The Forgotten Pioneer

From considerable research to include treasured photographs and personal diaries, the author pieced together this heartwarming story that first took root with her grandparents'. Supporting the narrative along the way, a generous amount of photographs was sprinkled throughout. Faces emerged behind the prose adding luster to the storyline.

Leaving England in his wake, twenty-two-year-old George Ramsey made his debut into British East Africa. The year was 1898. He responded to an ad in a British newspaper placed by the government for an accountant to work a two-year stint in Africa. The opportunity sounded exciting and with no further ado he was on his way. This did not fare well with his fiancée, Alice. Tearfully, she told him she'd wait till his two-year contract was up. Time moved ever so slowly.

George had no idea what he was getting himself into. At first, he was not prepared for the hidden dangers that lurked around every bush and stream. Many unsuspecting lives were lost. Countless man-eating lions roamed freely. Extra caution would be necessary in order to survive the fearsome elements. To ensure his safety, learning the language and ways of the local tribes such as the Kikuyu and Maasai were top on the list. Lawlessness ruled the land.

Two years turned into four and Alice was finally able to reunite with her future husband, George. Back in the day as protocol would dictate, shortly after her arrival they were married. A romantic honeymoon had waited them in Nairobi.

At the time, the motorcar has not yet made its entrance into the ever-growing village, soon to be a bustling city. The only form of transportation available was by ox-wagons or zebra, when in Rome...

Working tirelessly, George watched his empire build as he first invested in real estate. Soon he attracted many hungry investors. Eventually his business prospered and split off into many subsidiaries. He was instrumental in seeing the Muthaiga Country Club built to the highest of specifications. It drew all the aristocrats and well-to-do from near and far.

The Ramsay's had two sons. The youngest was destined to become the author's father- Derek. Like his father before him, he fell in love with East Africa. Following in the family's footsteps, author Anthea Ramsay drew her first breath in East Africa and has fond memories of her childhood there as shown from beginning to end of this well-written biography.

My gratitude is sent to NetGalley and Troubador Publishing Limited / Matador for this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.