Cover Image: Kololo Hill

Kololo Hill

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Kololo Hill is one of those reads that leaves you with a profound lasting impact. Personally speaking, I was completely ignorant of Uganda's Asian exodus and the displacement that ensued before reading this book. It served as an eye opener for me and made me look into the country's dark history.
Neema Shah captures the painful and heartbreaking emotions of one Asian family brilliantly through different narratives. Faced with immense danger in the country that has always been their home and leaving everything they own, they flee Uganda for the United Kingdom.
Kololo Hill is hard hitting and at times, extremely difficult to read. Shah manages to grip the reader and immerse them into this journey from the beginning till the very end.

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Having grown up in a village close to north London where many Ugandan Asian families were placed after arriving at Heathrow, I was intrigued by the premise of this book. I enjoyed the first part set in Uganda, particularly the descriptions of the places and the food. I also liked the tension that ratcheted up before the family’s departure.
However I was disappointed with the second part after they had arrived in England. I felt it glossed over many difficulties that both the Asian and the white communities had in terms of communication, culture, integration etc. I particularly remember being in the greengrocers and an elderly Asian lady (with whom I was fascinated to look at her beautiful, colourful sari covered by a heavy coat but still wearing flip flops with socks) having great difficulty finding any vegetables that looked familiar. I think we take for granted that we can get African/Asian vegetables and spices easily now - but certainly not in the early ‘70s. So, going back to the book, it felt as though all these issues/problems had not been observed and in fact Jaya, the mother in law seemed to take it all in her stride, which given she’d only just lost her husband seemed a little unrealistic.
I know in many traditional Asian families that once a girl is married she joins the husband’s family but I felt the character of Ashya had been described as being quite independent and forward thinking, non submissive etc. Therefore I felt that the lack of any reference to her brothers, mother and father during the last three months of their time in Uganda was a big hole in the story. Surely Ashya would have had some contact with her family, who were in the same situation as her husband’s family?
I’m pleased I read this book but for the reasons given above can only give it three stars.

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Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

I find it very interesting that two books about the exile of Ugandan Asians should be published at almost the same time, given it's a topic that doesn't seem to have been explored much to this point. Zayyan's novel takes both a contemporary and historical view of the expulsion, whereas Shah only looks at the events surrounding the early 1970s. However, both are powerfully written. Shah particularly examines what the events meant for relationships within the family and looks in more depth at the implications of how Black and Asian Ugandans worked (or did not work) together in their society, a fact which led to Amin's policies. Shah also examines the welcome that Ugandan Asians were given in Britain, for better or for worse. These kinds of histories are needed, and I hope many people read them.

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Kololo Hill by Neema Shah is the debut Asian Ugandan literature set in 1970's Uganda that will captivate you with its human story of love, loss, and desperation of families who were thrown out of their homes and country. This was such a familiar story, yet so different and important to be read in these times of division, hatred, and otherisms. It is very relevant to the times we live as conversations of race, inequality, oppression, power, and devastation are at the forefront of our lives.

Neema Shah does a fantastic job of bringing us realistic life-like characters whose journeys we follow through the good, the hard, and the ugly to finally get to a place where you can stand proud and tall and not take the abuse anymore. The story is focused on Jaya and her family. Idi Amin and his decree of expulsion of the Asian Ugandan minorities to leave the country within the 90-day mark. They were ordered to flee the country leaving all of their hard work, money, life, and legacy behind. With only Britain to move to and neither of the countries willing to welcome them several families were separated and stranded in different countries. The dictatorship rocked the country and brought shock waves into the lives of ordinary Ugandan and Asian people alike. I read last month, We Are All Birds Of Uganda which tells us a similar story of people having to flee their homes and being stuck in countries where they didn't belong and having to start their life from scratch all the while going through the trauma they had to endure during the oppressive regime of Idi Amin.

Overall, this is a story that sheds light on the expulsion of Asian Ugandans during Idi Amin's oppressive regime. This is a lesser-known history and I am glad I came to know about this in Hafsa Zayyan's equally moving story before reading this. If you love cultural fiction and historical fiction, that tells us family stories of struggle, resilience, and survival, definitely pick this one up. I really enjoyed this story and I gave it 4 stars. It was an emotional and impactful read. I have to say this was a strong debut and I am looking forward to reading more of Neema Shah's works in the future.

