The Iron Snake, An unforgettable saga of a railroad in Africa that changed the lives of millions

The Iron Snake is a novel set in the last few years of Victoria’s reign at the height of the Empire, a period marred by unrest in Africa. The British are building a railroad in their Kenya Colony, an exciting world of hate, passion, loyalty and violence. Stories abound about the wild nature of the line—shaky wooden trestle bridges over enormous chasms, man-eating lions pulling railway workers out of carriages at night—and back home the British Parliament is upset that construction of what the Africans call the Iron Snake will never return the enormous investment. The tabloid term, ‘Lunatic Express,’ seems to fit.

The heroine, brave, spirited Alice McConnell joins the Hon. Geoffrey Brian Scofield Stanford, and a host of other fascinating, passionate characters as they witness Africa’s first steps into the modern era, and in the process, the transformation of their own lives.

Reviews

"The Iron Snake is an example of what hard work, extensive travel, determination and talent can achieve." -- Alexander McCall Smith, bestselling author of the Botswana Mma Ramotswe series, and 2004 Author of the Year, Great Britain.

"...a fascinating and well-written glimpse into colonial Africa, a good mix of history, romance and adventure." -- Barbara Esstman, Night Ride Home, ABC Movie Special and the 200th Hallmark Hall of Fame by Hallmark Productions.

"The author, John Gaudet, has set a fast-paced, believable adventure that has just the right balance of humor, pathos and passion to succeed. He is a writer in the tradition of the best historical adventures and his book benefits from many years living in Africa." -- Dogwoods Book Club, McLean,VA

Published by Brandylane Publishers, Richmond, VA
January, 2007; $16.95 US: ISBN 1-883911-72-9