The Greatest Books: Written by V. S. Naipaul

The best books by and about V.S. Naipaul.

Remembering V S Naipaul: Five of his best books and why you should read them- Edexlive

V.S. Naipaul: books you should read after his passing - LatinAmerican Post

Salim, an ethnically Indian Muslim hailing from the east African coast, decided to relocate to an unnamed African country's interior. He made this decision out of concern for the political independence sweeping across Africa. He bought a trading goods store from a family friend, Nazruddin, who had spent several years in the interior. The town he moved to was an old colonial hub located at a major river's bend. The township was in ruins, with relics of a once mighty empire destroyed by the local Africans as retaliation against their former colonizers. As a result of the political climate, only a few Europeans remained and most Africans had returned to their villages. 

In the midst of an uprising that severely damaged the Indian community on the coast, Salim’s family sent Metty, a half-African former slave, to assist in his shop. The shop dealt in basic household goods, with Salim's first customer being a renowned sorceress and African trader named Zabeth. As the town began to recover, it was hit by rebel activity, which was swiftly quashed by white mercenaries sent by the President. Following this, the town experienced an economic boom and regained its status as a regional trading center. The President seized a nearby section of land, once a European suburb, to construct a modern polytechnic university. However, the locals were largely oblivious to the activities of this institution, which felt like a separate world to them.

As things progressed, Salim became involved with Raymond's young wife, Yvette. An affair ensued, but it fizzled out as Salim felt uncomfortable and attacked Yvette. Political unrest began to grow in the town, and the President's denouncement of the Youth Guard, a group he had established to maintain order, led to the formation of a Liberation Army. As violence escalated, Salim decided to leave the country and visit Nazruddin in London. Upon his return, he discovered that his shop had been nationalized and taken over by an inexperienced African named Théotime. Salim, kept on as manager and chauffeur, began trading illegally, which eventually led to his arrest. After spending a few days in jail, he was released and advised by the commissioner, Zabeth's son Ferdinand, to leave town as soon as possible. Heeding the advice, Salim departed the town on the eve of the President's arrival.

6 Best VS Naipaul Books of All Time

A Bend in the River

A House for Mr Biswas

A Novel

In a Free State

A Novel

The Enigma of Arrival

Miguel Street

A Way in the World

A Novel

Sources

What To Read Next

6 Best VS Naipaul Books of All Time

A Bend in the River

A House for Mr Biswas

A Novel

In a Free State

A Novel

The Enigma of Arrival

Miguel Street

A Way in the World

A Novel

Sources

What To Read Next

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