Discover the Enthralling Tale of "Served the King of England": A Journey into the Heart of Colonial Africa

An to "Served the King of England"

"Served the King of England" is a captivating memoir by Dennis Hills, a young man from a working-class background in Liverpool, England, who embarked on an extraordinary adventure to Africa in the early 20th century. Published in 1954, this timeless work has become a classic of colonial literature, offering a unique perspective on the complexities of British imperialism and its impact on the lives of both colonizers and colonized.

I Served the King of England (New Directions Classic)

by Bohumil Hrabal

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1326 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	256 pages

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The Journey to Africa

Driven by a desire for adventure and a sense of duty to his country, Hills left England in 1930 at the age of 19 to join the British Colonial Service in Kenya. Little did he know that this decision would set him on a path that would forever alter his life. Upon arriving in Africa, Hills was immediately struck by the stark contrasts between the Western world he had left behind and the unfamiliar, exotic land that lay before him.

Life in Colonial Kenya

As a District Officer, Hills spent the next several years working in various remote outposts across Kenya. His duties were as diverse as they were challenging, ranging from administering justice to collecting taxes and maintaining law and Free Download. Through his interactions with the local people, Hills gained invaluable insights into their culture, customs, and beliefs.

He witnessed firsthand the often-harsh realities of colonial rule, including the exploitation of African labor and the suppression of local traditions. Yet, despite the challenges, Hills also developed a deep affection for the people and land of Africa. He learned to speak Swahili, immersed himself in local customs, and forged lasting friendships with members of the community.

The Mau Mau Uprising

Hills's time in Kenya coincided with the rise of the Mau Mau Uprising, a bloody rebellion against British rule. As the conflict escalated, Hills found himself at the heart of the action, caught between his loyalty to his country and his sympathy for the African people. He witnessed firsthand the horrors of war and the devastating impact it had on both sides.

Hills's experiences during the Mau Mau Uprising profoundly shaped his views on colonialism. He came to question the legitimacy of British rule and the moral implications of subduing a people who were fighting for their freedom.

Return to England

After serving for over a decade in Africa, Hills returned to England a changed man. He had witnessed the best and worst of human nature and had developed a complex understanding of the complexities of colonialism. His experiences had left an indelible mark on his soul, and he dedicated the rest of his life to sharing his story and advocating for a more just and equitable world.

Literary Legacy

"Served the King of England" is a powerful and moving memoir that offers a rare glimpse into the world of colonial Africa through the eyes of an ordinary man. Hills's vivid prose and keen eye for detail bring the people, places, and events of this tumultuous period to life.

The book has been praised for its honesty, its insights into the human condition, and its ability to challenge preconceptions about colonialism. It continues to be read and studied by scholars, historians, and general readers alike, serving as an indispensable resource for understanding the complex legacy of British imperialism in Africa.

"Served the King of England" is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of colonialism, Africa, or the human experience. It is a timeless work that offers a unique perspective on one of the most important and controversial chapters in world history. Through Hills's journey, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of colonialism, the impact it had on both colonizers and colonized, and the enduring legacy it left behind.

I Served the King of England (New Directions Classic)

by Bohumil Hrabal

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1326 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	256 pages

FREE