We are all Birds of Uganda

This book by Hafa Zayan tells of the many Asian entrepreneurs whio moved to Uganda in the 20th century.  They developed successful bussiness, until Idi Amin's regime led to another move to Great Britain for many.   The main character, Sameer, is the grandson of such a family.  He becomes a well-educated ans sucessful young lawyer, working and enjoying his lifestyle in London.  After being mugged in the city where he felt at home, he senses dissatisfation and disenchantment with his life.  Family events take him home to Leicester.  The family were unaware that he was about to move to Singapore for work, because he hadn't been able to find the word to tell them.  He becomes more aware of cultural differences.  He becomes interested in  his family's past which he had never known about and decides to visit Uganda.  The family home had been left in the care of Abdullah, who had been their servant.  The focus of his life changes, with Abdullah's granddaughter a powerful influence.  

The majority of the group was glad to have read this book.  They appreciated the characterisation and the depiction of the power of parents to keep control over their adult children

Review by Rosemary Jordan