Everfair by Nisi Shawl

Just for achaneA political story of an alternate history,
  "Everfair" by Nisi Shawl set in a somewhat alternate
universe is about the efforts of white people and
African-Americans to evict the brutal regime of
  King Leopold of Belgium to from the African Congo.
     Everfair is what they name the land they purchase and settle on
in Africa.  Leopold wanted the rubber and other valuable materials
that the Congo could furnish.  His regime took families hostage and
amputated the arms of the men who would not gather rubber.
That part about Leopold is historical fact.  The story is not.
     Motivated by the desire to spread the Christian Religion
to the heathen some were and others by the same motives that
the US and British abolitionists held they succeed then the new
nation is caught in WW I on the losing side.  Others are people
from other nations brought there against their will.  They try to
establish a somewhat democratic nation but an African king caught
up in the struggle decides to get rid of the foreigners. By exile
not by murder.  A Chinese artificer is a important character.
     It has taken me about 4 weeks to finish this book and the
type is small for an old person to read.  A few pages every
day got it done.
     Some call it steam punk but it is at base a Utopian dream.
     Like many Utopian dreams it disappoints many dreamers.
Oh and this is worth reading.

bliss

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