Of Sidearms and Dinner Jackets: A Novel

Michael Hood receives an invitation to visit his old school friends farming estate in Equatoria, British East Africa. He falls in love with Marjory, a settlers daughter, and they dream of owning and managing a private game reserve in a region untouched by violence and destruction.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 28 November 2023
Publisher: Troubador Publishing

When Englishman Michael Hood receives an invitation to visit his old school friends substantial farming estate in the colony of Equatoria, British East Africa, at the start of 1960, he can hardly imagine the beauty and allure of the region he will come to know during repeated lengthy stays, nor the excitement, drama, and tragedy that will mark his visits. And when he first disembarks at Port Hardinge, Equatoria's main port, he cannot guess that he is about to meet and fall in love with a beautiful settler's daughter named Marjory.

As insurrection, violence, and ultimately destruction are played out against the striking equatorial African scenery, Michael's love for Marjory grows ever deeper, and in time, they realize a dream they come to share, of owning and managing a private game reserve in a region of Africa as yet untouched by violence and destruction.

Michael's visits to Equatoria become increasingly frequent, and he spends more and more time on the farm, getting to know the people and the land. He falls in love with the region's beauty and the people's resilience, and he begins to plan for a future that includes Marjory and the game reserve.

However, their dream is not without its challenges. The region is unstable, and there is constant threat of violence and unrest. Michael and Marjory must navigate a complex web of political and social tensions, and they must be prepared to face any challenges that come their way.

Despite the obstacles, Michael and Marjory remain committed to their dream. They work tirelessly to build the game reserve, and they attract the attention of conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts from around the world. They are able to secure funding and support, and they begin to see their vision come to life.

Years pass, and Michael and Marjory grow old together. They watch as their game reserve becomes a thriving ecosystem, home to a diverse range of animals and plants. They are proud of what they have accomplished, and they know that their love for each other and for the land has been the driving force behind their success.

In the end, Michael and Marjory's story is a testament to the power of love, determination, and the beauty of nature. They have faced challenges and obstacles, but they have never lost sight of their dream, and they have been able to create something truly special that will be remembered for generations to come.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781805141594