Cover and layout design by Stella Stofberg |
This is a continuation of the love story begun in the
author’s previous novel, The Tame Khaki, in which the twenty-year-old Jack
Whitelaw sets off from his home in Dorset to fight the Boers in the southern
tip of Africa. Wounded, he’s taken to a Ladysmith hospital, where he falls in
love with a beautiful young nurse, Rachel du Toit, a boere-nooi, whose father
and brothers are all fighting in a Boer commando. The love affair flourishes
during the siege – until Rachel is forced to flee Ladysmith and ends up in a
British concentration camp.
It’s now March 1902 and the war is virtually over.
Shortly before Jack sails for home, Rachel forgives him for his part in
Milner’s ‘scorched earth policy’ and he returns to Pietermaritzburg determined
to win her hand in marriage. His blissful life with his lovely wife and two
little children on a farm in the Natal Midlands begins to transform when
Britain declares war against Germany and his deep sense of loyalty to his
ex-colleagues and The Old Country kicks in. Rachel is at first fiercely opposed
to him again donning a British uniform, but eventually relents, knowing Jack
will continue to suffer powerful pangs of guilt if he doesn’t. You’ll become
deeply engrossed – at times saddened – by what occurs next.
Orders:
Dave Baker
083 411 2722