Family, Entrepreneurship and Service: Count Hassanali R. Dedhar of Eldoret

Family, Entrepreneurship, and Service: Count Hassanali R. Dedhar of Eldoret is the biography of Count Hassanali R. Dedhar (1900-1978), an entrepreneur in Eldoret, Kenya. After migrating from Zanzibar to Eldoret in search of a better life and opportunities, Hassanali marries and opens a small shop. This modest life is only the beginning of a grander adventure. Composed from interviews, research, and personal anecdotes, this biography details the social and cultural histories of Eldoret, the Ismaili community, and one extensive family from India to East Africa to Canada.

The book is a beautiful blend of research, interviews, and memories. Many of the recollections, facts, and historical background are poignant and continue to be relevant. Including first- and second-hand accounts contextualizes the history of the times and places discussed. It also shows the consequences of history for real people.

The history is also layered. Sometimes, the focus is political and societal, other times it’s familial and sociological. The specific details and descriptions of daily life, customs, and cultures engages readers.

The pictures are beautiful and bring the stories alive. Like the specific descriptions, these have an immersive element to them. These also give the reader a sense that because many of these images are from personal, familial collections, they wouldn’t be able to see these pictures elsewhere unless they read the book.