Far from Home

by Na'ima B. Robert

Will I ever see my home again? I do not know.
Will I ever see my father again? I do not know.
Will life ever be the same again? I do not know.
Katie and Tariro are worlds apart but their lives are linked by a terrible secret, gradually revealed in this compelling and dramatic story of two girls grappling with the complexities of adolescence, family and a painful colonial legacy.
14-year-old Tariro loves her ancestral home, the baobab tree she was born beneath, her loving family - and brave, handsome Nhamo. She couldn't be happier. But then the white settlers arrive, and everything changes - suddenly, violently, and tragically.
Thirty-five years later, 14-year-old Katie loves her doting father, her exclusive boarding school, and her farm with its baobab tree in rural Zimbabwe. Life is great. Until disaster strikes, and the family are forced to leave everything and escape to cold, rainy London.
Atmospheric, gripping and epic in scope, Far from Home brings the turbulent history of Zimbabwe to vivid, tangible life.

Genres: Fiction, Africa, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Historical, African Literature, Muslims

352 pages, Paperback

First published August 4, 2011

About the author

Na’ima B Robert is descended from Scottish Highlanders on her father's side and the Zulu people on her mother's side. She was born in Leeds, grew up in Zimbabwe and went to university in London. At high school, her loves included performing arts, public speaking and writing stories that shocked her teachers.
Her popular 'From my sisters' lips' explored the reality of living as a Muslim woman in the West. She has written several multicultural books for children, including 'The Swirling Hijaab', 'Going to Mecca' and 'Ramadan Moon'. She is also the author of the teen novels 'From Somalia, with love', 'Boy vs Girl', 'Black Sheep' and the award-winning 'Far from Home', a historical novel set in Zimbabwe. Her cult classic 'She Wore Red Trainers' pioneered the 'halal romance novel' genre. She divides her time between London and Yorkshire and dreams of living on a farm with her own horses. Until then, she is happy to keep telling untold stories, calling for increased representation in children's books and mentoring other aspiring Muslim writers with her writing groups and programmes.

Reviews

[Na'ima Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is wrong to say this. But I love this book. The fact that I wrote not withstanding, I love it. As an author, not every book will necessarily speak to you, move you to tears, leave you shaken on the fourth or fifth reading. This one does.

[Michelle (Fluttering Butterflies) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Far From Home by Na'ima B. Robert was a real joy to read. I don't have very much experience or knowledge of the political turmoil that Zimbabwe has faced, both with colonialism and with reclaiming their independence, but I am always fascinated when authors have the ability to tell a good story, fill it with such emotion as well as educate me in a very subtle manner.

I was lucky enough to read Na'ima B. Robert's previous books for a YA audience last year and loved the gentle nature of them and how very different both Boy Vs. Girl and From Somalia, With Love are to anything else I'd read previously. And while Far From Home is different in tone and structure to her previous books, it is still writtten in a very engaging and emotional voice and I fell into the story very easily.

Far From Home is split into three parts with two different narrators. Tariro and Katie are two very different girls both living in Zimbabwe. Through the eyes of both girls we are able to see the changing landscape of Zimbabwe, from the time of British colonialism to after Independence.

Tariro's account of her life before the white settlers has arrived is quite beautiful. She loves her family and her way of life. She loves the land and the old baobab tree that sits on her family's land. She has everything in front of her, with her recent engagement to childhood sweetheart, Nhamo. But it is not be, for the white soldiers who have moved in have other plans for the people and for this land. Despite some resistance, the dignity of Tariro and her family and community is slowly stripped as each thing that they hold dear is stripped from them, from their land, their homes, and finally their freedom.

It's quite difficult to read some sections of this book - Tariro and her family must live through such tragic events. There's such cruelty and inhumane treatment. It's heartbreaking to read of the suffering of these people but despite it all, inside Tariro still burns with hope and the strength to endure.

