This is just the type of novel I truthfully enjoy: a jolly good read that’s factual, educational and enlightening. My thanks to NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to indulge myself in this excellent piece of work.

Set in Uganda in 1972, this debut novel tells the story of one family’s escape after Idi Amin forces thousands of Asians to leave the country. A book of two halves, contrasting between the lives and lifestyle of a family’s fight for survival in two continents. It is a story of loss and separation, but also ultimately of hope. This novel explores what it means to leave your home behind, what it takes to start again, and the lengths some will go to protect their loved ones.

Neena Shah has a lovely style of writing, with the words gently drawing you in until you too feel part of the family. The candid descriptions attributed to the political situation in Uganda and later the treatment of refugees upon arrival in the UK were particularly informative, which are distressing and shameful. An amazing, well researched debut novel, this is really packs and punch.

Such an interesting read, reflecting on an awful period in history.

Asha and Pran are newlyweds, living with his parents in Uganda; things are, at best, unstable in a country led by a despot and when it is decreed that all Ugandan Asians must leave the country within the next ninety days they must make plans. It is with a heavy heart that Jaya must leave her marital home and Pran finds it difficult to face losing the family business which he has worked so hard to revitalise. With others disappearing in the country, do they have any choice?

This is a story which got right under my skin - Neema Shah writes a gripping story encompassing all members of the family. I well remember the rule of Idi Amin; my father was always keen on us being aware of world events and I remember talking about what was going on in Uganda when I was just a schoolgirl and being quite appalled at how he was treating the population of 'his' country. So, from the very start I was interested in the outcome of this family's dilemma. It's not all as straightforward as it seems though as there are other things to take into consideration and secrets are lurking. It's fair to say that I have been glued to this one, eager to find out the family's fate. There are some very tense moments and it's not without a bit of heartbreak too but this author knows how to spin a tale and keep her readers hooked to the very end. An exciting, thought provoking and well-written novel and one which left me nodding my head in satisfaction. 4* and my recommendation to everyone who enjoys a cultural read.

I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Pan Macmillan, and the author Neema Shah.
I was really interested to read a novel around Idi Amin's time in power in Uganda but was slightly disappointed by Kololo Hill. The story felt too focused on the family and their individual struggles, and although well-written there was little context or historical detail to give the novel its shape. Considering it was such a fraught and traumatic time, I was surprised to find it slow moving at times.
The plot could've been more varied, and I would have enjoyed more historical detail and context, but a good book nonetheless. 3 stars.

Kololo Hill, a thought provoking novel following a family through the expulsion of Ugandan Asians by President Amin in 1972, their relocation to England and how navigate through their new lives.

So cleverly written and brilliantly descriptive - each time I read a few chapters I felt totally transported. I loved the character development, particularly Asha who seemed to blossom from the quiet doting wife to a feisty, strong woman. I empathised with Jaya after all she had been through, felt hopeful for Vijay when most doubted him and Pran... well, you will have to read yourself find out!

A fellow reviewer actually recommended that I request Kololo Hill after thoroughly enjoying ‘We are all birds of Uganda’ (Hafsa) - it has ignited an interest to read more fictional and non-fiction works from this very important time period.

Overall, a wonderful debut from Neema Shah that will have you hooked from start to finish.

Thank you to Pan MacMillan for the e-ARC via NetGalley.

Kololo Hill is set in Uganda during 1972 when Idi Amin was persecuting those who spoke out against him, or who threatened his power. He wants all the Asian population to leave, and gives them 90 days. Asha, her brother-in-law Vijay, and his mother, Jaya all have British passports and prepare to leave everything behind. Including Pran, husband - brother - son. Pran does not have a British passport. It is a heart-breaking scene when they have to say goodbye knowing there is no certainty they will ever meet again.

The second half of the book documents life in the UK. The kindness of strangers, as well as the racism and hostility they face. Asha finds work and a purpose she's never had before. Jaya finds life more difficult, but settles into a new way of life before too long. So when Pran is finally granted permission to come to Britain, Asha is filled with dread, more than joy.

