In the Manner of Lipstick
The narrative unfolds in a colonial setting where Mr. Tibbetts, a British officer, conducts a lecture on military engineering, albeit with little knowledge of the subject. The story introduces a conflict involving the Eburi people, known for their defiance and lawlessness, and their new female chief, Theresa, who has recently ascended to power. The protagonist, Sanders, is tasked with maintaining order in the region, facing challenges from both the Eburi and a neighboring group, the Akasava, who accuse the Eburi of theft and violence. As tensions rise, Sanders learns of Theresa's intentions to revive ancient sacrificial practices, which he cannot tolerate. He sends Bones, a subordinate, to establish a military presence near the Eburi territory, hoping to deter any potential unrest. Bones, despite his lack of expertise, is determined to impress and undertakes the task with a mix of bravado and naivety. The plot thickens as Bones interacts with Theresa, who is both cunning and ambitious. He discovers that she has kept young women captive for sacrificial purposes, prompting him to negotiate their release while weaving elaborate tales to maintain her interest and control the situation. Bones' storytelling captivates the Eburi, and he exploits their belief in magic to manipulate them into digging a canal, ostensibly to find a mythical snake god, M'pita, who promises beauty and power. As the digging progresses, the marshland begins to drain, revealing the consequences of their actions. Bones' plan inadvertently leads to the creation of a new lake, which conceals the dark secrets of K'saga, a local thief and rival to Theresa. The narrative culminates in a confrontation between the colonial authority and the indigenous power dynamics, highlighting themes of control, superstition, and the complexities of colonial governance. Ultimately, the story critiques the absurdities of colonial rule, showcasing the interplay between power, tradition, and the often misguided attempts of outsiders to impose order on chaotic societies. The characters navigate a landscape fraught with danger, deception, and the ever-present threat of violence, reflecting the broader tensions of colonialism and its impact on indigenous cultures.
By Edgar wallace · First published 1931 · Genre: Adventure, Colonial Fiction, Drama · 5,397 words
First lines
IT was one of those glorious days at headquarters which occur in the spring of the year. A fresh, cool breeze blew in from the sea, swaying the fronds of the palms and raising lazy swirls of dust at hut corners.
Mr. Tibbetts stood before a small body of non commissioned officers, a book in his hand, his monocle screwed into his left eye. From the fact that he wore his Sam Browne, and that a leather -- scabbarded sword hung at his left hip, it could be inferred that he was engaged in official duties.
What this Textopian page supports
In the Manner of Lipstick is listed on Textopian as a novel by Edgar wallace, dated 1931 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Edgar wallace
- Date: 1931 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Colonial Fiction, Drama, Historical Fiction, Humor
- Length: 5,397 words
- Structure: 1 section, 143 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for In the Manner of Lipstick by Edgar wallace
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering In the Manner of Lipstick?
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- Where does Adventure first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Adventure — The plot involves exploration and encounters with indigenous tribes, showcasing the protagonist's journey through uncharted territories.
- Colonial Fiction — The story is set in a colonial context, exploring themes of power dynamics between colonizers and indigenous peoples.
- Drama — The narrative contains intense interpersonal conflicts and moral dilemmas faced by the characters.
- Historical Fiction — The book references historical events and figures, particularly related to colonial engineering projects like the Suez Canal.
Tags
mystery · crime · detective · suspense · thriller · fiction · novel · murder · investigation · secrets · drama · plot twist