Review Headline
Embark on a Journey through Time and Triumph with ‘Lalji’s Nairobi: A Tale of Resilience and Riches’

Review:
South Asians have historically migrated to East Africa for various reasons, including pre-colonial mercantile travel, British colonisation, and the introduction of indentured labourers to build the region’s railways. Under British rule, the South Asian diaspora lived in a divided society, with the British colonial rulers at the top and the African majority at the bottom. Most South Asians took up commerce, middle-level administrative roles, and petty trade, while Africans were restricted to agricultural labour.

Post-World War II African independence introduced ‘Africanisation’ policies in the 1960s, aiming to counteract the economic dominance of South Asians and return control of resources and wealth to Africans. Legislation restricted non-citizens’ residence, trade, and employment opportunities, and many South Asians in East Africa continued to hold British passports. This led to political and economic uncertainty, leading many East African Asians to migrate to seek refuge in countries like Britain. Despite holding British passports, these migrants faced discrimination in housing and employment matters.

In this context, “Lalji’s Nairobi: A Rags to Riches Colonial Story” by Nitin Nanji is a historical novel that unfolds in the backdrop of British East Africa and British India during the early 20th century. The narrative revolves around the journey of Lalji, a 19-year-old Indian migrant who departs from British Gujarat to seek a better life in British East Africa. The story delves into the experiences of four young men who, driven by the harsh conditions of famines and burdensome British Raj taxes in Gujarat, make the daring decision to emigrate in search of opportunities.

Guided by Lalji, this group embarks on a voyage across the ocean, arriving in British East Africa, where their skills are in demand. Still, the political climate is less than favourable. Lalji, taking on the role of their leader, decides to establish roots in Nairobi, a relatively modest market town at the time.

The novel explores Lalji’s life journey, highlighting his innate business acumen that propels him to early success. Yet, as he settles into his new colonial home, he grapples with adaptation challenges. The story is a testament to survival, faith, skill, human resilience, and an unwavering determination to prosper. Through sheer grit and solid entrepreneurial abilities, Lalji manages to overcome formidable obstacles, resulting in a classic ‘rags to riches’ narrative. Unexpected dangers emerge, however, jeopardising Lalji’s hard-earned success just when he is most vulnerable.

The narrative is rich in descriptive language, allowing readers to visualise the landscapes, people, and experiences vividly. The novel explores themes such as survival, faith, determination, and the human desire for success, providing depth to the story. The plot is engaging, driven by the protagonist’s journey from a humble background to achieving success. The authentic dialogue reflects the cultural and historical context of the characters, creating well-rounded and relatable characters. The emotional depth of the characters allows readers to connect with their joys and struggles, adding layers to the storytelling. Nitin Nanji’s writing style demonstrates a deep appreciation for history, showcasing his ability to craft engaging, descriptive narratives. He portrays early 20th-century British East Africa and British India, creating relatable characters and capturing the essence of the historical era.

To sum it up, Lalji’s Nairobi: A Rags to Riches Colonial Story is a well-written and engaging story that provides a glimpse into the lives of Indian migrants who settled in East Africa.