Bosambo of the River

by Edgar Wallace

"Bosambo of the River" by Edgar Wallace is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book primarily follows the adventures of Bosambo, an intelligent and resourceful native who, after escaping from a penal settlement, becomes the chief of the Ochori. The story revolves around themes of power, ambition, and the complexities of colonial relationships in Africa. The opening of the novel introduces Bosambo, who is initially a convict sentenced to labor in a remote penal settlement. However, he quickly escapes after killing his oppressor, Captain Cole, and is motivated by a desire for freedom and authority. As the narrative unfolds, we meet Arachi, a schemer and "borrower" who dreams of gaining chiefdom despite his lack of respect from others, and we see the political maneuvering involved in the tribal dynamics of the region. The tone is set for a tale interweaving personal ambition and colonial intrigue, as Bosambo's story begins in a world filled with ambition, deception, and the pursuit of power.