The Diplomat

We are two years into the future, and the national security and future economy of Norway is at stake. The very first Ambassador from the African Union Federation is the central character in a story that sees Norway wanting to stake its economic future through big investment in Africa. The African continent's key role is becoming more and more prominent; the novel gives a good overview of the economic developments in Africa. Ambassador Geraldo is not entirely convinced of the benefits of Norwegian investments for ordinary Africans. He is also concerned about permeating old attitudes. Through the ambassador, we get a glimpse into the future of the security situation in Norway and Europe. The Diplomat can be read like a mini-textbook where the author has used fictional characters to present facts. The reader is served the story of The Organization of African Unity, The African Union, Africa-China relation, and a status report that provide insight into the economic situation in Norway in 2017 and beyond. Cleverly using memos and diplomatic cables, the author gives us a picture into future economic and political relations. Ambassador Geraldo gives us an outside perspective of Norwegian values and attitudes; he gives us interesting observations and reflections on the Norwegian "model" and mentality. The novel takes us through the ambassador's everyday life, and the political agendas that form the backdrop of the Ambassador's moral dilemmas and diplomatic relations. The novel is exciting. It brings Africa to Norway and Norway to Africa. Francis is probably the first author to synthesize economic and political relations between Africa and Norway in such a manner.