1 / 2Wizard of the Crow by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o
Wizard of the Crow is Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o's novel of political satire, folklore and magical realism. Set in the fictional Free Republic of Aburiria, it follows a planned tower to Heaven and the struggle for control behind it. The listed edition is 784 pages, so it suits readers ready for a substantial work rather than a brief read.
At a glance
- Political satire set in the fictional Free Republic of Aburiria.
- The plot centres on a proposed tower to Heaven and a contest for control of the country.
- The listing presents the book as drawing on African storytelling, folklore and magical realism.
- The listed print length is 784 pages.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- Combines political commentary with folklore and magical realism, offering readers more than a straightforward political narrative.
- The reported layered structure of smaller stories within a larger story may appeal to readers who enjoy interconnected storytelling.
Cons
- At 784 pages, it is a substantial commitment and may not suit readers seeking a short novel.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Vintage Classics |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 5 April 2018 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 784 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1784873357 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1784873356 |
| Weight listed | 529 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13 x 4.6 x 19.7 cm |
Who is it for?
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
65% 65% - 4 stars
23% 23% - 3 stars
7% 7% - 2 stars
4% 4% - 1 star
1% 1%
Customer feedback highlights the writing, satirical political commentary, magical realism and story structure as strengths. Readers who enjoy fiction that combines political themes with fairy-tale elements may find that blend compelling. Reactions to engagement are mixed, however, and the length is a recurring concern. That matters for this listed 784-page edition, which asks for a sustained reading commitment.
Positive themes
- Customers praise the writing style, satirical approach to political commentary and magical realism.
- Some customers appreciate the story's structure of smaller narratives within a larger whole.
Negative themes
- Some customers find the book boring.
- Several customers consider the book overly long.
Mixed feedback
- Customer reports differ on how engaging the story is, with some describing it as hard to put down and others finding it boring.
- Reactions to the book's length are mixed, with some readers finding it overly long.
Frequently asked questions
What is Wizard of the Crow about?
The story is set in the fictional Free Republic of Aburiria, where a proposed tower to Heaven becomes the backdrop for a struggle over political control.
How long is this edition?
The listing gives a print length of 784 pages, making it a substantial read.
What kind of novel is it?
The supplied description presents it as political, playful fiction informed by African storytelling, folklore and magical realism.
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