Kololo Hill is a beautifully written debut that gives such insight into life as an immigrant. The mixed feelings about leaving a home that was, in the end, a place to fear. The uncertainty and confusion upon reaching a new country where everything is different. The climate, the food, the language. But it is also a story about the complexity of human relationships, written with sensitivity and insight.

Such a fab debut by Neema Shah. A really fantastic depiction of the difficulties a family face as they leave Uganda to seek safety in England during the expulsion of Ugandan Asians in 1972. This provokes so much thought around what really makes a place home. Asha and Pran both have very different views on this. Such a heart breaking story but certainly a must-read.

I absolutely loved this book. Loved the setting. The storyline was good as were the characters and I could not put it down

Surely the best debut novel I have ever had the pleasure to read. Neema Shah's story packs a hefty emotional punch. Idi Amin, the Butcher of Uganda expels the entire Asian population in 1972. Neema informs of race, class, love, loss, terror, murder, using a fictional template for an appalling historic event.
This is a remarkably intimate story, following the characters from Uganda to England, where they have exchanged the terror of Idi Amin for a new life in a country ravaged by power cuts and unemployment.
I'm never going to forget these characters. I do hope a sequel is forthcoming.

A moving and exceptional debut!

Neema Shah's story follows the lives of a family living in Kampala. Newly married Asha and Pran live with his parents, Mortichand and Jaya and his brother, Vijay. December is their house boy and much loved by the family. It's 1972 and they have the unimaginable ordeal of just 90 days to leave their home and all their belongings. Dictator Idi Amin orders the expulsion of Ugandan Asians and the family are torn apart as they flee.

I was quickly drawn into this story. The author writes so beautifully that you can feel the baking Kampala sun on you and her descriptions of fabric and food, the colour and texture of the country is stunning.

The story is as exciting as it is tragic and I found myself holding my breath as I followed their journey, from the beautiful Ugandan countryside to the dripping wet pavements of London.

The author has enlightened me on a period of history I have to admit to being a bit ignorant about, and she has done it in the most enthralling way.

Thank you to Picador and to NetGalley for this advanced copy.

Kololo Hill is a stunning debut by Neema Shah. Set in Kampala during 1972 when the brutal dictator Idi Amin had been in charge of Uganda for a year and decides that all Ugandan Asians leave the country.

Indians which were brought into Uganda in the late 19th and early 20th century by the British, who had rule over both countries, to build a railway network in East Africa from the Kenyan coast to Ugandan capital of Kampala.

The story is based around a family consisting of main character Asha, her newly wedded husband Pran, his brother Vijay and her parents in law Motichand and Jaya, with minor characters such as December, the Ugandan house boy that lives in the family's house and Mrs Goswami, a friend of Jaya to name but a few. When the evil dictator Idi Amin announces that all Ugandan Asians must leave Uganda immediately or face consequences they think it's just one of his fanciful ideas and not to be taken seriously, but as time goes on it becomes apparent that it is a serious threat. Houses are raided by soldiers, men are savagely attacked and women are violently raped. Many of the Ugandan Asians have a British dependant territory passport like Asha, Vijay and Jaya. Some have an Indian passport like Motichand and a few unfortunate people have a Ugandan passport like Pran. The family face a fight to stay together after expulsion.

Such a beautifully written book from the colourful country of Uganda to a cold, grey and grim London, Shah takes you on a journey of the early 70s that seems to have unfortunately been forgotten.

The thought of having to leave a country that doesn't want you to have to go and start a new life in a country where, at the time, racism is rife I can't begin to imagine what that would have been like.

A story that will stay with me, one I will highly recommend to friends and family and one I will read again in the future.

Thanks to Netgalley and Picador for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I received a copy of the book from Netgalley to review.. Thank you so much for the opportunity.
An action packed story with plenty of twists and turns.
A good read.

In 1972 Idi Amin ordered all Ugandan Asians to leave Uganda, leaving their homes, businesses, friends and, in some cases family, behind. Kololo Hill by Neema Shah is a novel about a family whose lives are completely turned upside down as they are forced to flee with not much more than the clothes they’re wearing. This is a period of history that I knew nothing at all about but have now read up on. The book manages to capture some of the horror, fear and devastation faced by Ugandan Asians at the time, within an intriguing, twisty family drama.

