Static

"Static" by Wallace West is a gripping novella set in colonial Africa, exploring the complexities of human nature when pushed to its limits. The story follows Charles Markley, a young man seeking purpose in Africa by improving radio communication, but instead finds himself battling isolation and succumbing to the lure of alcohol. His life takes a dramatic turn as he gets involved with local customs and a native woman, Eta, while tensions rise with Buhu, the village witch doctor; in his unraveling, Markley presents his radio as a god, leading to conflict and tragedy. With strong imagery and a focus on the collision between technology and tradition, the book paints a stark picture of the destructive power of colonialism and the personal devastation that comes from despair and cultural misunderstanding.