A Bend in the River is set in post-colonial Africa, a time in which European powers vacated countries across the continent and handed over power to the citizens of those countries. Specifically, A Bend in the River follows an Indian Muslim man named Salim, who is the protagonist, main character, and narrator of the novel.
Salim owns a shop in a remote portion of an unnamed African country, where the novel is set. From his shop, Salim observes how the country that he has known and loved for much of his life has changed from a European colony to a self-sustaining, but struggling, place of its own. Salim muses on how his town has changed from a well-to-do European suburb to a deteriorating town more in touch with traditional African culture and other traditional customs and religions.
One of Salim's best customers is a woman and magician named Zabeth, who has a son named Ferdinand. Over time, Salim and Zabeth grow closer and she asks Salim to educate Ferdinand. Salim, in turn, happily agrees to educate Ferdinand and they begin their educational journey together in earnest.
Together, the two attend a religious ceremony led by Father Huismans, who is an avid collector of traditional African religious masks—something which divides people across town. Suddenly, a rebellion breaks out in cities around the country—including in Salim's. There is chaos and death around the town, which causes Salim to be uneasy.
Eventually, white mercenaries come into each town and restore order, but Father Huismans is killed along the way. After his death, his collection of masks is denounced as being an affront to the new African way of life. Father Huismans himself is disparaged; people in the town allow his masks to be stolen by an American visitor to the village, who ships them home like a trophy.
The violence ultimately results in Salim's town becoming bigger and more prosperous. Additional sections of the town are built (in part to increase trade and increase the popularity of the President of Salim's country) and the town becomes a hub for trade and tourism from Europe and America. But with the success of Salim's town comes bad people who want to pillage everything they can—especially gold and ivory, which are plentiful in the area.
Meanwhile, Salim focuses his attention on romance. Previously, he only had experiences with prostitutes. But he has a crush on Yvette and begins to pursue her. However, he is rejected and his first romantic relationship was over before it could even begin. Salim then decides to move to London, where he hopes he could improve his life. In London, Salim meets Nazruddin and his daughter, whom he gets engaged with.
However, Salim is forced to return to Africa, where he discovers that his business has been given to someone else by the President of his country. Disappointed, Salim turns to Ferdinand, who is now in a high position in the government. But Ferdinand has little power and is concerned the country is forever broken thanks to the vain and narcissistic President.
Ultimately, Salim leaves his country on a steamship before the country collapses. His steamship, however, is attacked by rebels, which causes the steamship to drift down the river, adrift and directionless.
