The Perfect Nine: The Epic of Gikuyu and Mumbi

In his first attempt at the epic form, Ngugi tells the story of the founding of the Gikuyu people of Kenya, from a strongly feminist perspective. A verse narrative, blending folklore, mythology, adventure and allegory, 'The Perfect Nine' chronicles the efforts the Gikuyu founders made to find partners for their ten beautiful daughters and the challenges they set for the 99 suitors who seek their hands in marriage.