T. S. (Thomas Sigismund) Stribling
Fombombo
"Fombombo" by T. S. Stribling is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of Venezuela, the story revolves around Thomas Strawbridge, an American salesman who finds himself navigating a foreign land rife with political turmoil and insurrection. The plot intricately combines elements of business dealings with a burgeoning revolution, as Strawbridge attempts to secure a sale of firearms while confronting both the cultural complexities of Venezuela and the ambitions of the local revolutionary leader, General Fombombo. At the start of the novel, Thomas Strawbridge visits the American consulate in Caracas out of a sense of duty, only to be met with a weary diplomat, Mr. Anderson, who shares his disenchantment with the country's political state. Through their conversation, Strawbridge learns of the insurrections occurring around Venezuela, including one led by the enigmatic Fombombo. As he leaves the consulate with a note introducing him to Fombombo, Strawbridge grapples with the challenges of navigating Caracas's streets while seeking the address of a man whose intentions may lie at the intersection of business and rebellion. The opening sets the stage for Strawbridge's journey through a world steeped in conflict, revealing both the harsh realities of the Venezuelan experience and the protagonist's American perspective amid a landscape of political chaos and moral dilemmas.