MATIGARI (Book Review)

 

Dubbed as one of the greatest Writers and Literary Export from Africa, Ngugi Wa Thiong O stands on his own as a legend and unique Writer. He began using Gikuyu his indigenous language to write all his novels, including the classic; "weep not child" which brought him a global acclamation. All his novels are known to confront the evils in our society thereby bringing readers to deep states of introspection. 

Ngugi went further in " Matigari". Matigari ma Njuruungi the Protagonist of the Novel proclaimed a Revolution in the unknown and dysfunctional society being  described in the novel. This society was dysfunctional and yet the inhabitants seemed to be negligent of this, some have cowered and become deadened by fear. Matigari was the last and remnant of the Freedom Fighters that went to fight Settler Williams and fan the fire of independence from the Europeans in the bush and forest. Matigari proclaimed himself the Conqueror of Settler Williams who reaped where he never sowed. With his fist high in the air, he finally defeated the Oppressors of the masses. Matigari began this long and tortuous journey back home to enter into the house he built with his own hands. Matigari was shocked when he went to his own people to tell them the glad tidings of settler Williams' defeat and death. However, to his consternation, the society he finds himself has changed drastically, the country he left behind was not the same one he met, his people have changed and lost all sense of their History. Settler Williams' and John Boy's sons have taken over the House and share the spoils of the House amongst themselves. Matigari felt a lone figure in this struggle, this time around, this struggle was no longer against Settler Williams, it was now a struggle against his own people who have become brainwashed, suffering from the Savior syndrome and lacking in courage. Matigari confronted the Ministry of Truth and Justice for not telling the truth and seeking for justice against the evils and injustices of the past. The Ministry of Truth and Justice became manipulative, dishing out fake news and harassing the oppressed. Matigari found a helping hand in Muruiki and Guthera who joined him in the journey to retake the house from Settler Williams and John Boy junior. 

Ngugi wa Thiong O went philosophical at some point in the novel when he began questioning the subject of good, evil, truth and justice in the world, he addressed the dilemma of Religion. At the end of the novel, Matigari was able to kill fear and he entered his house which he built with his own hands after finding his way through the heavily guarded gates. Howbeit he himself destroyed the house he built, he said it was better to die fighting Settler Williams than allow settler Williams's offsprings and accomplices reap where they never sowed. Matigari displayed a great deal of madness and courage which is what is needed in the struggle to retake back the "House"  from Settler Williams.

Matigari is one among many novels in which Ngugi wa Thiong O has addressed the dreary state of Post colonial Africa. He chose to adopt metaphor and symbolism in driving home a relevant message about the day Africans will retake back their land from Settler Williams and John Boy