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An absolutely fascinating historical fiction novel. I do remember this news when i was a child. Inspired by true stories, including her own family, Neema Shah tells of the Asian population in Uganda who were forced to leave with 90 days notice by Idi Amin. Many had been born there and never lived anywhere else. Successful, hard working business owners with privileged lifestyles literally had to escape with what they could fit in a suitcase. Written beautifully is the contrast between hot, sultry Uganda to damp winter in the UK in the 70's. Some wonderful characters and a great story.

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Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARe-copy in exchange for this honest review.
This is a wonderful debut novel skillfully weaving the beauty of the stories of identity, heritage, belonging and community with the tragic events of the Asian expulsion from Uganda and the ugliness of all it entailed.
Shah very quickly makes you feel deeply invested in the characters and disperses cultural differences with the intrinsic parts of human nature that helps us to relate to the truly shocking turn their lives had to take. A beautiful, heartbreaking novel with an important story that needs to be told so we don't forget and become entrapped in societal ignorance.

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“Kololo Hill” by Neema Shah is the story of a family of Ugandan Asians expelled from their country by the Idi Amin regime. Their struggles in Uganda, perilous journey to safety and efforts to adapt to their new home are the opportunity for the author to explore themes of home and belonging, family ties, as well as love, trust and responsibility. We hear the story from three different narrators – Asha, a young woman, just married to Pram, who is fighting to save the family business from collapse, her mother-in-law, Jaya, an older woman who already knows how it is to start from scratch in a new place, and Vijay, her younger son. Their journey will take them from beautiful yet dangerous Kampala, where people disappear at night and their wealth is stolen from them, to wet and chilly but safe London, where they experience different kinds of prejudice as well as people’s kindness and compassion.

There is so much richness in this book – smells and tastes of Uganda (oh, all this food, I was constantly hungry reading it!), there is music, clothes and noises, the constant hum of other people and gunshots in the night. All this is a stark contrast against the darkness and blandness of London with its unknown smells and noises. The evocative language takes the reader straight into the story, making them to care and sympathise with the characters. We see them thrown into the unknown, each of them reacting differently to the tragedies they face. I loved how the author wrote about the personal struggles Jaya and her family go through – writing about starting again from the beginning, searching for home and place to belong, adjusting to the new normal and missing the familiar old. There are always thoughts about what was left behind, but some adapt better than others – I loved the positivity that shone from this novel.

“Kololo Hill” is such an amazing debut novel, it has so much to offer and there is a lot to think about – not only the story of the expulsion from Uganda, but also musings about perseverance, belonging and the meaning of home. A great novel, worth reading and discussing.

Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a free copy of this book.

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I so much loved this story that deals with racism in Uganda during the 1970s when Asians had just 90 days to leave the country was fantastic.

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Thank you Net Galley and Pan Macmillan for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

Kololo Hill, although fictional, introduced me to a period of history which I was unaware of: the mass expulsion of thousands of Indians from Uganda in 1972 with only 90 days notice by the man who is popularly known as the butcher of Uganda, Idi Amin. Forced to leave with only the bare minimum, leaving behind their home, business, possessions, friends and sometimes family and sent to different destinations based on their passports.

This was a poignant debut novel about love, loss, loyalty, belonging and displacement. A story of immigrants which is sadly still relevant today. Beautifully written, with vivid and evocative descriptions, I felt compelled to find out more about Uganda and it’s tumultuous past. Neema Shah portrays this historical reality through the journey of one Indian family who were deeply affected by Idi Amin’s brutal decree.

Asha and Pran, newly married, living with Pran’s parents, Jaya and Motichand, and his brother Vijay, who was born with a disability. It also depicts the relationship they had with their houseboy, December, who although not Indian belonged to another persecuted faction in Uganda.

No story can truly capture how hard it must be to leave the life you have by no choice of your own. However, through the viewpoints of Asha, Jaya and Vijay, we are given a brief insight into what it was like for immigrants from the life they had, to the new life they built, starting over again, finding somewhere to belong. It depicts their resilience, hardships, successes and failures as they experience differences in people, culture, food, and living conditions. It also portrays kindness, in the people that accepted them, as well as the hostility they faced in 1970s England.

