colonialism on the lives of ordinary people.

‘It is not much that a man can do without a piece of land’

Njoroge has big dreams for the future. Unlike his brothers — Kamau, an apprentice craftsman, and Boro, uncertain and scarred by violence — he wants an education. But this is colonial Kenya, and times are against them. Workers are striking, and in the forests, the Mau Mau are waging war against the white government. As Njoroge progresses through his schooling, he and his family must decide where their loves and loyalties lie, even if the choice tears them apart. Ngugi wa Thiong'o's 1964 debut novel devastatingly shows the tragic effects of colonialism on ordinary lives.

‘One of the greatest writers of our time’ Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

‘In Weep Not, Child Ngugi's art is at its purest’ Ben Okri

Series: Penguin Modern Classics

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241822005

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 22 October 2026

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 10.0mm

Width: 127.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 123g

Pages: 160

Collections

Classic Fiction Classic General Fiction Coming Soon in Fiction Fiction General Fiction History & Archaeology History & Military Literary Fiction Ngugi wa Thiong'o Penguin Books Penguin Classics Penguin Classics: General Fiction Pre-order Books Pre-order General Fiction Pre-orders Pre-orders by Release Date Series: Penguin Modern Classics

About the Author

Ngugi wa Thiong'o (1938-2025) was born in Limuru, Kenya, and went on to become one of the leading writers and scholars of our times. He authored numerous works of fiction, memoir and essay, including A Grain of Wheat, Devil on the Cross and Decolonizing the Mind. Ngugi was the Distinguished Professor of English and Comparative Literature at the University of California, Irvine; he held fourteen honorary doctorates, among other awards, and was nominated for the Man Booker International Prize.

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