While I didn't feel as emotionally connected to Katie's story or to her outlook on her and her family's way of life, I was able to understand a bit how things had reached such a point. And despite how unsympathetic I felt Katie is as a character, I was still entirely gripped by the story to continue reading and to find out what possible outcome or connection there are between these two girls.

I think Far From Home is an incredible story, filled with so much heart and hope. I really no idea that such atrocities had occurred and I'm very glad to have had my eyes opened to this time of turmoil in Zimbabwe's history. Highly recommended.

[Box · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its very easy to dismiss colonialism as just a part of history, a line in your textbook that you probably wont read again.

Reading Tariro's story was gut-wrenching, her home was taken from her along with those she loved dearly. It was interesting to see Zim culture, It is quite old fashioned but I did love something Tariro said.

"...Don't the actions of you men, your choices, affect us all? Do we not carry the burden of your decisions? Do we not suffer the pain and humiliation when you give up? Do we not bury the dead when you decide to stay and fight? Do you think that because we tend the fields and carry babies on our backs that we do not have eyes to see? That because we spend our days cooking and washing clothes in the river, we do not understand the words that are said when you men are padare, in council?"

A vey refreshing statement filled with things I love to hear, other than rhetorical questions of course.

Katie's story was very important as well. Unlearning her racism and former biases was a big part of her character development. I enjoyed seeing the setting change to England since it's a place I am much more familiar with. This made Katie's family struggles a lot more real to me because it probably happens only a few streets from me, or even next door.

"Brave and strong. If only there were more women like you."

Ahh. It seems the 'I'm not like other girls' curse has found its way here too.

'I opened my mouth to speak, to say that there were many more like me...'

Ohh. Never-mind then, it seems the curse has been lifted. Thank goodness.

An overall good book with a satisfying ending, 3.75 stars.

[Silvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH. MY GOSH. this book is unreal. Tariro's story is heart-wrenching, and then Katie's addition to it shakes you while you're still in Tariro's world...and once you're fully in Katie's world, her story is equally as powerful. I recommend this to EVERYONE. EVERYONE!!!! Even guys. becuase normally guys don't read books that are written through a girl's point of view, but this one is soooo worth it.

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a captivating tale about two teenage girls divided by decades and racial prejudice, Na'ima B Robert weaves an absorbing story about how the fight for land has shaped Zimbabwe's colonial legacy.
Far From Home is told through the eyes of Tariro and Katie, worlds apart but linked through the war over the fertile land surrounding a baobab tree in Masvingo, and a terrible family secret.
Tariro is a “daughter of the soil”, born beneath a baobab tree in the land of her ancestors, surrounded by her loving family.
Her story begins in Rhodesia in 1964 when she is a young teenager in love with broad-shouldered, brave Nhamo who makes “fireflies dance” in her belly.
But their lives are hit by tragedy when the Native Land Husbandry Act in enforced by the brutal Deputy District Commissioner, Ian Watson.
Tariro's fighting spirit is awoken when her people, the Karanga who have the totem of a lion, are driven off their fertile land. Their homes destroyed by fire in a swift and bloody battle and they are moved to a Reserve, “a place of death” where the soil is dry and tired and the people are starving.
Katie's story begins in 2000, she is a 14-year-old privileged, care-free farm girl with a doting father and a love of their sprawling Masvingo farm, which has a giant baobab at its centre.
But her life is changed forever when her beloved farm is reclaimed by war-veterans and her family is exiled from the dust and heat of the land she loves, to the cold of a desolate council flat in rainy London.
As their two worlds collide, Tariro and Katie are forced to confront their prejudices, dark family secrets and the truth of their turbulent history.
Robert's writing is simple but evocative, her connection with Zimbabwe is evident in the raw emotion of her story.
It is obvious she engages more with Tariro, thrilling in the rich detail and earthy descriptions of her life in her rural homestead.
Katie is not as easy to identify with, possibly because her story is shorter – although no less absorbing - and Robert is less sympathetic towards her.
In places her story is light on detail, we do not learn much about Tariro's role in the bush war and how it affects her family or the aftermath of Katie's loss of her farm and her disintegrating family life. And the story ends at the point it gets most interesting, when the different worlds of the central characters collide far from the land they love.
Despite this, Robert's vivid imagery bring to life the sights, sounds and smells of rural Zimbabwe and her's is an engaging tale with an interesting twist on Zimbabwe's recent and turbulent history.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books are powerful - thanks to the prose, the story or the subject matter. Far From Home is powerful because of all three. It describes the sharp and terrible events in what used to be Rhodesia and is now Zimbabwe. It shows the rise of Robert Mugabe to power. It manages to portray both sides of a conflict that tore a country apart and was a dark period in world history.

