The Africa House

A poignant tale of ambition and love, The Africa House chronicles Stewart Gore-Brown's dream and its eventual decline amidst personal and colonial complexities.

In the waning years of the British Empire, Stewart Gore-Brown creates a feudal paradise in Northern Rhodesia, establishing a vast estate that mirrors the grandeur of English manors. This estate, adorned with uniformed servants, daily muster parades, and meticulously cultivated rose gardens, becomes the embodiment of his dreams. Stewart's vision is not just for himself; he longs to share this idyllic life with Ethel Locke King, a remarkable woman who defies conventions. However, their relationship is complicated by age, marriage, and familial ties, as Ethel is both his aunt and nearly two decades older than him.

As Stewart navigates his feelings for Ethel, he encounters Lorna, the daughter of his first love. Lorna's striking resemblance to her mother reignites memories of the past, offering Stewart a glimmer of companionship and perhaps love again. Yet, the dream of The Africa House weighs heavily on him, creating tension in his relationships. The narrative unfolds against a backdrop of British colonialism, revealing the complexities of ambition, love, and betrayal.

Christina Lamb's The Africa House weaves a tale of high hopes and tragic outcomes, capturing the essence of a bygone era. As the story progresses, the once-vibrant estate falls into disrepair, symbolizing the decline of colonial aspirations. Through rich storytelling, Lamb explores themes of passion, adventure, and the inevitable consequences of dreams unfulfilled.