Steamboats of the Congo

Wild African rivers, colonial corruption, and survival in a historical fiction tale of a 19th-century Congo River journey.

By: Wilbur K Sarvis

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Length: 8 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

A Historical Adventure Book Set in the Congo River Region during the Late 19th to Early 20th Century

"Steamboats of the Congo" is a riveting chronicle unfolding amidst the European expansion into Africa. As you traverse through the pages, you will follow Captain John Kinsley, a man grappling with the challenges of survival and morality on the tumultuous waterways of the Congo River.

The Journey Begins

From sandbars to smallpox, Kinsley's adversities on his fateful voyage onboard the British and African Steamship M’poso encompass not only the treacherous natural elements of African river navigation but also the undercurrents of corruption, deceit, and greed stirred by European colonial ambitions.

Entrapment in the Web of Power

The fragile balance of survival and morality is painted vividly through Kinsley's dealings with conniving traders and native inhabitants, all entangled in the power struggles under King Leopold II of Belgium.

Finding Courage in Chaos

Relive Kinsley's harrowing experiences taking command amidst a smallpox outbreak on a Portuguese steamer and his brave rescue of passengers from the burning German emigrant ship Grosser Carl. As you explore these episodes, you will find yourself in the eye of the storm, where authority is a bloody necessity and fear is the reigning law.

Tumultuous Fame and Unwanted Accolades

Delve into post-rescue aftermath seeping with sensationalism from the British press, conflicts with profit-minded shipowners, and a misplaced imperial award from the German Emperor. These scenarios challenge Kinsley, pushing him to redefine his existence beyond the river.

A New Life on Land

Follow Kinsley's transformative journey from the waterways to the serene landscapes of Wharfedale, where he reinvents himself as a farmer and religious leader, delicately juxtaposing his maritime past with a rugged, pastoral reality."Steamboats of the Congo" is a deeply textured historical adventure, painting a vivid picture of life during the European scramble for Africa. It underscores themes of resilience, honor, and the complex interplay of personal and political in a time of relentless colonial aspiration.