Charles E. Webb’s “Downfall and Freedom” Confronts Power, Corruption, and Redemption at Frankfurt Book Fair 2025

At this year’s Frankfurt Book Fair, “Downfall And Freedom: A Novel about the Arms Trade, South Africa, and the KwaZulu” by Charles E. Webb will be among the compelling works showcased by The Maple Staple. The event, taking place from October 15–19, 2025, gathers authors, publishers, and readers from around the world to celebrate the power of storytelling. Visitors can find Webb’s book at The Maple Staple’s booth in Hall 5.1 D86, where over a hundred featured titles will be on display.

In “Downfall And Freedom: A Novel about the Arms Trade, South Africa, and the KwaZulu,” Webb traces the intertwined lives of two men shaped by tragedy, ambition, and the lure of power. John Wesley Zooma, a member of the Zulu tribe in Natal, South Africa, and Clarence VanDyke Jackson, an African American from Mississippi, both endure devastating events in their youth that steer them toward paths of revenge. Their fates collide in the high-stakes world of the illegal arms trade, where every choice carries moral weight and every alliance comes with a cost.

Spanning continents and decades, the novel weaves together the intimate and the political, revealing how human desire and survival play out against the backdrop of revolution. Through compelling prose and a keen sense of realism, Webb explores how personal histories are shaped by global forces—and how redemption can emerge even from the ruins of corruption and loss.

A graduate of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology with a degree in electrical engineering, Charles E. Webb built a forty-eight-year career in the global electrical, mining, petroleum, and safety industries, spending more than two decades in international business. His extensive experience informs his storytelling with authenticity and depth. Webb currently resides in Allen, Texas, with his wife and three daughters.

“Downfall And Freedom: A Novel about the Arms Trade, South Africa, and the KwaZulu” will be showcased at The Maple Staple’s booth, Hall 5.1 D86, during the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025. Visitors can explore this and other featured works through The Maple Staple’s official lineup at https://themaplestaple.com/frankfurt-2025-book-genres/. Readers can also enjoy fresh literary features and interviews in The Maple Staple Magazine, Fall and Winter 2025, available at https://themaplestaple.com/the-maplestaple-magazine-issue-7/.

About The Maple Staple:

For bookworms, by passionate writers.

At The Maple Staple, books come alive beyond mere pages. It’s more than a bookstore—it’s a community hub for book enthusiasts and budding authors. Celebrating diversity, they curate books from up-and-coming independent writers, and offer a platform to underrepresented voices. With captivating events and book clubs in the heart of Toronto, they foster a vibrant literary community, igniting inspiration and transformation through the enchanting power of words.

About Bookside Press:

Bringing stories and ideas to life, one tap at a time.

Bookside Press is all about creating buzz in the digital world. Buzz that’ll have each vital message be heard loud and clear. Headquartered in Canada, this hybrid publishing and advertising company aims to share the magic of its authors’ books with the world. With a dedicated team of creatives and marketing professionals, Bookside Press collaborates with clients in building better brands that stand out and reach greater heights.

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