Uyo

by . J. A. Dibble

In 2002, Eve and Jack Elway are in the rain forest in Nigeria performing humanitarian service living and working on the southeast coast of Akwa Ibom near the Cameroon border below Calabar on the Cross River. They soon learn that life in a brutal society among the gentle Ibibio people is dangerous. Loyal native friends steer them clear of corrupt government officials and scheming fraudsters. They experience the richness and humor of the culture in which they have been transplanted. Looming in the background is an ambiguous threat. The American couple fails to see the perils of the subtle surveillance of their movements. George W. Bush has negotiated the exile of Charles Taylor, the butcher of Sierra Leone, to Calabar where the path of his minions crosses the Elways. Unexplained accidents and deaths lead to their realization that they are in a race for survival. The deadly plot they uncover leads to brushes with death in the bush which is populated by mambas, cobras, gaboon vipers and insurgents.

285 pages, Paperback

Published May 23, 2020

Reviews

[Mitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is a good introduction to the political and social status of southern Nigeria for those unfamiliar (me!) It provides a lot of interesting facts and observations, in an enjoyable format through the fictional characters. The storyline is also very engaging, and the ending had me on the edge of my seat. I could picture navigating the roads as a foreigner, and felt like reading this book gave me a small taste of what visiting Uyo might be like.

[MJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting descriptions of Nigeria. Once I got to the last 80 pages it was so suspenseful I couldn’t put it down.

[Steve Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book opens the mind of the reader to the challenges of adjusting to new and difficult circumstances in life’s journey. It illustrates how one can apply sound principles and practices in a variety of unexpected situations. It reflects how love and integrity may be used to overcome obstacles and cement worthwhile relationships. It teaches that happiness and persistence can overcome adversity and opposition.

[Brent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uyo takes you into the heart of Africa with wonderful authenticity and from there into a entertaining and compelling story full of intrigue and colorful characters, pulling you along toward an exciting climax made all the more believable by its historical accuracy. You feel immersed in an exotic culture that most of us know little about, but about which we have immense curiosity. It was great fun tagging along with the protagonists who, like us, found themselves strangers in unfamiliar territory on the dark continent and were swallowed up in a journey full of mystery and surprise, each step fraught with serpentine danger both bestial and human. A reading delight of the first order.

[Kbmaxwell Maxwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating though it needs a good edit. So much to learn about Nigeria and its ways and needs.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Exciting and full of heart. Wonderful insight into Nigerian culture.