After an exhausting day of hard labour, Ben finds oblivion in the seedy bars and clubs of River Road - anything to leave his cockroach-infested rooms and ignore the reality of living paycheck to paycheck.
At times, it''s difficult to remember that it wasn''t always this way. Somehow, he went from a promising career as a soldier to a disgraceful dismissal and a steady decline into poverty. Now the only thing Ben has left to lose is hope.
Writing with colourful realism, Meja Mwangi paints an unforgettable depiction of life in Nairobi''s slums - drawing attention to the hardships of the working poor and their disillusion with uncaring politicians.
''[Mwangi is] among the leading Kenyan writers.'' New York Times
''Riveting.'' Guardian
''The finest African novel ever.'' Professor Ibrahim Bello Kano