Set after Kenyan independence from the British Empire, Petals of Blood chronicles the young country's descent into corruption as it adopts Western ideals such as capitalism. It describes this process through the travails of four characters that come together in the small village of Ilmorog. Despite their brief alliance and desire to break free from Western influence, the quartet soon finds themselves adhering to colonial religion, education systems, and capitalism. Things grow worse when a drought infects Ilmorog. Although the elders suggest a traditional sacrifice, the main characters convince them to send an envoy to visit the member of parliament in the capital of Nairobi.
After an...
