Danger and Romance in Foreign Lands

To see the world, to report political intrigue and corruption abroad, to take the gifts of white privilege and freedom as an American citizen and do something worthwhile-these are the ambitions of Scott Higgins, a young American foreign correspondent in South Asia who becomes caught up in dramatic political events in Bangladesh and Pakistan in the 1970s. It is in India that he also makes an unexpected connection with Rakhi, a smart, savvy, and sultry woman who is also a banking professional. Together Scott and Rakhi move to Nairobi, where, even as newlyweds, their lives and welfare are seriously threatened in the exotic country of Kenya. Later, after an extravagant honeymoon in Paris, their last assignment is in London, where Rakhi's career blossoms, but not without its severe troubles.

About the Author

Stephen E. Eisenbraun is a retired Foreign Service Officer whose assignments overseas included Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, and Kenya. His Washington assignments included, among other offices, the India desk, the Tunisia desk, and the combined Kenya and Uganda desks. Eisenbraun was a political officer during tumultuous times in South Asia when India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh experienced political turmoil, including an Air Force mutiny in Bangladesh and the burning of the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan. Eisenbraun was Deputy Chief of Mission in Sierra Leone and Principal Officer/Consul in Mombasa, Kenya. In Washington, Eisenbraun also worked on the staff of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Prior to joining the Foreign Service, Eisenbraun studied Hindi at Delhi University in India under the auspices of a fellowship from the American Institute of Indian Studies. He has a master's degree in International Relations from the Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies. In retirement, Eisenbraun continues to work as a consultant to the Department of State as the Editor in Chief of the Department's annual Country Reports on Human Rights. He is a past Chairman of the Editorial Board of the Foreign Service Journal.

READER COMMENTS

"A compact tale that quickly hooks the reader with its fast-moving action and revealing cultural insights. It evokes times and places with a flair. Eisenbraun acquaints us with familiar cities of South Asia and East Africa but also with such exotic locales as Kashmir and Lamu Island, off the coast of Kenya. As the principal narrator, Scott is a journalist endowed with curiosity that uncovers great stories regarding historic events but also leads to nail-biting adventures, from encounters with threatening water buffalo to political intrigue. It reflects the assurance of a writer with experience to know whereof he speaks. And all of that set against a poignant romance makes this a memorable journey and satisfying page turner."

Jerome Hoganson

Veteran Foreign Service Officer & Refugee Program Director

"An American diplomat's nostalgic reverie into the past of postings in Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, and Kenya. The story escalates into a catching modern odyssey of cross-cultural romance, political events, and the decisive coming of age of South Asian women. Eisenbraun weaves a delicate tale through Scott, the journalist, and Rakhi, the sultry, attractive Indian banker. A pleasurable, magnetic read."

Shahnaz Wazir Ali,

Women's Rights Activist, Pakistan