How successfully did ngugi employ point of view in his novel, weep not, child

Weep Not, Child uses a third person omniscient narrator to weave seamlessly through the perspectives of different characters, as well as providing objective descriptions of events and settings. As the book is written as an exploration of a society at a given point in time, this style of narration provides the reader with access to the histories and points of view of people on different sides of the political spectrum. For example, we are told about Mr Howlands' struggle to reconnect with his homeland upon his return from World War I from his perspective, and can then see a similar battle playing out within Boro. Similarly, Jacobo's statement to Njoroge that he will be needed to help rebuild the country echoes Njoroge's unexpressed belief in his own destiny as a savior.

In taking on the perspective of Njoroge or Mwihaki, who are children at the beginning of the book and young adults by the end, the reader is able to explore themes and concepts through the eyes of someone who, possibly like them, does not fully understand the gravity of the situation. This is apparent when Njoroge is at school and asks "What's Mau Mau?" and the boys then go on to discuss Jomo and Dedan Kimathi and their complex relationships to the various groups fighting for independence. It also provides an opportunity to subvert cultural assumptions, such as when Mwihaki asks why there was no learning before white people came to Africa, which invites the reader to consider the value placed on a Western education even by those to whom it is not readily available.