This is such a beautifully written book, in which I quickly became exceptionally invested. The author’s descriptions are hugely evocative, the sights, smells, and even tastes of Uganda leaping from the pages. There were a lot of unfamiliar (to me) words that I had to look up, and was glad I did as some of the foods sound amazing! It’s obviously an emotional and tense read at times, with some pretty harrowing scenes. But, partially I think because of this, I couldn’t put it down.

Chapters are written largely from the perspectives of matriarch, Jaya and her daughter-in-law, Asha although we also hear from Jaya’s youngest son, (Asha’s brother in law) Vijay. The two women are both very different and remarkably similar. Asha’s family seem quite liberal and when she meets Pran is she is able to convince them she no longer a requires an arranged marriage. Throughout, Asha proves that she is strong and knows her own mind and, while Jaya is on the more traditional side, there is a definite mutual respect and a strength that bonds them.

Kololo Hill is a fantastic book and Neema Shah is definitely an author to watch.

An absolute stunner of a book. Set in 1972, Kololo Hill is the heartbreaking story of a family who are given 90 days to leave Uganda. The story explores the difficulties faced when all you know is taken and you are forced to start again in another country. A beautiful book full of atmosphere and courage.

Thank you for my copy of this book to review.

I knew little about the expulsion of the Asian community from Uganda before reading this book, but I found the story informative and emotional. It was tough to read at times but I feel I learnt so much. I particularly liked the strong female characters in Asha & Jaya and I enjoyed the story being told from different characters voices.

I have already recommended this book and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

A touching story from different generations' perspectives of the mass expulsion of Asian
Ugandan families from their country in the 1970's under the notoriously brutal regime of Idi Amin.

The initial story sets up the extended family background and characters within the increasing tensions of their home in Kololo Hill. As things go from bad to worse, they are issued just 90 days notice to leave their money, homes & lives behind and ordered to leave Uganda for good.

This unimaginable turn of events, and their escape fraught with danger, is detailed in the accounts of Jaya, her sons Pran & Vijay, and Pran's new wife, Asha. The writing is superb, exploring the horrors of this time but in a subtle, sophisticated way that leads you to understand how terrifying it must have been but also confusing and heartbreaking for so many.

Ultimately, they must rebuild their lives in a strange country none of them have lived in before, but above all they have to come to terms with what happened back in Uganda, and the consequences this has for their future.

I truly admired Jaya's loyalty, faith and resilience and Asha's steely resolve as both choose to take control of their lives and stand up for themselves, and each other. A beautiful, haunting book that skillfully reveals an important part of our history.

A moving story of a family facing danger, death and separation in Idi Amin's 1970s' Uganda. Motichand and his wife Jaya live in luxury at the top of Kololo Hill with their sons Pran and Vijay, and their daughter-in-law Asha. Houseboy December, a native Ugandan, is part of the family. The family are rich, successful and respected, but that won’t save them when Amin announces all Asians must leave Uganda or face the consequences. With murders, tortures and disappearances commonplace, the family have no option but to comply, and make plans to leave for England. But what’s to be done about December, one of a tribe Amin is persecuting? Can they save him? Can they save themselves?
This is a tale of two parts – the first half, taking us through the family’s trials in Uganda, is tense and dramatic – though the narrative is slow-paced, there’s an underlying air of menace to remind you danger is never far away. It then switches to the UK, where the family find that they may have British passports, but not everyone is going to make them welcome. Told from different viewpoints, this story builds up a picture of individuals who have nothing left but their pride and resourcefulness, who must navigate their way through hostile worlds while dealing with the challenge of their own fractured family dynamics and their longing for the happy life they once led in beautiful Uganda.
The characters are utterly compelling, especially the women. Asha is a strong resourceful character, young, independent, feisty and unwilling to bow to the whims of her menfolk. Jaya, her mother-in-law, is more traditional, but fierce, loyal and surprisingly adaptable to every challenge she's faced since making the long journey as a young bride from India to Africa, and the even longer one to the UK.
Though the pace is slow, the plot is compelling and the prose is beautiful as the author contraststhe two very different countries of Uganda and England, both beautiful despite the underlyng ugliness of how some of their residents behave.