The story shows how decisions made, no matter how small, have a ripple effect and the importance of trust, loyalty and faith during difficult times. A book to read and to learn from.


TW: Racism, Violence and Rape

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A beautifully written book. I loved the characters and I went on the journey with them whilst they built a new life after leaving Uganda.

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Admittedly, I never knew much about Ugandan Asians other than Idi Amin violently expelled 80,000 Asians out of Uganda in the 1970’s. I never knew the full extent of the displacement, the £50 they were given each to leave with, the 90 days that this had to happen within. It’s a period of history that needs a spotlight, and stories to be told. I was overjoyed to find a fresh and current book which covered this much needed heartbreaking story.

Neema Shah, beautifully draws you into a whole family and their set up. Newly weds Asha and Pran who live with Pran’s parents - Mortichand and Jaya, and his brother, Vijay. She captures the stunning landscape and setting of Uganda, and then their imminent arrival to wet and cold London. As a reader, you find yourself investing in the whole family and their journey. You take in the sights, the smells and soak in all the emotions. I also enjoyed the different viewpoints, the story is told from - it adds a real depth to the story.

From this story, the reader learns a part of history; and indeed British history, that remains buried. It’s a story of displacement, belonging and identity. It’s a brilliant starting point to learn more about the impact of colonialism on the world back then and very much in the present context.

I followed the journey with a mixture of emotions. There was sadness, anxiety and fear for the families torn apart by violent disorder, but also a great insight into the plight of refugees finding themselves settling and eventually making a life in Britain.

If like me, you’re on a journey of self reflection and discovery on all things South Asian diaspora - then this book is a great addition.

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Oh wow what a debut novel.

Kololo Hill follows the story of one family from prosperity in pre Idi Amin Uganda, through the expulsion of the Asian communities by him in the 1970's to the struggle to create new lives in the UK.

Though horror, sorrow, love, dependency, secrets and self discovery we follow the family as their comfortable lives disappear in a country that they love. The author beautifully brings to life the sights, sounds and food of the East African Asian community though out the story and the beauty of a lost Uganda.

A book set around an atrocity that many of us know very little about.

Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for giving me the privilege of a free copy of this novel in return for an unbiased review.

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Kololo Hill was a residential area in Kampala occupied by wealthy Asians who migrated to Uganda in the mid 20th century and established successful businesses. Regrettably this visible wealth was to be their downfall .When Idi Amin came to power it was not long before he issued a mandate that all 90,000 Asians leave Uganda within 90 days. Furthermore they had to leave everything behind - stores, plantations factories and homes. Although this is fiction, Shah never having lived in Uganda' her research has ensured she presents the reader with a very real representation of just how traumatic and terrifying this period must have been for the Asian community. So full of difficulties. Just getting out safely was one. Finding a country that would take you in was another. Keeping your family together was a third. All these issues are faced by the characters in this novel and, through their story, Shah shines a light on this fascinating and often overlooked period of history.

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Historical fiction isn't usually my go-to, but Neema Shah blends fact and fiction so beautifully, offering brilliant insight into the experience of Asians in Uganda at the time, whilst also providing an unputdownable story filled with complicated family dynamics and relationships. Beautifully written, this novel is equal parts heartbreaking and hopeful and Neema Shah is definitely one to watch.

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A deep insight into the problems and issues faced by families caught up in situations outside their control. They are the forgotten fallout of political situations resulting in their displacement and resettlement in a new country away from their culture and everything they hold dear. An excellent read and very thought provoking.

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C/W: Violence, attempted rape, sexual assault, death, implied suicide, anti-Black language

"Kololo Hill" follows Asha, Pran and Pran's family who are forced to flee Uganda under a decree made by Idi Amin. This was quite an honest and familiar look at a South Asian family who have origins in India, grow up in Uganda and finally flee to Britain. I really did enjoy the commentary surrounding the fact that Pran and his family don't know any other home apart from Uganda and are forced to leave it. Further emphasising that for many diasporas although they know of their country of origin, the country of their birth is what they consider to be "home".

I appreciate how "Kololo Hill" frames relationships between South Asians and Ugandans at the time without glamorising the relationships (which I did appreciate).

