A Review of Kombamwiko’s Adventure, by Emmanuel Kariuki, Published by Phoenix Publishers

 

Reviewed by the Author

Introduction

In Kombamwiko’s Adventure, we follow the journey of Kombamwiko, a contented village cockroach who, enticed by tales of urban life, decides to leave home. His friend, Faragano, describes the endless lights and abundant food in town, painting a picture of an easy, exciting life. Though Faragano has faced many dangers in his own adventures, he encourages Kombamwiko to join him on a journey to the city, guiding and protecting him along the way.

The Appeal of Town Life

Kombamwiko is initially happy with his simple village lifestyle, surrounded by his family and enjoying readily available food. However, Faragano’s stories spark a desire in him for the alluring city life, where lights stay on all night and there’s food aplenty. The allure of such luxury leads him to become dissatisfied with his home, causing him to disregard his parents and plan a departure without saying goodbye. Unbeknownst to him, the journey and life in the city are filled with peril.

The Journey to Town

When Kombamwiko finally sets off, he and Faragano join a caravan of cockroaches heading to town. They encounter various cockroaches, from large to small, winged to wingless, creating a lively yet daunting scene. Along the way, they face numerous hazards, from being nearly swallowed by chickens to dodging spider webs. Faragano manages to save Kombamwiko from a close call with a chicken, prompting Kombamwiko to start reconsidering his decision.

Struggles and Survival

As they near their destination, Kombamwiko and Faragano witness the harsh reality of city life for cockroaches. Town-dwelling cockroaches, led by a roach named Mkuu bin Wanene, view newcomers as a threat to their territory. Determined to protect their space and resources, the town roaches attack the newcomers, resulting in deadly clashes.

Despite these dangers, Kombamwiko and Faragano press on, finally spotting a large house that appears to be a safe haven. However, they’re greeted by hostility from the local cockroaches. Faragano suffers an injury from a town roach, forcing Kombamwiko to nurse him back to health. After a few days, they manage to enter the house undetected.

The False Promise of Abundance

Once inside, Kombamwiko and Faragano are confronted with constant threats, including humans who stomp on them, insecticide sprays, and ongoing skirmishes with town cockroaches. They arrive in the house just after a heavy spray of insecticide, finding many roach corpses scattered around. Faragano rationalises that fewer cockroaches mean less competition for food, but Kombamwiko is deeply disturbed by the devastation.

As the spraying continues, the two friends must hide under old newspapers for two days, barely surviving. The abundance they had anticipated is overshadowed by relentless danger. Kombamwiko recalls the ample food he left behind in the village and begins to yearn for his simple life, where he had roots, bark, leaves, and ant eggs, all without risking life and limb.

Kombamwiko’s Decision

Finally, overwhelmed by hunger and disillusioned by the harshness of city life, Kombamwiko decides to leave. Despite Faragano’s pleas for him to stay, he begins the arduous journey home, reminding himself to "forget the tea, the bread, and the rice" that had lured him to town in the first place. Facing familiar dangers like hens and cats, Kombamwiko carefully retraces his steps, surviving on whatever he can find along the way.

Return to the Village

When Kombamwiko returns, he is thinner and weaker, but his parents are overjoyed to see him. They had been heartbroken, fearing he would never return. Kombamwiko’s parents offer him a modest meal of ant eggs, and he happily eats, embracing the comfort and simplicity of home. He decides to stay with his family, and as he grows older, he shares stories with his grandchildren about the dangers of city life, captivating them with his tales far more than stories of foxes or foolish characters.

In this adventure story, Kombamwiko’s Adventure explores themes of family, contentment, and the deceptive appeal of greener pastures, using humour and allegory to convey a lesson about the value of appreciating one’s roots.

This review reflects personal opinions and insights based on the book's themes and storytelling. It is not an official endorsement or critique. All rights belong to the author and publisher. Readers are encouraged to form their own perspectives after engaging with the content.

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About the Author

Emmanuel Kariuki obtained a degree and MA in art and design from the University of Nairobi. After working briefly for book publishers, he went into private practice and also doubled up as a lecturer at the Buruburu Institute of Fine Art, where he taught graphics, typography, publications, and entrepreneurship. Later, Kariuki worked as a designer for museum exhibitions at the National Museums of Kenya, developing both permanent and temporary exhibitions around the country.

Kariuki’s skills include fiction writing, exhibition development and design, graphic design, sculpture, and fine art, specialising in acrylics on canvas. He has authored five young adult novels and 13 children's books. Another with five books are published on Amazon KDP, which includes “Who is Fooling Who?” Kariuki has also authored a novel for adults in Swahili titled "Mahari na Mali."

Contact the author: kenatene@gmail.com