Long Odds

It's a rather dense novel and the subject matter is extremely heavy. In tribal Africa, one Englishman makes a promise to some others. When he comes into some money before he can complete that promise, no one thinks he should then return to Africa to make good on that promise–least of all his fiancée. All but one friend call him an utter fool to even think of venturing back into the dangerous wilds of Africa to rescue the “boys” he had to leave behind (the “boys” were the African carriers who would be hired to accompany folks from place to place). The English call him a crazy man for thinking anyone would risk their lives to keep a promise to a “n– boy” (yes, that word is used).

But no matter what, he's a man of his word. It doesn't faze him that his “friends” try to force him to renege on his promise. And thereby begins the tale of his quest through the African swamps and jungles to find and rescue the men he promised to. Only–they've been taken by the biggest white warlord of the time, and his life is in danger just as much from the white man who hates him as from the harsh climate.

He has two friends willing to lend support but who can't go into “the interior” with him. Instead, one brave missionary, already half-dead from the climate, is his companion.

Very heavy reading–especially at the atrocities facing the native folk (who were just as much in danger from the other tribes selling them as slaves, as from the warlords both black and white who wished to own/control them) who honestly had no chance at freedom and stable living. Also inspiring, that a man would give up so much for a promise.