Dance of the Jakaranda by Peter Kimani.
This slow starting novel centers around the Hotel Jakaranda
(deliberately spelled with a “k”), which was purportedly among the first
buildings in Nakuru. Originally a house
constructed by an Englishman, over the years it morphed into a hotel. The sketchy plot of the novel initially
focuses on Rajan, a young Kenyan raised Indian, a singer at the hotel, and his quest for a mysterious girl who kisses
him one night. Throughout Rajan is never
sure of what he is culturally - Punjabi or African. That is part of the point of the novel: how
did all the various groups assimilate - or not- into modern Kenya? However, the story expands backwards
encompassing those who built the lunatic express - the Indian laborers and
fundis, as well as the English managers - all observed quizzically by Africans.
In elaborating on various life stories author
Kimani weaves complex webs of interactions among Indians, between Indians and
English and with Africans. All told the
novel becomes a window into the railway’s history in Kenya and the plethora of
misunderstandings caused by incompatible cultures. Finally, the story does find some traction as
these various threads begin to combine into a more coherent narrative.
The Indian characters, especially Babu, the central one, are
fairly well developed, but others Englishmen MacDonald and Turnbull are caricatures.
Surprisingly, Africans don’t figure much in the story, except as needed to make
the plot nudge forward, as observers and, of course, as the Kenyan background.
Geographically the novel takes some liberties, but that is
normal in a novel. Kimani regularly tosses in Swahili, which is sometimes
translated, that gives the setting credibility. Finally, those who know Kenya
will note that Kimani skirts very carefully around politics, even those of the
independence era, opting not even to name the first president instead
referring to him only as “the Big Man”.
This is a fine Kenyan authored novel. Stick with it your will enjoy it.
