Publisher's Synopsis
The following writing is, in its entirety, a piece of fiction. Any and all institutions and positions that mirror real life bear absolutely no resemblance to reality. The characters are purely fictional and any resemblance is mere coincidence. Their job titles and actions are both generic and not representative of any actions people in similar jobs partake in. The views held by the characters within the following pages are not necessarily representative of the author or any involved in the making of the story. The Victoria Project - Colonialism Reborn follows the tragic tale of a country thrown into turmoil. Set in present day Nigeria, the book begins in the build-up to the presidential elections which pits two main candidates on polar opposite sides against each other. General John Ikembe, an evangelical right wing fanatic polarises support but may just be popular enough to see off the threat of the radical socialist Deborah Inyang. We follow the events of a fictional civil war in the country through the eyes of, almost exclusively, expatriates who influence the events that unfold in varying ways. Through the eyes of the naive Harry Johnson, a 29-year-old well-travelled businessman, the reader is allowed to experience Nigeria as a newcomer. Harry is an affluent, charismatic alpha male who hides a darker side behind his cool exterior. The fact he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth has left him, as an adult, with little tolerance for those he considers beneath him. There is little patience for those less educated or comfortable in environments he thrives in and a downright resistance to compromise from his exacting standards. Issues such as racism, sexism and an inability to come to terms with the breakdown of his parent's marriage have left Harry a scarred individual who is only truly known by a few. The introduction of Clara Holland, the daughter of the Deputy High Commissioner for Lagos, allows one to flesh out the very prominent character that is Harry. The latter is described as being reminded of the immortal words of Sappho, an ancient Greek lyric poet, though she is so much more than that. Originally from Surrey, her insistence to return to Nigeria following her graduation from Warwick University highlights her thirst for adventure and frustration at not only her England-based mother but also her diplomatic father who is seen as looking down at his surroundings from an ivory tower. In many ways, Clara is a more important character than Harry. Though the latter plays a very prominent role throughout the book, one isn't able to truly appreciate his actions and decisions without the former. Harry's love and passion for Clara compared provides the perfect juxtaposition to his flippant attitude - especially in the latter parts of the book - towards his actions involving the future of Nigeria which have far-reaching consequences. While he may not think anything of supplying a paramilitary foreign force in Nigeria, he will deliberate over how to keep the woman he loves safe and occupied and, not unlike her father, protected from her immediate surroundings. Camilla (Millie) Bisset and Tiberius Poulson are also tools used to not only define Harry but define his relationship with Clara. The trio's friendship is described as "semi-incestuous" in that both men have had sexual relationships with Millie. Such a fact, known to Clara, allowed me to explore a very vulnerable side to her character which. This, in turn, would see Harry forced to evaluate his own conduct around other people as he fears he will drive away the most important person in his life.
