The Other Woman comprises a collection of stories in which Grace Ogot explores themes of social, cultural and spiritual importance. She uses adroit imagery to unveil some of the evils which bedevil modern society, such as brutal violence, lust for power and wealth, and family turmoil. Her grasp of social and the cultural conflict in her society is most vivid in these trenchant writings.

A young farmer and his wife who have migrated to Tanzania from Kenya become embroiled in issues of personal jealousy and materialism, and a melodramatic tale of tribal hatreds ensues. The novel explores Ogot’s concept of the ideal African wife: obedient and submissive to her husband; family and community orientated; and committed to non-materialist goals. The style is distinctively ironic giving the story power and relevance. Grace Ogot has been employed in diverse occupations as a novelist, short story writer, scriptwriter, politician, and representative to the UN. Some of her other works include The Island of Tears (1980), the short story collection Land Without Thunder (1988), The Strange Bride (1989) and The Other Woman (1992). The Promised Land was originally published in 1966, and has since been reprinted five times.