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Review of Quest: Finding Freddie

Posted: 09 Jul 2024, 08:13
by Michael Browny
[Following is a volunteer review of "Quest: Finding Freddie" by Thomas Richard Spradlin.]
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5 out of 5 stars
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Quest: Finding Freddie by Thomas Richard Spradlin unfolds against the backdrop of a nation (Nigeria) in turmoil, reeling from the aftermath of a violent coup that ousted Head of State Yakubu Gowon. As the country is still dealing with this, Mr. Fredrick David Nachman's business aspirations bring him to Nigeria for a contract. However, his visit takes a sinister turn when he inexplicably vanishes without a trace, setting the stage for the central mystery of the novel. Thomas Richard Spradlin, a partner at a law firm, had been in Nigeria when Mr. Fredrick David Nachman (Freddie) disappeared, but he had no idea. Upon returning to the United States, he was asked to return to Nigeria to see if he could locate Freddie.

From the beginning, this book gave off a "Mission Impossible" vibe, and that made me love it so much! The author's witty writing style, together with the historical figures in Nigeria and the United States mentioned, created an air of intrigue and suspense for me while I read the book. The mention of ITT Nigeria, led by the prominent businessman Moshood Abiola, as a competitor to Freddie's business interests made my mind race for all the possible reasons why Freddie should disappear and if he was alive or dead at the time.

Furthermore, I appreciate the cultural insights that this book provides. It offers a window into the informal systems that govern daily life in Nigeria, particularly the practice of offering "dash" (small bribes) to officials to expedite processes or receive preferential treatment. The author's detailed portrayal of historical corruption in Nigeria serves not only as a backdrop for the story but also as a point of reference for readers to consider the country's ongoing struggle with this issue. It invites reflection on the progress made, the challenges that persist, and the potential paths forward in Nigeria's fight against corruption. There were no negative aspects to this book. If you are interested in the history of Nigeria, then I recommend this book to you. The book was professionally edited, and I rate it 5 out of 5 stars.

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Quest: Finding Freddie
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