18 pages • 36 minutes read
Francis ImbugaBetrayal in the City
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1976A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Betrayal in the City by Francis Imbuga, set in the fictional country of Kafira, explores the deep struggles and suffering of ordinary citizens under a corrupt post-colonial government. The play begins with Nina and Doga grieving their child, killed in anti-government protests, and follows various characters wronged by those in power. Their attempts to seek justice are often futile, highlighting the bleak realities of a society where the powerful ignore the voices of the oppressed. The play includes themes of violence and loss.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Francis Imbuga's Betrayal in the City is lauded for its sharp political commentary and compelling dialogue. The play is praised for exposing corruption and the struggles of postcolonial Africa, but some find its pacing uneven. Its relevance to contemporary issues makes it a thought-provoking read, though its dense themes may challenge some readers.
Who Should Read Betrayal in the City?
A reader who enjoys Betrayal in the City by Francis Imbuga would appreciate political drama, African literature, and themes of corruption and resistance. Fans of Chinua Achebe's A Man of the People or Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o's A Grain of Wheat will find similar compelling social critiques and powerful storytelling.