In this story by Peter Høeg, a naïve young mathematician becomes disillusioned at the impossibility of reducing all things (including humanity) to a set of equations. He gives up his academic career, joins a Danish trading company, and finds himself in Africa mixing with royalty at the opening of a new railroad. During the inaugural train journey, he discusses European notions of colonial Africa with three fellow passengers. He later learns that one is a rebel leader, another a gunrunner, and a bridge ahead has been sabotaged. Themes: colonialism, race and racism, war/rebellion, honesty, idealism vs. reality, despair. More…