 |
| Welcome to my Blog! Wander through worlds real and fictional, meet interesting people, visit exciting places and find good books to enjoy along the way! |
 |
| About the Book |
Book Title: Lalji’s Nairobi
Author: Nitin Nanji
Publication Date: 30th August 2023
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.
Buy Links:
*The ebook will be free to download on Kindle from February 4th – 8th, 2025*
Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/mgoPW6
This title is available to read on #Kindle Unlimited.
Author Bio:
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.
Author Links:
Website: www.nitinnanji.com
Book Bub:
Amazon Author Page:
Goodreads:
 |
| read an excerpt |
Excerpt 4:
Janki’s morning sickness settled as suddenly as it had come. The initial tiredness was replaced by a breathless feeling when she did anything strenuous. Husnara’s arrival provided a welcome change in their lives, the two women able to share each other’s perspectives and provide mutual support.
Husnara was gregarious, chubby-faced and chatty. Jet black hair with soft waves on the sides made her look older than her years when she was not wearing a head scarf. She wore her scarf to go outdoors which seemed to make her look like a teenager, her fresh looks accentuated by her mascara. She had to learn and get familiar with Africa and Nairobi’s ways. She found the climate cold but was thankful for the small numbers of mosquitos. Like Janki, she excelled in cooking and both shared long conversations and recipes. They compared the different styles of cooking they had been brought up with. Husnara had helped her sister through two pregnancies and was reassuring for Janki to have around.
“You need to rest more Jankibhabhi,” she would say when Janki got short of breath.
“I know, but I need to also remain active. Show you more of Nairobi before the baby arrives.”
“Nizar will show me Nairobi. Right now, we need you to get the baby delivered. There will be time for everything else later.”
Towards the time of the delivery, Janki found it difficult to be active. She was troubled with back ache and leg aches which landed her in bed for long periods. Husnara and James managed the household chores, shopping and cooking together.
One day James came to Janki and asked her, “Mama, I see that the arrival of Mungu’s toto (God’s child), is near?”
“Yes, James. We may get busier then,” sighing.
“Mama kidogo (younger Mama), will also get busier in helping with the toto.”
“We will see how it goes,” replied Janki, wondering where this was leading to.
“I will be able to manage all the cooking on my own, Mama. The two of you can look after the toto.”
Janki had been feeling unusually emotional in those days, suddenly burst out crying at James’ kindness. A shocked James lost his composure, not comprehending Janki’s reaction.
“If that is fine with you Mama. I don’t want to say anything wrong, Mama. I apologise Mama.”
Husnara arrived when she heard Janki crying. “What is it, what happened Jankiben?” she asked worriedly.
“It’s nothing. James here was telling me how excited he is at becoming an uncle,” Janki replied, looking at James with tenderness in her eyes. “I found it touching.”
James looked down at his feet, not understanding his own emotions or Janki’s response, for a moment not sure if he had said something wrong. Then he felt a rush of emotion and goodwill at being addressed as an uncle of the unborn child, not daring to make eye contact with Janki, wiping away a tear.
“Oh! Yes, that is good,” said Husnara. “Now you must rest more. These final days are physically and emotionally wearing.
Follow the tour:
Bsky: @cathiedunn.bsky.social
Twitter Handle: @cathiedunn
Instagram Handle: @thecoffeepotbookclub
Hashtags: #HistoricalFiction #AfricanHistoricalFiction #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub
Tour Schedule Page:
(note: Helen might not have read the featured title yet)
*** ***
scroll down to leave a comment
thank you!
*
Follow Helen On:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helen.hollick
Bluesky: @HelenHollick - http://helenhollick.bsky.social/
(and I'm on Twitter @HelenHollick but for marketing only)
*
 |
| Ghost Encounters: The Lingering Spirits of North Devon e-book available for pre-order on Amazon paperback coming soon |
*
You might also like
books written by Helen Hollick
Website: https://helenhollick.net/
Amazon Author Page: https://viewauthor.at/HelenHollick
*
 |
The Jan Christopher Cosy Mysteries set in the 1970s |
*
The SEA WITCH VOYAGES
nautical adventures set during the Golden Age of Piracy
*
THE SAXON SERIES
| The story of the events that led to The Battle of Hastings in 1066 Harold the King (UK edition) I Am The Chosen King (US edition) AND 1066 Turned Upside Down an anthology of 'What If'' tales |
*
KING ARTHUR
The Pendragon's Banner Trilogy
The Boy Who became a Man:
Who became a King:
Who became a Legend...
PLUS MORE!
anthologies (which include award-winning authors)
and non-fiction
Find More Information:
Amazon Author Page: https://viewauthor.at/HelenHollick
or website: www.helenhollick.net
*
(plus a short newsletter)
https://thoughtsfromadevonshirefarmhouse.blogspot.com/
(subscription reminder available)
(subscription reminder available)
*
Thanks so much for hosting Nitin Nanji today, with his fascinating new novel, Lalji's Nairobi!
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Cathie xx
The Coffee Pot Book Club