In the oil-rich and environmentally devastated Nigerian Delta, the wife of a Bri
tish oil executive has been kidnapped. Two journalists a young upstart, Rufus, a
nd a once-great, now disillusioned veteran, Zaq are sent to find her. In a story
rich with atmosphere and taut with suspense, Oil on Water explores the conflict
between idealism and cynical disillusionment in a journey full of danger and un
intended consequences. As Rufus and Zaq navigate polluted rivers flanked by expl
oded and dormant oil wells, in search of the white woman, they must contend with
the brutality of both government soldiers and militants. Assailed by irresolvab
le versions of the truth about the woman s disappearance, dependent on the kindn
ess of strangers of unknowable loyalties, their journalistic objectivity will pr
ove unsustainable, but other values might yet salvage their human dignity."
