This book seems to be a novel set in Washington DC, and a fictional, thinly disguised Kenya. The story starts in the period of British Mau Mau conflict, and moves to the present times circa 1958. There are characters who hope to mange the new country so that it remains in the "Western" camp in the Cold War, and of course relative neutrals and a few of a more sinister Communist alignment. There is a conventional (for the times) love story, and in the end, the fate of the new player is left to the imagination. In the result of the reader's experience there is little intrinsically "African" about this story, but it would be comfortable for American readers not too heavily informed on the points of colonialism. ( )

Uhuru means “Freedom” in Swahili. The novel "Uhuru" is loosely based on real events that took place during the uprising of black Africans in Kenya in the 1960s. As Kenya prepared for open elections and independence from Great Britain, the first item on the native African’s agenda was reclaiming land from white settlers. After World War I, as many as 20,000 white people settled on large tracts of the most fertile land and thrived with successful agricultural farms. As Kenya prepares to hang a white man for the very first time, it quickly becomes apparent that there would be no smooth transition.

The book "Uhuru" is seldom mentioned today but in 1962 it remained on the New York Times Best Seller List for six months. Dubbed as “a massive explosive novel, a high voltage shocker”… it was indeed!

The history of Kenya prior to the start of this story was tumultuous… the Mau Mau civil war, black militant activists, white troops, and white law and order. Horrifying atrocities were committed by both sides and several hundred thousand were killed. So as "Uhuru" begins, the black Kikuya natives feel a burning desire for vengeance… if not innate hatred for white people.

To complicate this volatile situation, several black politicians are competing for power and control. Their tactics range from the immoral and unethical to barbaric and evil: forced loyalty and occult rituals often involve torture, murder, cannibalism, and decapitation.

Shifting back and forth, the story is told from several points of view which include the black politicians, white land owners, and the innocent people caught in the middle.

Unfortunately, even thought the events of this book took place over 50 years ago, there has not been much improvement in Kenya. Despite being under black political control since 1963, Kenyans in the most recent years still suffer from human rights abuse, corruption and fraud within the government, torture, political assassinations, and a massive starving population.

Aside from writing novels, Robert Ruark was also a journalist. He wrote articles for sporting magazines in which he specialized in documenting African Safaris. So in addition to the riotous domestic drama and the political upheaval, as the story unfolds, "Uhuru" offers the reader intense, highly descriptive safari scenes such as hunting for elephants and leopards. Starting out with a bit of romance and a gentlemanly sporting adventure, the story ends with an explosive catastrophe. It’s a real page turner! ( )

A bit dated, but basically touches on many of the same issues regarding Africa that are still very much with us (unfortunately). ( )

Forty pages and I am still looking for a plot. I thought that this was a murder mystery. So far it's only characters, settings, background, etc.
Another forty pages and still no action and no idea what the book is about.
Now you're talking! The action was worth the wait. There is a wealth of racial slurs and stuff, perhaps more then the setting actually requires. I'm comfortable with it.
Several good plot lines going on at the same time. The characters, black and white, are interesting.
Violence and gore aplenty! (Comment - I have no problem with gore. In my pre-teens, my older brother and I studied taxidermy. I was dynamite with a brain spoon. With fish it is worthwhile to see what they have been feeding on. Get my drift?)
He makes the scenes nearly real. I feel as if I am there, as a spectator. I feel the land, the hunt, the air.

The book is about Kenya Africa, during the early 1960's, with flashbacks, especially to the Mau Mau (1952-1960, or so). It's focus is big game hunting, colonialism, race relations/attitudes, and black national awakening (the Congo as well as Kenya). Too much of the book is devoted to social issues. If I want social issues, I'll read non-fiction (he is not Nadine Gordimer).

The 550 pages is about 150 to 300 pages too much. I would have enjoyed more details of hunting, shooting, ballistics, wildlife, safari items, etc. ( )

Read this book many years ago. An incredible story about Africa and the beginings of the struggle in Kenya.