A Bend in the River

by VS Naipaul
A Bend in the River cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Historical Fiction
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  • ID: 10471
  • Added: 2026-01-25
  • Updated: 2026-01-28
  • ISBN: 9781529050769
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2020-02-20
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

A Bend in the River is V. S. Naipaul’s vivid exploration of post-colonial Africa at the time of Independence. The story follows Salim, who has spent most of his life on the east coast of Africa, as he moves to an unnamed country in the heart of the continent to build a new life. He buys a small shop in a sleepy town, at a bend in the river, where he sells sundries to the locals. This rich landscape becomes a microcosm of the changing world, filled with chaos, violent change, warring tribes, ignorance, isolation, and poverty. /n/n First published in 1979, A Bend in the River is one of Naipaul's most potent works, offering a moving story of historical upheaval and social breakdown. The novel is introduced by Yiyun Li, author of A Thousand Years of Good Prayers, adding a layer of contemporary insight to Naipaul's timeless exploration of post-colonial Africa.

Reviews
The Freudian Couch · 2017-04-08
insightful 3.50

The novel is a good starting point for exploring African history, offering much to think about.

The Freudian Couch's review praises 'A Bend in the River' as a compelling introduction to African history, noting that it provides a wealth of material for reflection. They appreciate the novel's depth and complexity, which they believe makes it a valuable resource for understanding the continent's past and present. The review highlights the novel's ability to provoke thought and discussion, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in African history and literature. They also note that the novel's exploration of themes like identity, power, and the impact of colonialism is both insightful and relevant.

Quick quotes

    On the whole, A Bend in the River is a good starting point for me to explore more on African history, which seems to have a lot to think about.

    The novel's depth and complexity make it a valuable resource for understanding the continent's past and present.

    A Bend in the River's exploration of themes like identity, power, and the impact of colonialism is both insightful and relevant.

The Reading Bug · 2016-07-25
thought-provoking 4.00

The novel reads like an updating of Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness', set in the post-independence period.

The Reading Bug's review draws parallels between 'A Bend in the River' and Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness', noting that Naipaul's novel takes the themes and settings of Conrad's work and updates them to the post-independence era. They appreciate the novel's exploration of the psychological and political landscape of Africa during this transitional period. The review highlights the novel's ability to capture the complexities and contradictions of a continent grappling with its past and future, making it a thought-provoking and relevant read.

Quick quotes

    'A Bend in the River' reads like an updating of Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness', taken 60 or 70 years forward into the post-independence period.

    The novel's exploration of the psychological and political landscape of Africa during this transitional period is both insightful and compelling.

    A Bend in the River captures the complexities and contradictions of a continent grappling with its past and future.

The Guardian · 2015-06-08
powerful 4.50

The novel is a masterpiece that offers a hellish vision of an African nation's path to independence, though it has been accused of racism.

The Guardian's review highlights the novel's powerful and unsettling portrayal of post-independence Africa. They describe it as a masterpiece that delves into the complexities and struggles of a nation finding its way. The review acknowledges the controversy surrounding the book's depiction of Africa, noting that while it has been accused of racism, its literary merit remains undeniable. The novel's exploration of themes like identity, history, and the impact of colonialism is both brilliant and harrowing, making it a significant work in Naipaul's oeuvre.

Quick quotes

    VS Naipaul's hellish vision of an African nation's path to independence saw him accused of racism, but remains his masterpiece.

    The novel's exploration of themes like identity, history, and the impact of colonialism is both brilliant and harrowing.

    A Bend in the River is a significant work in Naipaul's oeuvre.

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