Socioeconomic Levels

Consider the way that the different economic levels are represented in this novel. How do these different people interact with each other? How do attempts to equalize socioeconomic levels fail?

Brenda Fassie

Discuss the role of Brenda Fassie in the novel. What does she represent?

Wainaina's Writing Style

Discuss the way that Wainaina changes the style of his writing from the time that he was a child up until the point he is an adult. What does the development in his writing indicate?

Kimay

Discuss kimay, the word the author creates as a young man. What does kimay represent when he is a child? What does it represent when he is older?

Wainaina's Relationship with His Parents

Compare and contrast Wainaina’s relationship with his mother and his relationship with his father. How does his relationship with his father change after his mother’s death...