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The Langani Trilogy #1
Blood Sisters
Kenya 1957. During their childhood years in the Kenya Highlands three girls from vastly different backgrounds become blood sisters, promising that nothing will ever destroy the bond between them. But the legacy of the Mau Mau rebellion, and the tensions and upheavals of newly independent Kenya, tear their childhood dreams apart. Separated by distance and by family obligation, the three young women are thrown into a larger world of conflicting interests. Camilla Broughton Smith becomes a successful model in the studios and smoky nightclubs of London in the swinging sixties. Sarah Mackay is sent to university in her native Ireland, an alien experience that only strengthens her resolve to return to Africa. Hannah Van der Beer's family struggles to retain the farm that her Afrikaans forebears established at the turn of the century. Time and again their bond is almost destroyed. Their friendship becomes a backdrop for competing love interests and broken promises. Political unrest brings violence, and savage murder becomes part of their lives. "Blood Sisters" is the story of painful transition, from the innocent ideals of childhood to the demands of reality, amidst the cataclysmic events of the African continent
608 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
148 people are currently reading
1686 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Keating
14 books64 followersBarbara O'Hanlon and Stephanie Berke, sisters who embarked on a literary adventure together eight years ago, are now the successful authors of four novels, the most recent due for publication in September 2010.
The sisters' books have been translated into more than a dozen languages and are sold on all five continents.
Their seamless writing makes it impossible to tell where one finishes and another begins. They are widely appreciated for their richness of narrative and, in the 'Langani Trilogy', for their portrait of life in Kenya during the last throes of British rule and the emerging cultural dynamic of a newly independent country.
Barbara and Stephanie are now working on their fifth novel. 'Looking for Adrian' is the story of a sudden disappearance, and a search that begins in Hong Kong and takes the reader to the heart of a family's tragic secrets and their long-reaching consequences.
The sisters' books have been translated into more than a dozen languages and are sold on all five continents.
Their seamless writing makes it impossible to tell where one finishes and another begins. They are widely appreciated for their richness of narrative and, in the 'Langani Trilogy', for their portrait of life in Kenya during the last throes of British rule and the emerging cultural dynamic of a newly independent country.
Barbara and Stephanie are now working on their fifth novel. 'Looking for Adrian' is the story of a sudden disappearance, and a search that begins in Hong Kong and takes the reader to the heart of a family's tragic secrets and their long-reaching consequences.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
May 10, 2013
Prva knjiga iz trilogije o jednom prijateljstvu iz detinjstva, započetom u Africi i nastavljenom kroz život... sudbine... i predivna egzotika Afrike... Nažalost, kako to ponekad biva kod naših izdavača, ostale knjige nisu ugledale svetlost dana u Srbiji...
December 17, 2018
Dez anos depois, voltei ao Quénia e à fazenda de Langani. E que regresso! Foi repleto de emoção, de sabores doces e amargos e de muitas recordações que, mesmo 1o anos depois, me comprovam que, se uma narrativa é boa e poderosa, passem os anos que passem, se mantém connosco.
RECOMENDADÍSSIMA!
Opinião mais desenvolvida aqui:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s10lc...
NOTA - 10/10
RECOMENDADÍSSIMA!
Opinião mais desenvolvida aqui:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s10lc...
NOTA - 10/10
June 1, 2010
Oh my God. This is one of those books which just hook me in, and I finished reading this spellbinding novel in just under 2 days. The characters are all achingly real and sad, and Piet especially is one of my favourite characters in terms of development and moments written of. The prologue was actually a bit too revealing, in my opinion, as i realised halfway throughout the book who all the people in question were, but thats not to say that I enjoyed it any less. I'm only 15 so most of the issues in 1950's Kenya were things i'd only treaded on whilst reading this book. i have to admit, some parts of the conversations about a newly independendent Kenya at the start were quite dull, but i realise that it would be what a lot of Afrikaners would be talking about with neighbours and friends, so i'm happy the Keating sisters included those parts. CONFESSION: i cried at the end of this book; not full blown sobbing, but a couple of tears were definitely shed, and it was the same thing for the sequel, A Durable Fire, which was breathtaking in itself. i'm normally very tough in books like these, when i know a tragedy is loomingly ominously at the end, but as i read this book in such a quick pace, the disaster was very heartfelt, and i felt sad for all the characters and myself because i had nearly finished the book and would land back on boring Earth instead of the idyllic-sounding Kenya which is a glory even with all the clashes between the countries and tribes. These Keating sisters are awesome story-tellers, and the way they describe the elephants especially is stunning, and i envy the three girls and their families for being able to experience all these captivating situations in the wild land that is Kenya. i have to admit Blood Sisters is near the top of my Favourite Books list, along with the sequel, and i have already started whining at my parents to take me on a safari to Kenya; who knows, i might even meet a daring adventurer like Anthony there! ;)
September 25, 2011
Give me a bucket! "They made love with heightened senses, finding new places to explore, until they were sated and exhausted. Then he held her tight and safe, and they watched the moon and the smiling stars through the rectangle of sky beyond the window frame."
This book relies mostly on the plot and I must say it's quite a good story. But you can't go wrong with this shocking part of colonial history. Add a good dollop of romance and drama and there's your book.
The characters are as you would expect: we have a rugged blond Afrikaans boy with a heart of gold; an Irish girl who is not very pretty but very sensitive and loyal; a gorgeous girl from London who becomes a model but deep down wants to settle down in the bush with her adventurous lover. Need I say more?
I decided by page 139 this book was rubbish but I would persevere a bit longer. I managed to finish it in a few hours and it was pure escapism. Good for a rainy Sunday. But it doesn't leave a mark.
This book relies mostly on the plot and I must say it's quite a good story. But you can't go wrong with this shocking part of colonial history. Add a good dollop of romance and drama and there's your book.
The characters are as you would expect: we have a rugged blond Afrikaans boy with a heart of gold; an Irish girl who is not very pretty but very sensitive and loyal; a gorgeous girl from London who becomes a model but deep down wants to settle down in the bush with her adventurous lover. Need I say more?
I decided by page 139 this book was rubbish but I would persevere a bit longer. I managed to finish it in a few hours and it was pure escapism. Good for a rainy Sunday. But it doesn't leave a mark.
September 13, 2014
“Irmãs de Sangue” é um romance muito bonito que nos conta estórias de amor, de dor, de amizade...
Tem passagens muito belas e comoventes, que me tocaram profundamente.
E porque já estou com saudades de Sarah, de Hannah e de Camilla, vou matá-las com “Um Fogo Eterno”...
Tem passagens muito belas e comoventes, que me tocaram profundamente.
