The Ostrich Wakes: Struggles for Change in Highland Kenya

The Ostrich Wakes: Struggles for Change in Highland Kenya
Jean Davison
Kirinyaga Publishers
ISBN: 0-9785150-0-5
Non-Fiction, History
Reviewed by Vianna Renaud

In The Ostrich Wakes: Struggles for Change in Highland Kenya, Dr. Jean Davison returns to her home in Mt. Kenya's verdant foothills to discover how things have changed. As she has personally followed the lives of the Gikuyu farmers for 20 years, she is quite keen to see how they have experienced the last decade. Along with the significant changes such as a sudden change of government, the sorrowful passing of many of Dr. Davison’s loved ones, to the next generation following along in their elders’ footsteps; this warmly expressed story will be one to touch your hearts.
Taking the reader along on her amazing journey, she brings light onto the Gikuyu’s little known culture and lifestyle in Kenya. With tales of the effects of the former British colonial occupation, the changing times as their children become interested in modern technology, the anxieties and hopes of simple daily existence, to the sense of loss as family members pass away; Dr. Davison provides a refreshing yet honest tale of humanity.
I simply enjoyed every page of this book. Providing an inspirational perspective as Dr. Davison writes a part social commentary and part travel narrative about the Gikuyu, this story highlights the inner strength of these people. With various cartoons, family charts, and personal photos placed throughout the book, I had the feeling that I was right there next to Dr. Davison on her adventure. Based on the pleasure I had reading this extraordinary story, I strongly suggest letting Dr. Davison open your eyes to the world of the Gikuyu.