Book Title: Lusaka Confidential.
Author: Prof. Charles Mwewa.
Reviewer: Stephen Misori.
Buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1998788954
Lusaka Confidential is a riveting crime novel that delves into the complexities of power, loyalty, and redemption. The story revolves around Monde Mwendashi, the daughter of the late President Zeibous and Bishop Mwendashi, and her husband, Mwanga Bwembya, the son of the notorious drug kingpin known as The Boss.
In this novel, Prof Charles Mwewa exposes a world ruled by an “Invisible Hand” in both a chilling and fascinating manner.
The novel takes readers deep into the inner workings of Zambia’s elite and underworld, revealing the intricate dance between power, corruption, and the quest for personal freedom. As the plot unfolds, the characters are faced with intense moral dilemmas that test their loyalty, faith, and resilience.
Prof Mwewa, an Amazon Best-selling Author, narrates about Monde Mwendashi, a newcomer at KISS (King’s International Secondary School), where her life takes a new shape, upon meeting Mwanga, leader of the Arrogance Cartel.
Her life takes a dramatic turn when she reveals her true parentage and her marriage to Mwanga. The revelation sparks a national outcry and leads to the establishment of a truce and reconciliation commission aimed at addressing the deep rooted and criminal activities that have plunged Zambia.
In Chapter 2, the writer focuses on Beatrice, a woman whose life is turned upside down after her first-born son is taken from her under suspicious circumstances.
Years later, her daughter, Monde, learns that her biological father is non other than the sitting president, a revelation that shakes the foundation of her identity and further complicates her relationship with both her absent father and her resilient mother.
From the very onset, the story grips readers with a sense of mystery. Beatrice’s sudden displacement to a makeshift hospital, her encounter with the sinister General Mumba Makayi Milando Bwembya, and the disappearance of her child, all knit a thrilling narrative of suspense.
Monde’s realization that her life of privilege was due to her biological father’s influence and not entirely her mother’s merit – explores the tension between individual agency and system power.
In chapter 3, Monde who is known for her distaste for arrogance, finds herself in an unexpected situation with Mwanga, otherwise known as “Boss Boy.” Mwanga is a young man whose influence extends far beyond the classroom, bearing connections to the notorious drug lord, Milando Bwembya – a figure whose reputation haunts the school and its staff.
The dialogue in the book is snappy and natural, bringing the classroom scenes to life with humor and tension. One of the standout moments is when Monde unexpectedly agrees with Mwanga’s reasoning, surprising her classmates, who are aware of her distaste for him.
The author’s ability to blend teenage drama with larger societal issues is commendable. He hints at the politics of power in Lusaka, drawing in themes of justice, corruption, and loyalty. The reader is left wondering about the true nature of Mwanga’s character, caught between the façade of “Boss Boy” and his genuine interest in Monde.
The fourth chapter, titled “The Boss in Jail,” paints a picture of Mukobeko Prison, a fortress-like institution from which no one has ever escaped. The prison’s ominous reputation, complete with electric fences and surveillance, forms the perfect backdrop for the larger-than-life character known as “The Boss.”
The Boss, the central figure of the chapter, is no ordinary inmate. Though confined behind bars, he remains an enigmatic and powerful figure, running an underground empire from within the prison walls. Known for his ruthless control over the drug trade inside and outside the prison, The Boss commands respect and fear in equal measure.
Mwewa reveals a man who, despite his brutal methods, exhibits unexpected acts of kindness. The Boss’s donations to street children and his care for inmates without families complicate his character, painting him as both a feared drug lord and a man with a sense of morality shaped by his own tragic experiences.
The dynamic between The Boss and his most trusted ally, Shokashoka, is fascinating. Both men share a dark past, having been forced to consume human flesh during their incarceration at Southern Rhodesia Penitentiary (SRP).
This shared trauma binds them in ways that go beyond typical loyalty, with Shokashoka serving as the Boss’s personal food taster and bodyguard.
Mwewa skillfully captures this internal conflict, as Mwanga weighs his desire to quit the criminal lifestyle against his fear of disappointing his father, The Boss. This tension becomes a central theme of the chapter, as Mwanga’s spiritual conflict is juxtaposed against the rigid expectations of his father’s world.
The writer’s portrayal of Mwanga’s dilemma resonates strongly with readers. It’s not just a story about crime and redemption; it’s about generational cycles, the influence of family, and the courage required to break free from the chains of one’s past.
The emotional weight of Mwanga’s decision to walk to the front of the church for prayer adds layers of vulnerability and depth to his character, showing that even the most hardened criminals are not beyond spiritual redemption.
The character of Mwamba Ndalama, Mwanga’s lead bodyguard, is another intriguing figure in this chapter. His decision to knock out Mwanga rather than let him publicly demonstrate weakness reveals the brutal code of honor and survival that governs this world.
As Mwanga wakes up at home, the narrative takes an even more personal turn with the introduction of The Boss via a phone call. This father-son conversation showcases the underlying tension between the criminal empire they control and the spiritual awakening Mwanga seeks.
The Boss’s dismissive attitude towards religion, viewing it as a “business” like any other, contrasts sharply with Mwanga’s newfound faith. Mwewa handles this clash of ideologies with finesse, highlighting The Boss’s manipulation and cynical worldview while also revealing the deep love he has for his son, despite their differences.
The Boss’s imprisonment in an impenetrable high-security prison is the setup for a masterfully orchestrated escape plan—fifteen years in the making. This plan, like everything in The Boss’s life, is executed with precision, involving a mix of bribery, manipulation, and surgical deception.
The novel’s exploration of power structures is fascinating, especially the portrayal of the Zambian political elite and their hidden dealings. One particularly tense moment in the book is the explosion of bombs along “the Path,” a secretive escape route for corrupt politicians.
The catastrophic chain of events that follows reveals the extent of corruption within the government, as well as the vulnerability of even the most powerful figures when their secrets are exposed.
Mwanga’s journey toward faith is not straightforward, and his involvement in his father’s world complicates his desire to break free.
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Lusaka Confidential doesn’t shy away from exploring the theme of deception—whether through the elaborate prison escape or the various characters’ attempts to navigate their double lives. The revelation that Dr. Mukelabai, Zambia’s top plastic surgeon, is forced to perform surgery on himself under duress to save his family, adds a chilling element of coercion and survival to the story.
This is a powerful narrative of redemption and transformation, showcasing the resilience and determination of its characters to bring about positive change in their country. Through Monde’s courageous leadership and Mwanga’s commitment to reform, Zambia embarks on a journey towards becoming a semi – developed nation with reduced corruption and a brighter future for its people.