I do have to highlight that while I appreciate this representation, the book is inspired somewhat by the author's parents who grew up in Kenya and Tanzania, although it is well-researched. The book does provide a list of additional non-fiction resources should anyone want to know more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillian for allowing me to read an e-arc of this book. All opinions are my own.

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I really enjoyed.the journey this book took me on - quite harrowing at times but a real insight into a piece of (relatively recent) history I knew little about. The book follows the lives of 4 main characters - Jaya, her adult sons Pran and Vijay, and Pran's wife Asha. As the story unfolds and life events take their toll on them and their loved ones, it is interesting to see how they change and become stronger. The ending.was initially a bit of a disappointment, but in retrospect I think it was probably the right way to end and leaves it open to the reader as to what might then happen a year or two down the line. An interesting,, enjoyable and informative read; thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for my arc.

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I picked up Kololo Hill after reading We Are All Birds of Uganda by Hafsa Zayyan. Both books are about the expulsion of Asians from Uganda in the 1970s, but whereas We Are All Birds of Uganda tells the story through characters looking back, Neema Shah tells her story through characters who are living in the moment.

Shah writes Kololo Hill through multiple perspectives, but all are part of Asha and Pran’s family, which the story centres around. Asha and Pran are a young married couple, and when they are forced to leave Uganda, they are forced to leave behind Pran’s family business as well.

This is the reason the ruler of Uganda gives for expelling Asians: the inequality between them and the black Ugandans. This is, of course, as result of colonialism. Neema Shah does a good job of presenting the complicated reality of the time. She doesn’t paint this as a black and white situation at all. She humanises what was, and to a degree still is, a difficult political situation.

Asha is by far my favourite character. She represents the generation of women who were beginning to find their independence in the 70s. She worked before marrying Pran, and throughout the novel, we sense her desire to be more than a wife and mother. Asha has a mind of her own, and this is in contrast to Jaya, Pran’s mother, who openly admits early in the novel that she made herself pliable to her husband’s needs and life. The two women represent different generations of women, and I enjoyed that juxtaposition.

Shah also draws comparisons between how the black Ugandans feel about Asians in their country, and how some white British people felt about the Asians entering Britain. Both groups perceive themselves to be losing something through the Asians’ presence. Inequality, regardless of the country, only breeds discontent and division between people.

My only small criticism of Kololo Hill is that Shah could have explored some of the emotional moments in the text more. If the reader were given a deeper look into a character’s thoughts and feelings, when certain momentous events happened, it would have deepened the connection we feel to the characters. But this is a small niggle in what otherwise is a beautiful, atmospheric book.

Shah’s writing reminds me a little of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. I think she’s a writer with great potential to get better and better over time. I really enjoyed Kololo Hill, and I’ll be following her work.

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Enjoyable and evocative novel about ordinary people facing huge upheavals in every aspect of their lives. Under the ruthless rule of Idi Amin, Ugandan Asians are forced to leave everything they own, love and have worked for and start a new life in the UK where they have safety but face constant racism. Some vivid descriptions and subtle characterization. I can see this story as a good TV drama. An assured debut.

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It is a sad truth that the twenty-first century has provided numerous examples of people needing to flee a country and seek a home in another. Neema Shah’s Kololo Hill focuses on the 1972 expulsion of Asian families from Uganda on the dictate of Idi Amin, but its vivid depiction of one such family coming to terms with the loss of its home resonates with our own times.

Uganda is depicted in a rich phantasmagoria of colours, sounds and smells – the family still relatively happy, emerging from a near blissful denial of the rising menace, wising up to the gunfire at night, the soldiers on the street, the bodies in the lake. As their world is turned upside down, the fundamental questions are how they can stay together, and how much must they sacrifice to do so.

The terrifying departure from Uganda is where the book drops the veil to show the cruelty of the Amin regime, an experience that casts a long shadow over the rest of the book. Arriving in a wintery London, the family find a world of contradictions and prejudices, but also experience the kindness of strangers to a degree that is very moving. 1970s London is as well painted as Uganda, but in muted shades that convey the chilliness and isolation, a juxtaposition that is one of the book's great strengths.

And even then, the question remains – where is home? Is it where they are together, safe and secure, or is where their hearts lie? As each member of the family deals with these questions, big decisions need to be made, leading to an ending that keeps the reader gripped to the final page. Highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

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