From the National to the Global: Satirical Magic Realism in Ngugi's Wizard of the Crow

Ngugi wa Thiong'o's novel Wizard of the Crow demonstrates his use of satirical magic realism, where character representations stretch the limits of conventional realism. Ngugi mocks national leadership in Africa and elsewhere through manipulations of the realistic mode, which has also been quite effective in representing political issues in Africa. The novel, set in the fictitious state of Aburiria, satirizes its "Ruler" and his attempts to dominate the nation while seeking financial support from Western global institutions. Through the Wizard's character and Nyawira, both advocates for the "people," the novel shows how national and global interests are often inseparable and can be linked to such concerns as eco-criticism and diaspora relationships.