THE TRIBE THAT LOST ITS HEAD

by Nicholas Monsarrat ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 31, 1956

Inevitably this will be linked with Ruark's Something of Value and with some justification. He where Ruark used the Mau Mau uprising as a springboard for the free play of excessive lust and violence, Monsarrat has built his story of an imaginary. African tribe and island in revolt through the interaction of character and incident, of small things twisted to precipitate large, of British Colonialism suffering the disease of advancing years and British yellow journalism the disease of brash sensationalism, of the color bar, and of mounting terrorism building to a horrifying climax. The island is Pharamaul, off the southwest coast of Africa; the British operate it as a protectorate -- and expect from the returning young chieftain the kind of cooperation his forebears had given. But Dimamaula is Oxford trained and is shocked by the awareness of his people's backwardness into giving the Press the excuse they seek for playing up the shortcomings of the colonial officers. That there is a modicum of truth in the charges they distort makes denial difficut- and one small thing leads to another until the smouldering unrest breaks into open and violent and bloody revolt- and the island is aflame with nationalism overlaid by primitivism. The key characters are adroitly drawn- types, perhaps, but vitally portrayed so that one knows them intimately, suffers with them in their agonies of indecision, heartbreak and disillusionment. There's a poignant love story. There are barbs launched against the dangers that lie in an unaware and outmoded colonialism as well as in a too free and conscienceless press. Monsarrat has served some time in civil service in Africa- and knows whereof he writes. He seems as surely at home on land and as effective as he is at sea. Here's a superb novel with a real chance.

Pub Date: Oct. 31, 1956

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Morrow- Wm. Sloane

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1956

Categories: FICTION