Nitin Nanji
British author writing about colonial India and Africa
I am a historical novelist of Indian parentage, raised in Kenya, educated in England, writing about India and East Africa under the British Empire.
About the Book
British Gujarat, 1905.
Despairing of the social injustices and crippling taxes under the British Raj, Lalji, 19, flees to British East Africa hoping to build a better life using his natural business skills and acumen. But he soon finds unexpected dangers in his new home – turbulent politics and war with German East Africa – as well as some surprising opportunities. Then, just when he is at his most vulnerable, a new threat emerges where he least expects: from within his own family. Can Lalji beat overwhelming odds to fulfill his hopes and ambitions?
A story about survival, faith, ability, humanity, and a deep desire to succeed.
A fictional novel based on historical facts. (Historical Fiction)
The novel starts in India in 1905, when the protagonist aged 19 moves to British East Africa. Apart from one trip back to India to get married he remains in Kenya where he makes his fortune.
Prominent themes: drought, poverty, and high taxes in India; colonialism and racism against Indians and Africans; recruitment of Indians to help develop colonial East Africa; political disenfranchisement; quirkiness of colonial government, the opportunity for those with know-how, community cohesion; the natural beauty of colonial Kenya.
Semi-arid land, sun-scorched, small village dwellings, dusty kids playing in the sand, and domestic cows. Poverty and lack of opportunities necessitating economic migration.
Early colonial architecture, tin roofs, and some stone buildings in an emerging new town of Nairobi. A new East African railway has just been built. Wide streets flanked by single-story buildings. Deep red soil and mud, savannah grassland with acacia trees, wild animals, locals not much exposed to other cultures, brilliant clear skies. Three main populations were segregated (Europeans, Indians and Africans) in all areas of life.
Nairobi of old, the people of all backgrounds, colonial administration, small shops, Arab dhows, railway, privileged white settlers, military and civic domination by white colonial government. Hierarchy between the communities.
Three main themes: Lalji’s indomitable spirit and a quest to succeed in a new country after being driven out of India (his homeland), because of poverty (driven by taxes and famines.)
Secondly: Colonial politics of race and segregation; greed and domination of colonial governments; subjugation and oppression of African and Indian people.
Thirdly: I use a fictional narrative in the book with reference to real historical events. I also challenge historical assumptions from the period. Also referenced are historical events left out of history books from colonial times.
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If you have any comments, views or observations, please email me or use the contact form.
E: nitin@nitinnanji.com