E porque já estou com saudades de Sarah, de Hannah e de Camilla, vou matá-las com “Um Fogo Eterno”...
February 12, 2014
Really enjoyed this book, it is well written and absorbing. The story of the three friends and how their lives change after school yet how important the bond that they share is to each of them at all times is something most of us can identify with. Even more interesting is the parallels one can draw to the situation with poaching and wildlife crimes in those days post independence to what is happening today. At times it is a lot like a fairy-tale romance but then there are some harsh realities woven into the plot that really ground the book. Very enjoyable read
April 29, 2017
Um livro extraordinário!
May 1, 2012
Comecei a ler este livro há anos atrás. Se não me engano, comprei-o na feira do livro de 2010. Portanto comecei a lê-lo aí, em Maio de 2010. Tem 670 páginas e devorei 600 delas num instante. Não posso dizer que me recordo de todos os pormenores da história, mas recordo-me dos núcleos centrais, da Hannah, da Sarah e da Camilla. Das vidas e das angústias de cada uma. Recordo-me de que a Sarah foi sempre apaixonada pelo irmão da Hannah, o Piet, e que o Piet foi sempre um capacho da Camilla (até certo ponto). Depois recordo-me de que a Camilla era apaixonada por um homem da savana que combate caçadores ilegais, o Anthony, e que este Anthony é um mulherengo. E lembro-me das tradições africanas, deste Quénia dos anos 60, quando a Inglaterra finalmente recua e o país fica entregue a si próprio. Recordava-me das violências raciais e do medo e das atrocidades que foram pautando as vidas daquelas três amigas.
Hoje, 01 de Maio de 2012, peguei nas últimas 70 páginas e li-as de enfiada. Recordei-me do sentimento geral do livro - tão humano. Da história de África, do seu perfume, tão bem transmitido nestas linhas... Não sei se é de África - que sempre me chamou através do meu avô materno - ou se é do talento inegável destas duas irmãs e autoras, mas o que é certo é que há meses que não chorava ao ler um livro, e quando dei por mim, estas 70 páginas renascidas de outras 600 lidas em 2010 levaram a lágrimas involuntárias. Levaram a um sentimento de saudade e melancolia e pertença. E fiquei ansiosa por ler os próximos desta trilogia, por muito maçudos que sejam!
Hoje, 01 de Maio de 2012, peguei nas últimas 70 páginas e li-as de enfiada. Recordei-me do sentimento geral do livro - tão humano. Da história de África, do seu perfume, tão bem transmitido nestas linhas... Não sei se é de África - que sempre me chamou através do meu avô materno - ou se é do talento inegável destas duas irmãs e autoras, mas o que é certo é que há meses que não chorava ao ler um livro, e quando dei por mim, estas 70 páginas renascidas de outras 600 lidas em 2010 levaram a lágrimas involuntárias. Levaram a um sentimento de saudade e melancolia e pertença. E fiquei ansiosa por ler os próximos desta trilogia, por muito maçudos que sejam!
January 3, 2016
Opinião no blog http://howtoliveathousandlives.blogsp...
Esta obra transporta o leitor para o Quénia, com as suas planícies grandiosas, a sua variedade animal e a sua riqueza cultural. Mais do que uma notável caracterização ambiental, as autoras fornecem uma descrição fiel dos acontecimentos da época. Assim, esta é muito mais do que uma simples estória de amor e amizade, é um retrato realista de como os laços de amizade podem ser constantemente postos à prova, nas piores das circunstâncias.
O exotismo de África é uma presença constante ao longo do livro e serve como um pano de fundo belíssimo para uma estória ainda mais bela. É uma obra capaz de tocar verdadeiramente o coração do leitor, sem deixar ninguém indiferente.
É o livro perfeito para quem gosta de sentir, cheirar, viver um país e uma época diferente, à luz de acontecimentos emotivos que levarão lágrimas a rolar para os mais sensíveis.
Esta obra transporta o leitor para o Quénia, com as suas planícies grandiosas, a sua variedade animal e a sua riqueza cultural. Mais do que uma notável caracterização ambiental, as autoras fornecem uma descrição fiel dos acontecimentos da época. Assim, esta é muito mais do que uma simples estória de amor e amizade, é um retrato realista de como os laços de amizade podem ser constantemente postos à prova, nas piores das circunstâncias.
O exotismo de África é uma presença constante ao longo do livro e serve como um pano de fundo belíssimo para uma estória ainda mais bela. É uma obra capaz de tocar verdadeiramente o coração do leitor, sem deixar ninguém indiferente.
É o livro perfeito para quem gosta de sentir, cheirar, viver um país e uma época diferente, à luz de acontecimentos emotivos que levarão lágrimas a rolar para os mais sensíveis.
April 3, 2012
This is a book for anyone who loves Africa (even if you've never been there!), and for anyone who loves family sagas.
I'd read the third book in this series, and had kept this volume at bay, knowing that once I opened it I would be up until three in the morning finishing it.
Yep.
It is plot-driven, but it's a great story, good enough to pull you through. And it's got plenty of emotional insights as well. I don't know how you can finish this book without having been seriously reminded that being emotionally sensitive, holding back, and allowing hurt feelings to justify walling yourself off is a waste of time and a waste of life.
There's plenty of substance here. It's just such a great story that you may be getting that substance subconsciously, instead of having to labor over it.
I'd read the third book in this series, and had kept this volume at bay, knowing that once I opened it I would be up until three in the morning finishing it.
Yep.
It is plot-driven, but it's a great story, good enough to pull you through. And it's got plenty of emotional insights as well. I don't know how you can finish this book without having been seriously reminded that being emotionally sensitive, holding back, and allowing hurt feelings to justify walling yourself off is a waste of time and a waste of life.
There's plenty of substance here. It's just such a great story that you may be getting that substance subconsciously, instead of having to labor over it.
February 6, 2011
Set in Kenya starting in 1956 this convincingly portrays life for the whites as unrest spreads among the native population prior to independance. Three school friends swear a blood pact. The book tells of their various separations and reunions over the years until their 21st birthdays. This is the first of a trilogy and I shall be reading the other two.
January 27, 2016
Amazing and exiting I enjoyed every single page of it , I am so sorry I finished it it's hard to find a catching book like this one .
November 22, 2020
(◔◡◔) 𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨
⭐ Gente gira trago mais um livro, neste caso que faz parte da trilogia Langani e é só APAIXONANTE ❤️
.
⭐ Neste livro encontramos a história de 3 amigas que se tornam irmãs de sangue porque fazem um ritual onde prometem ser sempre amigas e misturam o seu sangue. Esta promessa acontece na fazenda dos Van der Ver quando estas amigas vão seguir caminhos de vida diferentes e longes deste paraíso, por causa dos estudos.
.
⭐ Ao longo da história, cada uma das amigas, Sarah, Camilla e Hannah seguem percursos de vida bastante distintos.
⭐ Todavia, pela altura do aniversário de uma das amigas prometem voltar a Langani para festejarem o vigésimo primeiro aniversário.
⭐ Por esta altura grandes desastres vão acontecer nesta propriedade.
⭐ TÊM QUE LER PARA DESCOBRIR 😍
.
⭐ O que dizer sobre este livro?
⭐ Apaixonei - me pela história do início ao fim e, até já estou a devorar o próximo volume.
⭐ Uma das histórias mais giras e com um enredo TÃO BOM, que eu já li.
⭐ Além disso, a história quase que nos faz participar nos safaris, no conhecimento de várias espécies de animais existentes em África.
⭐ LINDA, LINDA, LINDA, CATIVANTE, APAIXONANTE, BEM CONSTRUÍDA. ❤️ PARABÉNS ÀS AUTORAS.
⭐ Só para terem uma breve noção dei 5estrelas.
.
⭐ Mal posso esperar para ler os próximos livros, já que a compra deles foi impulsiva e não conhecia a autora. Mas já estou RENDIDA ❤️
.
#ler #lerfazbem #ledoceler #leituras2020 #leituras #lerjuntos #leituraatual #leitura #book #booklover #bookstagrampt #bookstagramsofportugal #book #literatura #literaturaestrangeira #amoler #adoroler #adoroler❤️📚 #livrosemaislivros #trilogias #trilogialangani #asaeditora #africa
⭐ Gente gira trago mais um livro, neste caso que faz parte da trilogia Langani e é só APAIXONANTE ❤️
.
⭐ Neste livro encontramos a história de 3 amigas que se tornam irmãs de sangue porque fazem um ritual onde prometem ser sempre amigas e misturam o seu sangue. Esta promessa acontece na fazenda dos Van der Ver quando estas amigas vão seguir caminhos de vida diferentes e longes deste paraíso, por causa dos estudos.
.
⭐ Ao longo da história, cada uma das amigas, Sarah, Camilla e Hannah seguem percursos de vida bastante distintos.
⭐ Todavia, pela altura do aniversário de uma das amigas prometem voltar a Langani para festejarem o vigésimo primeiro aniversário.
⭐ Por esta altura grandes desastres vão acontecer nesta propriedade.
⭐ TÊM QUE LER PARA DESCOBRIR 😍
.
⭐ O que dizer sobre este livro?
⭐ Apaixonei - me pela história do início ao fim e, até já estou a devorar o próximo volume.
⭐ Uma das histórias mais giras e com um enredo TÃO BOM, que eu já li.
⭐ Além disso, a história quase que nos faz participar nos safaris, no conhecimento de várias espécies de animais existentes em África.
⭐ LINDA, LINDA, LINDA, CATIVANTE, APAIXONANTE, BEM CONSTRUÍDA. ❤️ PARABÉNS ÀS AUTORAS.
⭐ Só para terem uma breve noção dei 5estrelas.
.
⭐ Mal posso esperar para ler os próximos livros, já que a compra deles foi impulsiva e não conhecia a autora. Mas já estou RENDIDA ❤️
.
#ler #lerfazbem #ledoceler #leituras2020 #leituras #lerjuntos #leituraatual #leitura #book #booklover #bookstagrampt #bookstagramsofportugal #book #literatura #literaturaestrangeira #amoler #adoroler #adoroler❤️📚 #livrosemaislivros #trilogias #trilogialangani #asaeditora #africa
August 22, 2020
1960s Kenya:
I expected to find this book more interesting than I did. I guess I was hoping to learn more about the time period in Kenya, but what it was was a chick lit book simply set in Kenya in the 60s. An awful lot happens to the three girls in this story in a very short period of time and their was the aspect that you needed to keep reading to find out what came next, but I found the characters cliched and lacking real depth. A beach read - pity there were no beaches for me this summer to read on.
I expected to find this book more interesting than I did. I guess I was hoping to learn more about the time period in Kenya, but what it was was a chick lit book simply set in Kenya in the 60s. An awful lot happens to the three girls in this story in a very short period of time and their was the aspect that you needed to keep reading to find out what came next, but I found the characters cliched and lacking real depth. A beach read - pity there were no beaches for me this summer to read on.
December 27, 2020
O meu I para o Inverno QB 2020 do projecto das #MJCovas e #MJDiogo, e ainda bem que finalmente o li, pois há anos que tinha este livro sob o radar e muita vontade de o ler. Foi o livro que me acompanhou neste Natal e não descansei enquanto não o acabei. Recomendo e mal posso esperar por ler o proximo, que já decidi ser o meu E. Recomendo.
March 16, 2025
This was a truly beautiful novel. Barbara and Stephanie Keating did an excellent job with the character development, and because of this I was totally captivated with the lives of Hannah, Sarah and Camilla (the "Blood Sisters").
I enjoyed the historical fiction elements of the storyline, which provided some brief glimpses into the 1960s, as well as interesting context in relation to the political and economic state of Kenya and Rhodesia in that period.
This novel had me experiencing all the feelings.. there was joy, love, fear and heart-break. I will definitely read the second book in this trilogy to find out what's in store next.
I enjoyed the historical fiction elements of the storyline, which provided some brief glimpses into the 1960s, as well as interesting context in relation to the political and economic state of Kenya and Rhodesia in that period.
This novel had me experiencing all the feelings.. there was joy, love, fear and heart-break. I will definitely read the second book in this trilogy to find out what's in store next.
January 12, 2021
Loved this book. The writer triggers all your senses and the story plays like a film in your head. She definitely knows africa very well
December 30, 2022
Net zoals we voordat we aan de buddyread begonnen veel mails over en weer hadden gestuurd was dat bij het lezen niet anders. Mijn planning liep na de eerste week al in de soep, maar daar stoorden we ons niet aan, we lazen lekker verder en op de afgesproken contact momenten mailden we elkaar, en soms ook tussendoor.
In juni al had Willy mij verteld wat haar zo aan Afrika boeide, want schreef ze, dat ga jij me vast vragen. En ja dat vroeg ik haar toen we aan het einde gekomen dus weer… en terwijl ik haar antwoord las wist ik dat ze me dit al verteld had!
Willy: Ik heb ergens in m'n jeugd Afrikaanse dans en Afrikaanse muziek leren kennen. Daarvoor had ik altijd een beetje het idee dat er een oer-Afrikaan in mij schuilde. Ik heb een tijdje in Amsterdam djembé-les gekregen van een Ghanees; amper in staat om het gevaarte naar les te tillen (ook heel stoer met zo'n enorme tas erom) maar volledig in m'n nopjes. Ik heb veel met ritme, want ik heb ook een leuk tijdje tapdans gedaan. Maar de oude Afrikaanse dansen, dat is pas echt erg, niet te doen. Dat was ook in Amsterdam; een grote zaal met een paar drummers en grotendeels Afrikaanse mensen die het bepaald niet voor het eerst deden. Dat waren nog eens tijden. Naar Afrika toegaan is er nooit van gekomen. Deels omdat ik niet durfde denk ik. Tunesië is het ‘Afrikaanste’ dat ik geweest ben. De angst was niet zozeer omdat ik het eng vond; ik ben wel naar Cuba, Venezuela, Brazilië geweest, maar ik denk dat ik voornamelijk niet teleurgesteld wilde worden. Oftewel.... mijn Afrika is perfecter dan het jouwe :-)
Francisca: Nou mijn Afrika is ook maar beperkt hoor, want ik bezocht enkel een keer of negentien Zuid-Afrika en drie keer was ik in Eswatini, de oude naam van Swaziland. En dan nog heb ik heel Zuid-Afrika niet gezien omdat we in sommige plaatsen vrienden hebben gemaakt en die dan toch wel min of meer elke keer opzoeken. De oudste vrienden maakten we in 1999 tijdens onze eerste reis naar het land. Gelukkig wonen de vrienden wel redelijk verspreid zodat we elke keer een mini-rondreis door het land maken en tussendoor nieuwe plekjes proberen te ontdekken, of teruggaan naar plekjes die we erg leuk, mooi of fijn vinden. Mijn liefde voor Afrika begon overigens al ruim voordat ik voor de eerste keer naar Zuid-Afrika ging. Kenia, het eerste land in Afrika waar ik via een boek mee kennismaakte, was van Kuki Gallman, 'Ik droomde van Afrika' over haar leven in Laikipia. Daarna volgden er nog vele boeken, van non-fictie tot fictie, van cosy-crime tot thriller.
Terug naar het boek, het vertelt dus het verhaal van de drie vriendinnen Sarah, Hannah en Camilla die elkaar leren kennen op de katholieke nonnenschool in Kenia. Al vrij in het begin hadden we het over alle namen die we tegenkwamen, Sarah en Hannah, Betty en Lottie, Camilla en Carlotta. Ze hadden veel van elkaar weg, maar toch hadden we nadat we in het boek zaten daar toch minder moeite mee als gedacht. Naast de drie vriendinnen spelen de ouders en broers van twee van de drie ook een aardig grote rol in het boek. De meiden zijn ook nog jong in het begin en wonen allemaal nog bij hun ouders wat dus de rol van de ouders in het boek ook verklaart. De eerste reünie van de meisjes moet plaatsvinden als ze achttien zijn.
Kenia kent een roerige geschiedenis, van Britse kolonisatie en opstanden. Het boek begint in de zogenaamde Mau Mau periode. [Een geheime Kikuyu guerrillagroep, bekend als Mau Mau, begint een gewelddadige campagne tegen blanke kolonisten. Noodtoestand uitgeroepen, Jomo Kenyatta gevangengezet, KAU (Kenyan African Union) verboden].
De ouders van Sarah, verlaten Kenia dan ook en verhuizen naar Rhodesië. [Rhodesië was een niet-erkende staat in zuidelijk Afrika, gelijkwaardig in territoriale termen met het huidige Zimbabwe. De hoofdstad bevond zich in het toenmalige Salisbury.] Hannah en haar broer Piet blijven op de plaas in Langani in Kenia wonen. De ouders van Camilla zijn verhuisd naar London en Camilla ook. Ook Hannah haar ouders verlaten Kenia en vertrekken naar Ierland, Camilla en Sarah verlaten dus beide hun geliefde Kenia.
Dan volgen we de meisjes tot ze jongedames worden en de leeftijd van 21 jaar bereiken en de volgende reünie zal plaatsvinden. De hoofdstukken verspringen tussen Kenia, London en Dublin waar ze dan respectievelijk wonen. De hoofdstukken worden aangeduid met plaats, maand en jaar. Hier en daar ontbreekt de chronologie enigszins want dan begint een hoofdstuk in september maar stipt het nog wat dingen uit augustus aan in een soort van flash-back bijvoorbeeld. Af en toe was dat wat verwarrend maar soms hadden we het ook niet echt door en leefden we mee met de meisjes. Camilla was onze minst favoriete, zij laat de twee anderen ook af en toe danig in de steek vonden wij.
Dan volgt de reünie voor hun 21ste verjaardag, iets waar Willy helemaal naar uitkeek maar wat voorbij was voordat ze het doorhad, natuurlijk was dit een ijkpunt want dat was nu eenmaal een van de twee dingen die de meisjes toen ze de school verlieten hadden afgesproken, maar ik zag het meer als een van de vele dingen die ze meemaakten.
Onderwijl mailden we stug heen en weer en schreef ik toen ik in Berlijn met mijn dochter was ook nog blogjes over onze reis, die Willy gezellig las.
Toen we nog maar zo’n ruime honderd bladzijden moesten lezen ging ik alvast even wat voorwerk voor dit blog doen en zocht de info over de auteurs op, daarin staat wat je hierboven al hebt gelezen: daarna werkten ze jarenlang aan de Langani-trilogie, die in Nederlandse vertaling verscheen als 'De vriendschap', 'Land van herkomst' en 'De thuiskomst'. Iets wat we beiden dus niet eerder hadden gelezen…als we dat hadden geweten waren we wellicht niet zo enthousiast aan dit boek begonnen.
Aangezien ik een Afrika kast heb wil ik die twee vervolgdelen dus heel graag hebben, en wat een mazzel had ik, ik liep de kringloop in op zoek naar ‘nieuwe’ kopjes op kantoor omdat de huidige kennelijk pootjes hebben gekregen, natuurlijk kon ik het niet laten om even bij de boeken te kijken, wat zag ik daar staan? Deel twee, 'Land van herkomst' dit boek, waar ik slechts twee euro voor betaalde, staat nu te wachten tot ik tijd heb om het te lezen.
Want ja we concludeerden beide dat er nog genoeg losse draadjes voor een tweede boek zijn, hoe gaat het met Lottie & Jan, Camilla & Anthony, Sarah… Het eindigt mooi maar is zeker niet afgerond zeg maar.
Willy: Ik heb getwijfeld aan het aantal te geven sterren. Doordat ik toch ook wat hiaten tegenkwam, kon ik er geen vier van maken, maar het is dan wel een dikke drie geworden. En ik vond het voornamelijk heel leuk om samen met jou te lezen.
Francisca: Ik vond het ook leuk om het samen te lezen, dan leg je een boek toch minder snel weg mocht het je niet trekken, ik gaf het dus wel 4 sterren, alle categorieën waarop ik beoordeel, op de plot na, kregen een 8, de plot was een 7, want eigenlijk was er niet echt een plot, het was gewoon een gezellig kabbelend verhaal over het leven van drie jonge vrouwen die ondanks alles vriendinnen blijven.
In juni al had Willy mij verteld wat haar zo aan Afrika boeide, want schreef ze, dat ga jij me vast vragen. En ja dat vroeg ik haar toen we aan het einde gekomen dus weer… en terwijl ik haar antwoord las wist ik dat ze me dit al verteld had!
Willy: Ik heb ergens in m'n jeugd Afrikaanse dans en Afrikaanse muziek leren kennen. Daarvoor had ik altijd een beetje het idee dat er een oer-Afrikaan in mij schuilde. Ik heb een tijdje in Amsterdam djembé-les gekregen van een Ghanees; amper in staat om het gevaarte naar les te tillen (ook heel stoer met zo'n enorme tas erom) maar volledig in m'n nopjes. Ik heb veel met ritme, want ik heb ook een leuk tijdje tapdans gedaan. Maar de oude Afrikaanse dansen, dat is pas echt erg, niet te doen. Dat was ook in Amsterdam; een grote zaal met een paar drummers en grotendeels Afrikaanse mensen die het bepaald niet voor het eerst deden. Dat waren nog eens tijden. Naar Afrika toegaan is er nooit van gekomen. Deels omdat ik niet durfde denk ik. Tunesië is het ‘Afrikaanste’ dat ik geweest ben. De angst was niet zozeer omdat ik het eng vond; ik ben wel naar Cuba, Venezuela, Brazilië geweest, maar ik denk dat ik voornamelijk niet teleurgesteld wilde worden. Oftewel.... mijn Afrika is perfecter dan het jouwe :-)
Francisca: Nou mijn Afrika is ook maar beperkt hoor, want ik bezocht enkel een keer of negentien Zuid-Afrika en drie keer was ik in Eswatini, de oude naam van Swaziland. En dan nog heb ik heel Zuid-Afrika niet gezien omdat we in sommige plaatsen vrienden hebben gemaakt en die dan toch wel min of meer elke keer opzoeken. De oudste vrienden maakten we in 1999 tijdens onze eerste reis naar het land. Gelukkig wonen de vrienden wel redelijk verspreid zodat we elke keer een mini-rondreis door het land maken en tussendoor nieuwe plekjes proberen te ontdekken, of teruggaan naar plekjes die we erg leuk, mooi of fijn vinden. Mijn liefde voor Afrika begon overigens al ruim voordat ik voor de eerste keer naar Zuid-Afrika ging. Kenia, het eerste land in Afrika waar ik via een boek mee kennismaakte, was van Kuki Gallman, 'Ik droomde van Afrika' over haar leven in Laikipia. Daarna volgden er nog vele boeken, van non-fictie tot fictie, van cosy-crime tot thriller.
Terug naar het boek, het vertelt dus het verhaal van de drie vriendinnen Sarah, Hannah en Camilla die elkaar leren kennen op de katholieke nonnenschool in Kenia. Al vrij in het begin hadden we het over alle namen die we tegenkwamen, Sarah en Hannah, Betty en Lottie, Camilla en Carlotta. Ze hadden veel van elkaar weg, maar toch hadden we nadat we in het boek zaten daar toch minder moeite mee als gedacht. Naast de drie vriendinnen spelen de ouders en broers van twee van de drie ook een aardig grote rol in het boek. De meiden zijn ook nog jong in het begin en wonen allemaal nog bij hun ouders wat dus de rol van de ouders in het boek ook verklaart. De eerste reünie van de meisjes moet plaatsvinden als ze achttien zijn.
Kenia kent een roerige geschiedenis, van Britse kolonisatie en opstanden. Het boek begint in de zogenaamde Mau Mau periode. [Een geheime Kikuyu guerrillagroep, bekend als Mau Mau, begint een gewelddadige campagne tegen blanke kolonisten. Noodtoestand uitgeroepen, Jomo Kenyatta gevangengezet, KAU (Kenyan African Union) verboden].
De ouders van Sarah, verlaten Kenia dan ook en verhuizen naar Rhodesië. [Rhodesië was een niet-erkende staat in zuidelijk Afrika, gelijkwaardig in territoriale termen met het huidige Zimbabwe. De hoofdstad bevond zich in het toenmalige Salisbury.] Hannah en haar broer Piet blijven op de plaas in Langani in Kenia wonen. De ouders van Camilla zijn verhuisd naar London en Camilla ook. Ook Hannah haar ouders verlaten Kenia en vertrekken naar Ierland, Camilla en Sarah verlaten dus beide hun geliefde Kenia.
Dan volgen we de meisjes tot ze jongedames worden en de leeftijd van 21 jaar bereiken en de volgende reünie zal plaatsvinden. De hoofdstukken verspringen tussen Kenia, London en Dublin waar ze dan respectievelijk wonen. De hoofdstukken worden aangeduid met plaats, maand en jaar. Hier en daar ontbreekt de chronologie enigszins want dan begint een hoofdstuk in september maar stipt het nog wat dingen uit augustus aan in een soort van flash-back bijvoorbeeld. Af en toe was dat wat verwarrend maar soms hadden we het ook niet echt door en leefden we mee met de meisjes. Camilla was onze minst favoriete, zij laat de twee anderen ook af en toe danig in de steek vonden wij.
Dan volgt de reünie voor hun 21ste verjaardag, iets waar Willy helemaal naar uitkeek maar wat voorbij was voordat ze het doorhad, natuurlijk was dit een ijkpunt want dat was nu eenmaal een van de twee dingen die de meisjes toen ze de school verlieten hadden afgesproken, maar ik zag het meer als een van de vele dingen die ze meemaakten.
Onderwijl mailden we stug heen en weer en schreef ik toen ik in Berlijn met mijn dochter was ook nog blogjes over onze reis, die Willy gezellig las.
Toen we nog maar zo’n ruime honderd bladzijden moesten lezen ging ik alvast even wat voorwerk voor dit blog doen en zocht de info over de auteurs op, daarin staat wat je hierboven al hebt gelezen: daarna werkten ze jarenlang aan de Langani-trilogie, die in Nederlandse vertaling verscheen als 'De vriendschap', 'Land van herkomst' en 'De thuiskomst'. Iets wat we beiden dus niet eerder hadden gelezen…als we dat hadden geweten waren we wellicht niet zo enthousiast aan dit boek begonnen.
Aangezien ik een Afrika kast heb wil ik die twee vervolgdelen dus heel graag hebben, en wat een mazzel had ik, ik liep de kringloop in op zoek naar ‘nieuwe’ kopjes op kantoor omdat de huidige kennelijk pootjes hebben gekregen, natuurlijk kon ik het niet laten om even bij de boeken te kijken, wat zag ik daar staan? Deel twee, 'Land van herkomst' dit boek, waar ik slechts twee euro voor betaalde, staat nu te wachten tot ik tijd heb om het te lezen.
Want ja we concludeerden beide dat er nog genoeg losse draadjes voor een tweede boek zijn, hoe gaat het met Lottie & Jan, Camilla & Anthony, Sarah… Het eindigt mooi maar is zeker niet afgerond zeg maar.
Willy: Ik heb getwijfeld aan het aantal te geven sterren. Doordat ik toch ook wat hiaten tegenkwam, kon ik er geen vier van maken, maar het is dan wel een dikke drie geworden. En ik vond het voornamelijk heel leuk om samen met jou te lezen.
Francisca: Ik vond het ook leuk om het samen te lezen, dan leg je een boek toch minder snel weg mocht het je niet trekken, ik gaf het dus wel 4 sterren, alle categorieën waarop ik beoordeel, op de plot na, kregen een 8, de plot was een 7, want eigenlijk was er niet echt een plot, het was gewoon een gezellig kabbelend verhaal over het leven van drie jonge vrouwen die ondanks alles vriendinnen blijven.
August 29, 2016
It is The best of times in 1957 for the three girls who attend Convent school in the Highlands of British East Africa. They are completely different, from each other, as their backgrounds are grounded in three separate cultures. A new country is created and they start on their long journey of friendship. They promise each other at their graduation they will meet on their 21st birthday at Hannah's family's ranch in the upcountry of the newly formed upcountry of Kenya.
They separate with one girl, Sarah, going to Dublin to study zoology, while glamorous Camilla launches her career accidentally in modeling and Afrikaner Hannah retreats to Rhodesia with her family after Kenya gains its independence. But what dark secrets does Hannah's family keep that would send them into oblivion to civil war torn Rhodesia.
This book has a war driven political plot line with much violence. Kenya's farm driven economy needs to diversify and surge forward with a more tourist driven economy. Although the author does not enlighten us with all of Kenya's problems the country faces, she does provide enough distress that the reader will see a spiraling country out of control with graft, horrific acts of violence and crooked government officials to name a few of the problems.
The girls are equally off balance as they try to find balance in their lives. It seems if it can go wrong, it will go wrong. Will they be able to culminate their blood sister oath? Should they even go out on a limb to make their 21st birthday a "happening". They each discover their strengths and weaknesses as they circumvent the map of their new country.
This a great read that does not try to celebrate the ole East African Protectorate, but examines the ups and downs of a young nation as it takes its place as a leader in Animal preservation. It squarely examines the cultures and different tribes. A must read for African history buffs.
They separate with one girl, Sarah, going to Dublin to study zoology, while glamorous Camilla launches her career accidentally in modeling and Afrikaner Hannah retreats to Rhodesia with her family after Kenya gains its independence. But what dark secrets does Hannah's family keep that would send them into oblivion to civil war torn Rhodesia.
This book has a war driven political plot line with much violence. Kenya's farm driven economy needs to diversify and surge forward with a more tourist driven economy. Although the author does not enlighten us with all of Kenya's problems the country faces, she does provide enough distress that the reader will see a spiraling country out of control with graft, horrific acts of violence and crooked government officials to name a few of the problems.
The girls are equally off balance as they try to find balance in their lives. It seems if it can go wrong, it will go wrong. Will they be able to culminate their blood sister oath? Should they even go out on a limb to make their 21st birthday a "happening". They each discover their strengths and weaknesses as they circumvent the map of their new country.
This a great read that does not try to celebrate the ole East African Protectorate, but examines the ups and downs of a young nation as it takes its place as a leader in Animal preservation. It squarely examines the cultures and different tribes. A must read for African history buffs.
November 17, 2016
Decido-me pelas 4,5 estrelas.
Confesso que me custou um pouco a deixar-me envolver por este livro. Mas à medida que ia lendo, ia gostando cada vez mais das diferentes personagens e dos seus percursos de vida. São personagens com caráteres bastante diferentes e marcados mas que, acima de tudo, gostam umas das outras e tudo fazem para se manterem em contacto e unidas.
As histórias de cada uma delas são bastante distintas, cada uma com muitos altos e baixos, acontecimentos bons e acontecimentos (muito) maus. O facto das autoras irem alternando as diversas tramas, torna o livro fácil de ler e de compreender cronologicamente a evolução de cada uma delas. Com o progresso na leitura fui-me envolvendo cada vez mais no livro e a ter cada vez mais dificuldade em parar de ler.
Adorei as descrições das paisagens quenianas, por vezes era como se tivesse entrado num documentário sobre vida selvagem. Como não há bela sem senão, o que ocorre com os elefantes "de Sarah" deixou-me muito triste, é uma situação trágica (mas muito bem escrita!).
Gostei bastante do final: por um lado, há histórias que ficam em aberto e nos deixam à espera do seu desenvolvimento, por outro há uma "fase" que termina e as 3 irmãs reúnem-se para ganhar forças e conseguirem seguir em frente.
Logo que possa, vou começar no 2º volume!
Confesso que me custou um pouco a deixar-me envolver por este livro. Mas à medida que ia lendo, ia gostando cada vez mais das diferentes personagens e dos seus percursos de vida. São personagens com caráteres bastante diferentes e marcados mas que, acima de tudo, gostam umas das outras e tudo fazem para se manterem em contacto e unidas.
As histórias de cada uma delas são bastante distintas, cada uma com muitos altos e baixos, acontecimentos bons e acontecimentos (muito) maus. O facto das autoras irem alternando as diversas tramas, torna o livro fácil de ler e de compreender cronologicamente a evolução de cada uma delas. Com o progresso na leitura fui-me envolvendo cada vez mais no livro e a ter cada vez mais dificuldade em parar de ler.
Adorei as descrições das paisagens quenianas, por vezes era como se tivesse entrado num documentário sobre vida selvagem. Como não há bela sem senão, o que ocorre com os elefantes "de Sarah" deixou-me muito triste, é uma situação trágica (mas muito bem escrita!).
Gostei bastante do final: por um lado, há histórias que ficam em aberto e nos deixam à espera do seu desenvolvimento, por outro há uma "fase" que termina e as 3 irmãs reúnem-se para ganhar forças e conseguirem seguir em frente.
Logo que possa, vou começar no 2º volume!
December 3, 2012
Irmãs de Sangue de Barbara e Stephanie Keating é o livro que estou a reler de momento. Passado num Quénia dos anos 60, aborda questões políticas e de sobrevivência segundo o ponto de vista de três adolescentes, amigas desde a infância, cada uma com as suas vivências e pressupostos." Quénia, 1957. Durante a infância, três meninas de meios sociais muito diferentes tornam-se irmãs de sangue: a irlandesa Sara Mackay, a africânder Hanna van der Beer e a britânica Camilla Broughton Smith juram que nada nem ninguém quebrará o laço que as une. Mas o que o futuro lhes reserva vai pôr à prova os seus sonhos e certezas. Separadas pela distância e pelas obrigações familiares, as três jovens são atiradas para um mundo de interesses em conflito. Camilla alcança o sucesso como modelo na animada Londres da década de 1960; Sarah Mackay é enviada para a universidade na sua Irlanda natal, uma experiência penosa que apenas fortalece a sua determinação de voltar para África; e a família de Hannah Van der Beer esforça-se para manter a fazenda que os seus antepassados africânderes erigiram na viragem do século. Os seus laços serão constantemente postos à prova e, a par do exotismo de África, a sua amizade será pano de fundo para interesses amorosos cruzados e promessas quebradas." - Cláudia
May 27, 2007
The violence of Africa, of life anywhere, is played out in this story of three very different girls who grow up in Kenya during the late 50's. A daddy's girl from England with political ties to Kenya; a daughter of conscientious doctors who come to help in a tiny village; a daughter of Boers making their own way in the world on a ranch after fleeing South Africa; these are the main characters. They grow up best friends and believe that will never end, but reality encroaches and the hardships of their lives, now so individual and independent of each other causes further misunderstandings and rifts. The heat of Kenya, its past, its politics and its future hangs heavy over this story. The violence of the Mau Mau rebellion is interwoven throughout.
March 14, 2015
A classic chick lit dynamic of the friendship between three girls who meet at school and all need something from each other. One glamorous, pretty but deeply neglected; one homely, shy and well loved, on brave, amazonian but afraid. So far so Penny Vicenzi. But this is set in 1950s Kenya and the dialogue is filled with discussions amongst the whites as the country moves to independent rule. I can well imagine the conversations flowing exactly like this at the time, even though they jar in a post colonial world. I was thoroughly enjoying reading the novels until a painfully obvious plot twist began to emerge and I then got frustrated at the slow and obvious pace as things would to their conclusion. I will re engage and read the other novels as soon as I have got over my annoyance!
July 8, 2015
I found this to be an interesting book, but about 250 pages too long.
It took a good 100 pages for me to really get into it. I kept at it because we were reading it for a book club.
We bounce around between the three main characters, three young women who meet at private school in Kenya in the 1960's right as the country is gaining independence from England. After school, they disperse, one stays in Africa to help running their 'Farm'/reserve. One goes to Ireland to finish school and the third to London, ideally to become an actress, but doesn't cut it and becomes a model.
The problem is I don't care a great deal about any of these characters.
I'm glad I read it, but don't think I can give it a real recommendation.
It took a good 100 pages for me to really get into it. I kept at it because we were reading it for a book club.
We bounce around between the three main characters, three young women who meet at private school in Kenya in the 1960's right as the country is gaining independence from England. After school, they disperse, one stays in Africa to help running their 'Farm'/reserve. One goes to Ireland to finish school and the third to London, ideally to become an actress, but doesn't cut it and becomes a model.
The problem is I don't care a great deal about any of these characters.
I'm glad I read it, but don't think I can give it a real recommendation.
February 26, 2011
I bought this book on impulse in Nairobi airport and knew from the first page that it was going to be entrancing. As I grew up in colonial Africa in the 60s and 70s it struck a very particular chord but it goes beyond that. It is well written and highly atmospheric. Warning - keep a box of tissues handy though!
February 16, 2015
Adorei:)
Durante algumas semanas senti que viagem pelo Quénia sem sair do mesmo lugar. Ao longo do livro existem descrições fabulosas, que nos transportam até África de uma forma espectacular.
Depois a história em si é fantástica a amizade entre Hanna, Sara e Camilla e e aquilo de bom ou menos bom vida de cada uma delas vai-lhes oferecendo.
Durante algumas semanas senti que viagem pelo Quénia sem sair do mesmo lugar. Ao longo do livro existem descrições fabulosas, que nos transportam até África de uma forma espectacular.
Depois a história em si é fantástica a amizade entre Hanna, Sara e Camilla e e aquilo de bom ou menos bom vida de cada uma delas vai-lhes oferecendo.
September 16, 2009
This novel described colonial Kenya from the perspectives of three white girls (Africaner, Brit, Scot) who grew up there. I liked the insights into Kenyan culture and the story was chick lit with quite a twist.
February 8, 2017
This is a beautiful, tragic, thoroughly believable story. I loved learning more about Africa. I would love it if there was a sequel!
Fun fact: I found this gem of a book at Goodwill in the little hick town I live in. When I first opened it, a flyer for Makuti Villas Resort in Kenya fell out!
Fun fact: I found this gem of a book at Goodwill in the little hick town I live in. When I first opened it, a flyer for Makuti Villas Resort in Kenya fell out!
June 20, 2021
I battled to get through this. The self centred, white privilege characters were annoying. I don't think I will followup with the rest of the trilogy.
February 19, 2024
Der Roman von Barbara und Stephanie Keating ist ein überwältigendes und riesengroßes Drama, welches von 1957 bis 1966 in Europa und Ostafrika spielt. Dabei ist der Roman so umfangreich, dass er verschiedene Genre gleichzeitig bedient. Verbrechen kommen genauso darin vor wie das Knistern von Romantik. Liebe, Eifersucht, Neid sind Zutaten aus dem menschlichen Dasein. Doch viele Zutaten entstammen auch den gesellschaftlichen Zwängen der damaligen Zeit.
Die zentralen Figuren sind weiße Afrikaner, die sogenannten Afrikaans, die dort geboren sind, aber in die Klasse der Kolonialisten gehören. Die europäischen Länder haben gerade ihre Kolonien aufgegeben und viele afrikanische Staaten in ihre Selbstständigkeit entlassen. In einigen Ländern (u. a. Rhodesien und Südafrika) wollen die ehemaligen Kolonialisten keine schwarze Herrschaft. Die Figuren des Romans sind den modernen Zeiten gegenüber mehr als aufgeschlossen, aber haben trotzdem noch viel Tradition in sich zu tragen. Genau so geht es der afrikanischen Bevölkerung. Anstatt Bauern zu werden lockt das schnelle Geld in Form von Elfenbein, obwohl dies dem Land gar nicht gut tun würde.
Die Hauptfiguren in »Himmel über Langani« sind die Freundinnen Sarah, Camilla und Hannah, die sich Treue und Freundschaft in guten und in schlechten Zeiten geschworen haben. Mit dabei sind ihre Brüder und deren Freunde. Während manche die Farm nach der Entkolonialisierung wieder aufbauen wollen, wollen andere die Tierwelt entdecken oder Karriere in der Modewelt machen. Die Ausbildung absolvieren die Freundinnen und an unterschiedlichen Orten und treffen sich doch wieder auf Langani in Kenia.
Nachdem die drei Freundinnen sich gegenseitig ihre Treue versprochen hatten, waren sie voller Hoffnung auf eine glänzende und glückliche Zukunft. Jedoch mussten sie bald erkennen, dass das heutige Afrika seine eigenen Regeln hat, denen sie nicht entkommen können. Und viele ihrer einstigen Glücksmomente enden letztendlich in einer traurigen Ruine.
Dieser Roman ist der Auftakt einer dreiteiligen Familiensaga (Band 2: »Land ihrer Sehnsucht«, Band 3: »Sterne über Langani«. Die Autorinnen haben den Roman mit vielen spannenden Geschichten über die Familien der drei Freundinnen ausgestattet. Detailreich beschreiben sie die exotische Welt des Lebens in Afrika genauso wie die Mode- und Glitzerwelt im Europa und der westlichen Welt.
Neben den Gefühlen der handelnden Figuren, werden ebenso umfangreich die Landschaft in Afrika und die Traditionen der Afrikaner dargestellt . Als Leser kann man viel kennenlernen über das Leben in Afrika nach der Entkolonialisierung. Sowohl die Korruption als auch das Wirken der schwarzen Bevölkerung gegenüber den weißen Afrikanern werden ausgiebig dargelegt.
Mich hat der erste Teil dieser Trilogie sehr beeindruckt und ich war sowohl von der Spannung als auch von der Exotik und dem Informationsgehalt sehr beeindruckt. Deshalb gebe ich ihm gern eine klare Empfehlung.
Insgesamt ist diese spannende und unterhaltsame Saga aus Afrika eine fesselnde Lektüre für alle, die exotische Bilder im Kopf lieben, auf der Suche nach unheimlichen Familiengeheimnissen sind und von spannenden Ereignissen in Afrika und Irland mitgerissen werden wollen. Taucht ein in diese faszinierende Geschichte und lasst euch von den Abenteuern unserer furchtlosen Protagonisten verzaubern!
© Detlef Knut, Düsseldorf 2024
Die zentralen Figuren sind weiße Afrikaner, die sogenannten Afrikaans, die dort geboren sind, aber in die Klasse der Kolonialisten gehören. Die europäischen Länder haben gerade ihre Kolonien aufgegeben und viele afrikanische Staaten in ihre Selbstständigkeit entlassen. In einigen Ländern (u. a. Rhodesien und Südafrika) wollen die ehemaligen Kolonialisten keine schwarze Herrschaft. Die Figuren des Romans sind den modernen Zeiten gegenüber mehr als aufgeschlossen, aber haben trotzdem noch viel Tradition in sich zu tragen. Genau so geht es der afrikanischen Bevölkerung. Anstatt Bauern zu werden lockt das schnelle Geld in Form von Elfenbein, obwohl dies dem Land gar nicht gut tun würde.
Die Hauptfiguren in »Himmel über Langani« sind die Freundinnen Sarah, Camilla und Hannah, die sich Treue und Freundschaft in guten und in schlechten Zeiten geschworen haben. Mit dabei sind ihre Brüder und deren Freunde. Während manche die Farm nach der Entkolonialisierung wieder aufbauen wollen, wollen andere die Tierwelt entdecken oder Karriere in der Modewelt machen. Die Ausbildung absolvieren die Freundinnen und an unterschiedlichen Orten und treffen sich doch wieder auf Langani in Kenia.
Nachdem die drei Freundinnen sich gegenseitig ihre Treue versprochen hatten, waren sie voller Hoffnung auf eine glänzende und glückliche Zukunft. Jedoch mussten sie bald erkennen, dass das heutige Afrika seine eigenen Regeln hat, denen sie nicht entkommen können. Und viele ihrer einstigen Glücksmomente enden letztendlich in einer traurigen Ruine.
Dieser Roman ist der Auftakt einer dreiteiligen Familiensaga (Band 2: »Land ihrer Sehnsucht«, Band 3: »Sterne über Langani«. Die Autorinnen haben den Roman mit vielen spannenden Geschichten über die Familien der drei Freundinnen ausgestattet. Detailreich beschreiben sie die exotische Welt des Lebens in Afrika genauso wie die Mode- und Glitzerwelt im Europa und der westlichen Welt.
Neben den Gefühlen der handelnden Figuren, werden ebenso umfangreich die Landschaft in Afrika und die Traditionen der Afrikaner dargestellt . Als Leser kann man viel kennenlernen über das Leben in Afrika nach der Entkolonialisierung. Sowohl die Korruption als auch das Wirken der schwarzen Bevölkerung gegenüber den weißen Afrikanern werden ausgiebig dargelegt.
Mich hat der erste Teil dieser Trilogie sehr beeindruckt und ich war sowohl von der Spannung als auch von der Exotik und dem Informationsgehalt sehr beeindruckt. Deshalb gebe ich ihm gern eine klare Empfehlung.
Insgesamt ist diese spannende und unterhaltsame Saga aus Afrika eine fesselnde Lektüre für alle, die exotische Bilder im Kopf lieben, auf der Suche nach unheimlichen Familiengeheimnissen sind und von spannenden Ereignissen in Afrika und Irland mitgerissen werden wollen. Taucht ein in diese faszinierende Geschichte und lasst euch von den Abenteuern unserer furchtlosen Protagonisten verzaubern!
© Detlef Knut, Düsseldorf 2024
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