A Bend in the River Introduction by Patrick Marnham

Nobel prize laureate V. S. Naipaul draws a compelling picture of the African experience in the second half of the 20th century. His narrative reaches an atonishing depth of character in its protagonists and feeling of immediacy in its description of background and locality. As in all works of Naipaul the tenor is rather depressing (realist?) but also full of the dark irony of existence. Highly recommended for all who want to understand sub-Saharan Africa.