In his first attempt at the epic form, Ngũgĩ tells the story of the founding of the Gĩkũyũ people of Kenya, from a strongly feminist perspective. A verse narrative blending folklore, mythology, adventure and the allegory, The Perfect Nine chronicles the efforts the Gĩkũyũ founders make to find partners for their ten beautiful daughters – called “The Perfect Nine” and the challenges they set for the 99 suitors who seek their hands in marriage.