A Grain of Wheat is a historical novel written by Kenyan novelist Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, first published as part of the influential Heinemann African Writers Series.

The novel weaves together several stories set during the state of emergency in Kenya's struggle for independence (1952–59), focusing on the quiet Mugo, whose life is ruled by a dark secret.

Mugo, an introverted villager of Thabai, does not want to give a speech at Uhuru, even though town elders ask him to.

Kihika had joined the Mau Mau as a young man and attained fame for capturing the police garrison at Mahee and killing the cruel District Officer (‘DO’) Robson, but after Mugo betrayed him in secret, he was captured and hanged.

Karanja works at Githima, a Forest Research Station founded by the colonial government.

Thompson was once destined for an illustrious career, but it was derailed by a hunger strike and violence at Rira, the camp where Mugo was.

Now Thompson is at Githima, but is preparing to leave Kenya forever because he does not want to be around when whites are no longer in charge.

General R. gives a speech instead of Mugo and calls for the traitor to step forward, assuming it will be Karanja.

Gikonyo wakes in the hospital and finds himself ready to make amends with Mumbi.

He is happy, and plans to carve a stool featuring an image of a pregnant Mumbi.

For Jonatan Silva, reviewing the book for A Escotilha, A Grain of Wheat is an important portrait of Kenya struggle for independence.