An all new third edition of After 4.30, an exciting work of fiction originally self-published in 1974, and read in secret by generations of Kenyans, is set to be officially released on 28th June at the Sarakasi Dome in Ngara, Nairobi.
Written in poetic form, this literary masterpiece authored by David G. Maillu brings to life society’s treatment of women in the years following Kenya’s independence.
“When the book was first published, I was treated like an outcast by the university literary academic community. I wrote about society just as I saw it. People liked the book and read it, even though many did not have the courage to do so openly, in public. They read it in secret,” said Maillu.
The new edition features a cover illustration by famous Nairobi artist Michael Soi. It also has a foreword by media personality Barrack Muluka. The book retains the author’s creativity while repackaging it for the modern, discerning reader.
“After 4.30 is a timeless work of literature, not alone Kenyan or African literature, but literature of the world. The careful work our editorial team did for this new edition was merely polishing a diamond. Maillu is a creative giant who is yet to receive the global recognition he rightfully deserves,” said eKitabu CEO Will Clurman. Mvua Press is an imprint of eKitabu.
To crown the renewed interest in the book, a team of actors and actresses is currently rehearsing a dramatized version of the classic, under the direction of thespian Njache Mwaniki, with scenes from the play set to be staged during the launch.
The rerelease of After 4.30 has attracted interest from a wide cross-section of literary enthusiasts, authors, book lovers, and reviewers in Africa and beyond. The book is available from the publisher and at major bookshops in Nairobi.
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