In Units 5 through 11 of A Bend in the River by V.S. Naipaul, war between the locals and the invaders erupts in Salim's town. There are warrior armies with guns being taken over by the President's armies. Father Huisman is killed and "mutilated." Mahesh opens a Bigburger, which becomes successful. Salim finds out Metty has fathered a baby with an African woman and feels he has "lost" Metty. Salim reconnects with his friend, Indar. Salim doesn't seem to care for the President and believes the Domain is a "waste and foolishness."
Salim goes to a dinner party at the house of Yvette and Raymond. Raymond is a historian who works with the President. Raymond tells his dinner guests, "It takes an African to rule Africa," since the people don't seem to take kind to the European outsiders. Salim becomes "obsessed" with Yvette, starting an affair with her. Indar tells Salim about his past in England, where he was rejected for a job with the Indian High Commission because he had "divided loyalties," being a citizen of Africa. Ferdinand leaves to become a cadet, and takes a steamer with Indar to the capitol.
Salim shows us the effects of war and colonization on his town, as being tense and uncertain. He envies Ferdinand for the opportunity to leave, calling him a "lucky man moving on to richer experience." He also wishes he could be like Indar, travel anywhere and feel at home, "being himself." It's interesting Salim seems surprised to find a "new need," with falling in love with Yvette. It dawns on him, that all he has been looking for, is security instead of romance.
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