summary of The River Between writen by Ngug Wathiong'o

The River Between by Ngugi wa Thiong'o is the story of a tribe in African and their struggle to preserve their way of life against a tide of change brought upon them by colonization and modernization. The river runs between two villages. The name opf the river translates as 'the cure'. Teh villages have legneds that tell of a magician, a seer, and a warrior. Three men's lives are detailed, with each one being symbolistic of the changes faced by the tribes. One man becomes highly educated and has a way with people. He becomes very influential. His father believes that he is destined to become the savior of the people.

The other man converts to Christianity and his tale covers the challenges that he has to face when he chooses to convert instead of following the traditional ways of the tribe. When his daughter dies from an illness due to a traditional ritual, it creates more stress and pressure in the village.

Lastly, another man through a series of events comes to realize that neither education, nor religion is what will help his people survive. It is conhesion and unity.