Medallion Press, March 2005
ISBN: 1932815112
In 1896 the British look to colonize the Kingdom of Benin. The plan is to cross the River Niger and bring the Edo people of Benin under the British flag as they have already done for the Ibo of Niger. Trader and renowned hunter Brendan Donivan realizes that the Brits are looking to colonize the kingdom and fears for what will be lost. He struggles to save this ancient African civilization while not jeopardizing his business with the British.
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New York anthropologist Elle Bowie arrives in hopes of fulfilling a dream of field work. To achieve her dream, she supports the British's efforts. She is accompanied by her fake “hired” husband Rip McCulloch. Brendan and Ellie quickly realize they are on opposite sides of the issue; she believes Britain will bring the benefits of modern civilization while he disdains the assault on an ancient surviving culture. They know they cannot share anything yet love blossoms between them. As the British begin their assault, they fall in love.
THE HINTERLANDS describes the Kingdom of Benin at the point when Britain begins efforts to colonize the nation using brute force. The romance between the lead couple takes a back seat to the astute intense look at the late nineteenth century Guinea Coast.
Harriet Klausner
The review of this Book prepared by Harriet Klausner
