"The Wreck of Zanzibar": A 1964 Novel by John Christopher

The Wreck of Zanzibar is a 1964 novel by John Christopher, set in a fictional East African coastal town (Kismayu) near the Kenya border. Inspired by the author's time as a tea estate assistant in East Africa, the story follows British expatriates and locals banding together to survive civil war after Zanzibar loses independence. Key characters: Richard (agriculturalist leader), Sarah (local woman), Salim (guide), Mr./Mrs. Smith, Dr. Patel. The novel was critically acclaimed and adapted into a 1973 TV film starring Michael York, Sarah Miles, Dennis Waterman.