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Review of Quest: Finding Freddie

Posted: 28 Jun 2024, 03:01
by David Okolie
[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 sheds new light on a true-life enigma in a captivating way. On August 14, 1976, Frederick David Nachman, a businessman from the Nachman International Trading Corporation (NITC), vanished while staying at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria. He was in the country to finalize a five-year telecommunications deal with the Nigerian government. Nachman, a Jewish man, went for a walk on the Jewish Sabbath and never returned to his hotel room, causing concern due to the political tensions and anti-Semitic sentiments in the area. His distraught wife hired the family's attorney, Thomas Richard Spradlin from the Clifford and Warnke law firm, to search for Nachman and bring him back home.

Aware of the lengthy and difficult visa process, Richard knows sneaking back into the war-torn country in 1976 is risky. Seeking help from his lawyer friend Peter in Lagos, Richard accepts a dangerous assignment despite the volatile political climate. With public executions and persecution of Jewish people rife, survival is uncertain.

This book vividly portrays Nigeria's turbulent political and social climate in the 1970s. The author's evocative descriptions bring Lagos to life, capturing its complexities and dangers. His interactions with locals and his attempt to learn "pidgin" English add authenticity to the narrative. What impressed me most was the author's ability to blend humor with serious storytelling. Despite the seriousness of his investigation, he maintains a captivating and engaging narrative. His rich descriptions of characters and settings make the story come alive, allowing you to visualize the people and places he went.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have no criticisms or dislikes. I was fascinated by the opportunity to explore Nigerian culture. The additional facts provided at the end of each chapter were a bonus. I appreciated how the author skillfully wove in political context without making it overly prominent.

I give this book a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars rating. I gained a wealth of knowledge about Nigeria's history, which was presented in an engaging and accessible way. The writing was clear and concise, making it easy for readers to follow. The editing was also top-notch, with minimal errors. Overall, this non-fiction book was a pleasure to read.

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Quest: Finding Freddie
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