I enjoyed this book. It was interesting, informative and intriguing. It was easy to read and wonderfully written. Would recommend.

Fantastically written, with really interesting characters, exploring a part of history which needs to be remembered. Kololo Hill starts off in Uganda in the 1970s, amidst dangerous tensions. Idi Amin has come to power, and decrees that all Asians must leave the country within 90 days. For Asha, Pran and Vijay, who were all born in Uganda, this means giving up everything that they have ever known, becoming either stateless refugees or separated from other family members who have a different passport colour. Their entire family is exiled and left with nothing, but the first thought is simply to escape safely, with their lives. Eventually, three of the family make it safely to England, but the reality of starting life over from scratch in a strange country is daunting, where not everyone is welcoming, and they must still grapple with the difficulties surrounding being reunited with the rest of their family again. This is beautifully and empathetically rendered, and Asha, Jaya and Vijay are all wonderful characters to read, strong in different ways.

My thanks to #NetGalley and Picador for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

“Power is not a means; it is an end. One does not establish a dictatorship in order to safeguard a revolution; one makes the revolution in order to establish the dictatorship. The object of persecution is persecution. The object of torture is torture. The object of power is power.”
― George Orwell, 1984

In early August 1972, the President of Uganda, Idi Amin, ordered the expulsion of his country's Asian minority, giving them 90 days to leave the country, in addition, they were allowed to take only a minimum amount of money with them. Kololo Hill follows the lives of just one fictional Ugandan Asian family, as the expulsion deadline approaches.

Asha and Pran are newlyweds, living with Pran’s father Motichand, mother Jaya, and his brother Vijay. They have a houseboy too by the name of December, ( though he’s much too old to be a boy). December has been with the family since Motichand and Jaya arrived from India, and he means a lot to the family, particularly Jaya, and he too, is one of the minority’s who are in danger at the hands of Idi Amin’s regime.

Motichand and Jaya arrived in Uganda from India many years ago, and the beautiful green hilltops of Kololo Hill are very much their home now, they’ve made a decent life for themselves and have been very happy. That was before the expulsion was announced, and Amin’s curfews began, accompanied by an increasingly alarming and violent military presence, mainly directed at those of Asian descent. Not only does this family have to face the fear and challenge of starting a whole new life in a strange country, but to do it with very little money.

I can't even begin to imagine how it must feel, to be faced with the fact that you can never return to your home. That most precious of places - a safe haven from all the madness that takes place in the big outside world. However, this is exactly what our family in 'Kololo Hill' has to face, when they are uprooted and thrown out of Uganda, having to start a new life with nothing, leaving behind a successful business, a beautiful home, and friends of many years standing, thanks to the despot Idi Amin. Before that, there was the persecution, the theft of belongings by Amin’s scavenging soldiers, the rapes, the beatings and the killings

Told from various viewpoints, Neema Shah’s debut novel, gives great insight into what it was like for those immigrants starting a new life in England. There was the initial shock of the holding camps, and when our particular family eventually found somewhere to live, it was so vastly different from their beautiful hilltop home in Kampala. Their new home is an old damp, and freezing cold, terrace house in London. There were also the cultural differences, the hardship, and the hostility that they faced on a daily basis.

A poignant story of a family who lost everything they loved, trying to rebuild their lives in a country so different from their own, and one where the welcome they received, was as cold as the weather. Highly recommended!

This was the first book I read in 2021 and I absolutely loved it. I enjoyed the perspectives of three different characters - Asha, Jaya and Vijay - and following them as they were told by dictator Idi Amin to leave their homes in Uganda, along with thousands of other Asians, and flee to England.

Not only did the novel give me an insight into a period in recent history that I didn't know very much about (and which I then went on to research further), there was also an excellent story behind it. The contrast between Uganda and England was well portrayed, and the ways in which the different characters reacted and adapted to changes in their lives were really interesting.

And the descriptions of the food were amazing :-)

I whizzed through this book and was actually gutted to have finished it!