Perspective

The novel alternates between using a first person and third person perspective. For much of the book, the author uses a third person perspective as he discusses the culture of the Gikuyu from the standpoint of one who is examining the culture. This is beneficial, since it conveys a sense of scientific reasoning and anthropological study, which is the bases for the book. This perspective allows the author to explain the rituals and customs of the culture in specific detail without interjecting unnecessary emotional information. This helps to create a reliable narration of the concepts in the novel.

At times, however, Kenyatta is able to interject his own experiences into the novel, using a first person perspective. As the son of a Gikuyu medicine man, Kenyatta has been witness to and participated in many of the rituals, customs and social situations he discusses in the book. As such...