Penguin Modern Classics: The River Between

Two isolated ridges lie side by side in Kenya, home of the Gikuyu people, “whose blood and bones spoke the language of the hills”. Between them, in the valley of life, the river flows as it has for centuries.

But white settlers have come to Kenya, bringing their alluring new religion with them. The Gikuyu people are divided. Some embrace the new faith, and follow Joshua with his fiery brand of Christianity. Others proudly pursue tribal independence and the ancient ways.

And in the midst of this stand Waiyaki, teacher and visionary, born to a line of prophets. He struggles to educate his tribe and build a bridge between the old and the new. But his plans for the future spark controversy and hatred, threatening both the Gikuyu’s and his own survival.