The book was based during the time period of the Post-Colonial mid 20th Century from the country Africa. The book was one of the best works by the V.S. Naipaul and received a worldwide appraisal. For the quality writing and good story, the book was shortlisted for the ‘Bookers Prize’ in the year 1979. The book was considered the quality masterpiece by V.S. Naipaul and recognizes him as a ‘Magnificent Novelist’. The book was even criticized for the story based on Africa. As the book narrates the various heinous incidents and bad conditions of people in the country during the post-colonial period in Africa. The book reveals the personal exile, Political, and Individual Corruption into the heart of Africa. Naipaul’s skepticism is expressed through this book about the ability of newly decolonized nations to forge independent and politically viable identities.

The story in the book was narrated by an Indian trader named Salim, he is a young man from the family of Indian trader who has been living on the coast from a long time. He wanted to do work on his own and live his life in his own ways. So, he took the initiative and left the coast and all the facilities, and shifted his shop to the small and growing city in the countries remote interiors. The story continues and represents the most convincing and disturbing vision of the country.

V.S. Naipaul wins the Booker Prize Award for his novel ‘In a Free State’ on the year 1971. He has been also awarded ‘Knighthood in Britain’ in the year 1990 and wins ‘Nobel Prize in Literature’ in the year 2001.