Review of Quest: Finding Freddie
Posted: 07 Jun 2024, 12:40
[Following is a volunteer review of "Quest: Finding Freddie" by Thomas Richard Spradlin.]
“Quest: Finding Freddie” by Thomas Richard Spradlin is a captivating story that delves into the tragic and mysterious disappearance of Frederick David Nachman, also known as Freddie. Freddie was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Nachman International Trading Corporation (NITC). The Government of Nigeria had announced its ambitious Third National Development Plan, which aimed to increase the number of telephone lines in the country from 50,000 to 750,000. This plan was of significant interest to NITC, prompting Freddie to travel to Lagos, Nigeria, to bid for the contract. However, during this business trip, Freddie mysteriously disappeared, setting off a chain of events that would become the core of this enthralling narrative.
Freddie’s disappearance in Lagos, Nigeria, on August 14, 1976, amid political instability, forms the central point of the book. The political landscape in Nigeria was tumultuous, with a recent military coup attempt and the assassination of General Murtala Muhammed earlier that year. These events added layers of complexity to the search for Freddie, making the situation even more precarious.
Freddie’s wife, Ruth Nachman, deeply concerned about her husband’s fate, engaged the services of the Clifford & Warnke law firm to find him and bring him back to New York. The law firm assigned the task to Richard Spradlin, a general partner. Spradlin’s quest to locate Freddie involved travelling to Nigeria, navigating bureaucratic hurdles, and dealing with the chaotic political environment.
Spradlin faced significant challenges right from the start. He had to secure a visa with the help of his friend, Peter Johnson, an attorney he had previously worked with in Nigeria. Despite taking the risk of travelling to Nigeria without a visa and expecting Peter to meet him at the airport with one, Spradlin was arrested and detained before Peter’s arrival. This incident set the tone for the numerous obstacles he would encounter in his search. Throughout his quest, Spradlin was assisted by several key individuals. He employed Chima Onuwa as his personal driver and was also helped by Peter Johnson and his driver, Bosede. Their local knowledge and support were invaluable in navigating the complex and often dangerous environment of Lagos during that period.
The emotional toll on Ruth Nachman is poignantly depicted in the book. Her anguish and determination to find her husband, despite the overwhelming odds, add a deeply personal and emotional layer to the story. Ruth’s involvement underscores the personal impact of Freddie’s disappearance and highlights her resilience and unwavering hope.
One of the standout features of the book is its narrative style. Spradlin’s writing is clear and engaging, providing a detailed and immersive portrayal of both the personal and political challenges faced during the search. The historical context of Nigeria’s political turmoil is well-integrated, adding authenticity and depth to the story. The author’s ability to blend historical events with personal narratives makes the book not only informative but also deeply engaging. Among the many gripping moments in the book, the scene where Richard is invited to Kuramo Beach by the National Security Organisation (NSO) stands out. The suspense and unpredictability of this encounter add a thrilling element to the narrative, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
“Quest: Finding Freddie” is a well-crafted and compelling story that seamlessly blends mystery, adventure, and historical insight. The book is free of superfluous information, with every detail contributing to the progression of the narrative. I found it extremely engaging and have no dislikes whatsoever. Additionally, it is professionally edited, with only a few minor errors noted. I highly recommend this book to historians and anyone who enjoys narrative crime stories. Its blend of historical context, legal intrigue, and personal drama makes it a standout read. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars for its detailed storytelling, emotional depth, and engaging writing style.
******
Quest: Finding Freddie
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
“Quest: Finding Freddie” by Thomas Richard Spradlin is a captivating story that delves into the tragic and mysterious disappearance of Frederick David Nachman, also known as Freddie. Freddie was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Nachman International Trading Corporation (NITC). The Government of Nigeria had announced its ambitious Third National Development Plan, which aimed to increase the number of telephone lines in the country from 50,000 to 750,000. This plan was of significant interest to NITC, prompting Freddie to travel to Lagos, Nigeria, to bid for the contract. However, during this business trip, Freddie mysteriously disappeared, setting off a chain of events that would become the core of this enthralling narrative.
Freddie’s disappearance in Lagos, Nigeria, on August 14, 1976, amid political instability, forms the central point of the book. The political landscape in Nigeria was tumultuous, with a recent military coup attempt and the assassination of General Murtala Muhammed earlier that year. These events added layers of complexity to the search for Freddie, making the situation even more precarious.
Freddie’s wife, Ruth Nachman, deeply concerned about her husband’s fate, engaged the services of the Clifford & Warnke law firm to find him and bring him back to New York. The law firm assigned the task to Richard Spradlin, a general partner. Spradlin’s quest to locate Freddie involved travelling to Nigeria, navigating bureaucratic hurdles, and dealing with the chaotic political environment.
Spradlin faced significant challenges right from the start. He had to secure a visa with the help of his friend, Peter Johnson, an attorney he had previously worked with in Nigeria. Despite taking the risk of travelling to Nigeria without a visa and expecting Peter to meet him at the airport with one, Spradlin was arrested and detained before Peter’s arrival. This incident set the tone for the numerous obstacles he would encounter in his search. Throughout his quest, Spradlin was assisted by several key individuals. He employed Chima Onuwa as his personal driver and was also helped by Peter Johnson and his driver, Bosede. Their local knowledge and support were invaluable in navigating the complex and often dangerous environment of Lagos during that period.
The emotional toll on Ruth Nachman is poignantly depicted in the book. Her anguish and determination to find her husband, despite the overwhelming odds, add a deeply personal and emotional layer to the story. Ruth’s involvement underscores the personal impact of Freddie’s disappearance and highlights her resilience and unwavering hope.
One of the standout features of the book is its narrative style. Spradlin’s writing is clear and engaging, providing a detailed and immersive portrayal of both the personal and political challenges faced during the search. The historical context of Nigeria’s political turmoil is well-integrated, adding authenticity and depth to the story. The author’s ability to blend historical events with personal narratives makes the book not only informative but also deeply engaging. Among the many gripping moments in the book, the scene where Richard is invited to Kuramo Beach by the National Security Organisation (NSO) stands out. The suspense and unpredictability of this encounter add a thrilling element to the narrative, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
“Quest: Finding Freddie” is a well-crafted and compelling story that seamlessly blends mystery, adventure, and historical insight. The book is free of superfluous information, with every detail contributing to the progression of the narrative. I found it extremely engaging and have no dislikes whatsoever. Additionally, it is professionally edited, with only a few minor errors noted. I highly recommend this book to historians and anyone who enjoys narrative crime stories. Its blend of historical context, legal intrigue, and personal drama makes it a standout read. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars for its detailed storytelling, emotional depth, and engaging writing style.
******
Quest: Finding Freddie
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon