By Nitin Nanji
Publication Date: 30th August 2023
Publisher: Self-published
Pages: 282
Genre: Historical Fiction
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. A combination of luck, coincidence, and his flair for commerce lead to early success.
Then, just as he is at his most vulnerable, a new threat emerges from 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.
Excerpt
When Lalji reached home, there were three ladies present from the Mandir.
One was in the kitchen making tea and boiling water and another was in the bedroom, with Janki who was in labour. The third lady was scuttling from kitchen to bedroom and responding to orders given. Husnara was at Janki’s side holding her hand and assisting. She saw Lalji come in and take off his black hat before sitting down on an armchair.
“The baby is on its way,” she blurted out to Lalji in a panicked voice. “The water broke this afternoon.”
“What’s broken? Shall I get it fixed?”
Husnara stared at him blankly, then realised Lalji had no clue and burst out laughing. The other ladies caught on and soon everyone, including Janki, were laughing. Lalji realised it was to do with childbirth and what he said must have sounded ridiculous. He too saw the funny side and started to laugh. Nizar, who had followed Naran, volunteered to go to Dr Shah’s dispensary to inform him.
Late in the night, the sound of a baby chocking and crying out angrily replaced the shrieks of Janki. Lalji and Nizar, seated in the living room looked at each other and smiled. The lady who had been doing the running and fetching came out with tears rolling down her cheeks, announced to Lalji that it was a girl.
When Lalji was finally handed his daughter, he held her tight and felt a mix of emotions welling up inside.
“Please don’t squeeze her so tight, Laljibhai,” the lady was telling him. But he was lost, staring at his newborn daughter, oblivious of all around him. He saw how perfectly she was formed, red-faced and flat-nosed, with a thick growth of hair. He sat and enjoyed his sense of awe while Nizar went to inform Bhasker and Khimji.
Realising his absent mindedness he asked, “How is Janki?”
“She is fine, Laljibhai. Tired and needs to sleep. She just fed the baby. Give us a little time while we give her a wash and make her comfortable. Meanwhile, you are in charge of your little Laxmi!”
Lalji realised how bizarre it sounded to refer to a delicate baby as Laxmi, the powerful Goddess. He felt a strong desire to protect the baby. Lalji handed the baby to Nizar when he returned with the other two partners. The three men then started to fuss over the new-born who had fallen asleep.
Lalji went to see Janki when he was allowed. He kissed her forehead, held her hands in his and sunk his forehead between them. Both started to cry.
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Nitin Nanji
Historical novelist of Indian parentage, born and raised in Kenya, educated in England, writing about India and East Africa under the British Empire.
Nitin has come to writing his debut novel after retiring as a doctor. Born in Kenya before its independence he came to England at the age of fifteen. His parentage is Indian, his grandfather having moved during the British Raj from Gujarat in India to Colonial East Africa as an economic migrant.
'Lalji's Nairobi' is set in the early part of the last century, inspired by the stories of Indian migrants who settled in East Africa. A 'rags to riches' story of the experiences of Lalji as a determined young businessman who grapples with the challenges of living in the new colony.
Within the backdrop of a racist administration, Nitin immerses the reader into the times and norms of colonial society and shows how Lalji achieves rapid success despite difficult odds, leading a team of four compatriots from his village.
The novel is well-researched and retains the undertones of the era. Nitin's intimate knowledge of the three cultures of the colony (British, Indian, and African) succeeds in making this an enjoyable and authentic read.
'Lalji's Nairobi' is now an award-winning novel that recently won acclaim from the prestigious New Generation Indie Book Awards as a 'Finalist'. It also earned Five Stars and the 'Highly Recommended' award of excellence from The Historical Fiction Company, which has recently also awarded the book with a silver medal in the Blixen Africa Category.
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Thank you so much for hosting Nitin Nanji today, with his intriguing novel, Lalji's Nairobi.
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Cathie xx
The Coffee Pot Book Club