Petals of Bloodis a novel written byNgg wa Thiong'oand first published in 1977. Set inKenyajust after independence, the story follows four characters Munira, Abdulla, Wanja, and Karega whose lives are intertwined due to theMau-Maurebellion. In order to escape city life, each retreats to the small, pastoral village of Ilmorog. As the novel progresses, the characters deal with the repercussions of the Mau- Mau rebellion as well as with a new, rapidly westernizing Kenya.