Once again Beverley Harper delves the
reader into the thick of the African wilds. From the roar of Africa’s wildest animals
to the historically misunderstood
native bushmen, Harper’s work enriches the
reader’s understanding of all things Africa.
The Kalahari Desert has never been so distinctively tangible in one’s mind as it is when reading this novel. The pages come alive with descriptions of native bushmen and their ancient “clicking” language, their affinity with mother earth and the wild animals they respect and admire.
Harper’s trademark opening sequence told from the perspective of a wild African animal does not disappoint. This time it comes in the form of a lioness stalking the two-year-old hero of the story, Alex Theron. The reader might as well be witnessing the spectacle through a pair of binoculars, the scene is so delicious (excuse the pun!).
Ultimately he survives and is taken on by a local native tribe until the time comes to venture through the Kalahari to return him to his white family. But the bush tribe experience never leaves Alex and he grows into a mature and sensitive man, wise beyond his years and indeed, his time.
The story tracks his experiences growing up and branching out into a world which is often turbulent and unforgiving in such a vast, seemingly-barren landscape. He finds two loves in the form of his rugged and brutal boss’s daughter, and a travelling homely-looking friend. And he pays for both dearly.
But for a man so rich in looks and friendly charisma, it is not long before he encounters an enemy in Kel – another stationhand who fastidiously plots Alex’s downfall after a riding accident leaves him permanently disfigured. Alex is not without his own faults, for he fails to recognize his lover’s unexplained sorrow until the book reaches fever pitch. The book is hard to put down at this stage. It’s like a magnetic force grips your heart and you feel each jolt of lightening hope and desolate despair just as if you were right there with Alex. A compelling read.