Runner-up for the 2012 Guyana Prize for Literature in the category: Best Work of Fiction
Guyana, South America, 1979, was not a free and easy place to be. The Kabaka Party ruled the government and the streets. They carried swagger sticks, wore heavy leather boots, and called each other “comrade.” They promised to make the small man into a real man; instead they brought poverty, starvation, and racial mistrust to a nation, once hopeful, now disgruntled.
American Captain Stephen Erikson accepts his post as assistant Military Attache in Guyana, aware that a military coup might be in the offing. He’s happy to reconnect with his old West Point pal, Captain Andrew Rambarran, serving in the Guyanese army.m While rekindling his friendship with Andrew, Steve meets Anita, Andrew’s cousin. She is beautiful and intelligent, and Steve can’t help but fall for her.
Steve’s loyalties become severely tested when the military plan to take down the Kabaka Party moves the country into a state of uproar. Should Steve be true to his friend, or to his country’s interests in the affair? More importantly, will either he or Andrew live to find out?
***
“The February 23rd Coup is a story of international political intrigue, rivaling the works of Frederick Forsyth and David Ignatius. The novel is both an edge-of-your-seat page-turner and a profound commentary on Third World politics at their most elemental level. . . . A must read!” Scott Douglas Gerber, author of The Law Clerk and The Ivory Tower
“In The February 23rd Coup, Chaitram Singh weaves a spell-binding tale replete with political intrigue, love, and armed violence. Two young army officers from different countries renew their friendship as they are drawn into a revolt that goes awry. A truly enjoyable read, even an important one for US military and embassy personnel who might find themselves embroiled in Third World political disturbances.” Brigadier General Michael Alexander, USAF (ret.)
“In The February 23rd Coup, Chaitram Singh tells a story of betrayal and redemption as Cold War contestation rippled through a Third World country. An excellent piece of political fiction with elements of an action adventure.” Nala Singham, Editor and Publisher, The Caribbean New Yorker
Awarded the 2012 Guyana Prize for Literature as the Best First Work of Fiction
Army Captain Moore and his wife, Jeanene, are seeking to emigrate to the United States. Conditions of life in the land of their birth have deteriorated immensely, and the Moore family has fallen out of favor with the ruling dictator. The Moores are waiting for the letter from the U.S. Embassy notifying them of their final interview.
While carrying out his duties as Commander of F-Company, Alan objects to the corrupt practices he observes. including ballot-box tampering during the national election. This further isolates him from his military superiors and, when he stumbles onto a smuggling operation, he is falsely accused and incarcerated.
Will the dictator succeed in humiliating Alan and his family, or will his wife and friends succeed in freeing him?
***
“The Flour Convoy follows in the great tradition of Chinua Achebe’s Anthills in the Savannah and V.S. Naipaul’s A Bend in the River, but moves beyond those important works with an insider’s view of the military’s role in buttressing the authoritarian regime it chronicles . . . An informative and compelling read. Scott Douglas Gerber, author of The Ivory Tower and The Law Clerk
“A writer of great creativity and wit, Chaitram Singh brings an intellectual’s insight to bear on the light and dark sides of humainty in a situation that speaks of universal struggles, tragedies, and triumphs. . . . A compelling read that keeps the reader turning pages.” Bruce Conn, author of The Curse of Durgan’s Reef
“A view of authoritarianism from a very close range . . .The Flour Convoymakes the reader an eyewitness to the corruptive practices so common in post-colonial regimes. A wonderfully crafted plot, presented with a crispness the title conveys.” Nala singham, Editor & Publisher, The Caribbean New Yorker
Posted in FICTION
CHAITRAM SINGH 