The River Between: Chapter 19 Summary & Analysis

Joshua worries about Waiyaki’s rising influence and the success of his schools. Many of his own followers are returning to their tribal customs, such as circumcision and taking multiple wives—Joshua does not understand why the latter is sinful, since it occurs in the Bible, but he accepts it as a “God-inspired assertion[] of the white man.” He builds two of his own schools to rival Waiyaki’s. He then holds an evangelistic meeting in Kameno and makes a few converts, giving him a small foothold against his opponents in their own village, who represent the “forces of Satan.”

Waiyaki watches Joshua’s meeting from the doorway of his own hut. He recognizes that it is a challenge against his own influence, yet Waiyaki appreciates aspects of Christianity, especially its focus on love and sacrifice. He missed his opportunity to call for reconciliation between Kameno and Makuyu, but he tells himself he will make that call next time he has the chance. However, he wonders if this hope for unity is a betrayal of his own tribe. If he is supposed to be a savior, what is he supposed to save his people from? Even without answers to these questions, Waiyaki sees himself as the one who will lead his people to education, “to the light.” All he wants to think about is education, and as such, he has already resigned from the Kiama and been replaced by Kamau.

Waiyaki briefly wonders if Nyambura would be at the Christian meeting but puts the thought out of his head. He walks down to the river and sees Nyambura off in the distance on the opposite side of the river. She looks unhappy.

Nyambura has been growing increasingly depressed. She is tired of Joshua’s zealotry and Christian practice, but she still loves the Christian God and cannot simply abandon it or rebel as Muthoni had. But she knows that she longs for Waiyaki and the surety he represents to her, and she feels that Christ cannot satisfy her if Waiyaki is not part of her life. Waiyaki will be her “savior,” her “black messiah,” and give meaning to her life. Lately, rather than attend Joshua’s church, she has been choosing to skip the gatherings and come pray at the river.

Waiyaki watches Nyambura kneel and pray in a little clearing, unaware of him. The sight reminds him of the sacred hill he stood on with Chege. It seems as if “holy light” radiates outward from Nyambura. When she hears him watching her and looks at him, Waiyaki is afraid she will be angry, but she asks him not to run. She crosses the river and stands with him. They speak about their shared love for the river and about Muthoni. Waiyaki recalls carrying her to Siriana and her last words for Nyambura: she has seen Jesus.

In a burst of emotion, Waiyaki takes Nyambura by the hand and tells her he loves her and asks her to marry him. They embrace and weep together. Nyambura longs to accept, but she is filled with fear and refuses instead. She tells him she loves him, but they cannot marry. Overcome with emotion, she flees, leaving Waiyaki alone and confused.

After Nyambura leaves, Kamau emerges from where he has been watching in the brush. He burns with hatred and jealousy—not only does Waiyaki best him in leadership but also in love. Kamau himself hopes to marry Nyambura. He wanted to tell her he loved her for a long time but never found the proper moment. He would have done so now, if Waiyaki had not appeared and declared his love first. He resolves to make Waiyaki suffer.