First we meet Tariro, and gain an insight into the lives of the Karanga people. She is a bright and charming young girl, in love with the brave and handsome Nhamo. Her whole life is in front of her - but then the white settlers arrive and steal all of that life away from her.

The second part of the novel shows Katie, a pampered daughter of one of the white settler families. She has been brought up to consider black people beneath her, and is forced to confront those prejudices when her uncle takes her into his home - the uncle that has taken a black woman to wife.

There is a connection between Tariro and Katie that brings the two story lines colliding together, and is fitting and neat.

Robert's prose is stark, clean and elegant. It details the sometimes shocking events with quiet dignity and helps to evoke feelings for both Tariro and Katie, despite the fact that they are on opposing sides of the tale.

The characters are brilliantly written, and it is simply awesome to see two female protagonists take centre stage.

Robert clearly writes from the heart and has a great deal of experience in the subject matter. She manages to convey a complex political situation with direct language and a lot of sympathy.

This, as I say, is a powerful book. It is very well written. But it is not fun or light. It is challenging, thought-provoking and has enormous depth.

[Rumbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a 'born free' Zim girl, I can't even begin to describe the emotions this book has stirred in me. This book has opened my eyes, made me feel a great sense of pride of who I am and ancestors before me. I feel so encouraged, so inspired to give back to a land and people that has given me so much. And all because of this book, the style of writing is so engaging, painful at times because of how the story is so emotionally charged but always engaging. I'm in awe in how she managed to capture all the information and emotion in such a captivating way. I loved Tariro's story. Well done Na'ima, well done! Definitely a must read. I loved the last line:-
'one day, no one will be exiled far from home, but all will be free to return, with open hearts and willing hands, to rebuild a home called Zimbabwe'
- beautiful! My heart just swelled at that line.
I have no doubt that this book will inspire anyone who reads it, especially us Zimbos, all I can say is Thank You!

[Myne Whitman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a deeply emotional novel and some parts of it were very difficult to read. Not because they weren't well written but because of the subject matter that was being handled. Set in Rhodesia which later became Zimbabwe, this book narrates two strands of a life potrait, as different as they are alike. A young African girl is born on the land, and then torn from it in very painful circumstances, in the same place but another time, a young white Zimbabwe girl also has to come to terms with losing her connection to the land. Politics, history and the human angle combine to make Far from Home a wonderful read. The writing is spare and direct, making it very easy to read this book without missing any of the deep themes.

[Azeezat Adeola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Equal parts devastating and uplifting, 'far from home' is beautifully written, and eloquently captures the struggle of a people to retain their land.

I enjoyed this book, and connected with the characters emotionally (as some of the girls I was with during Eid in the park can attest to!)

I loved Tariro's character, and though I wasn't so keen on the second part of the narrative, I felt that the last third definitely brought the story full circle and the story ended with some sense of closure.

My only complaint was that of the character Ian Watson, as much as I disliked the character, I would have liked some further insight into his reasonings...

All in all I loved this book, I actually bought it for one of my cousins... So we'll see what she thinks :)

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read my review on my book blog @ https://sabrinareads365.blogspot.com/

[Rainy Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is good! I don't know much about colonialism and political turmoil in Zimbabwe but this book somehow gave me some insights into them.

Far From Home is from the POV of two girls. Tariro, a black, native Zimbabwe girl and Katie, a white girl whose family settled down in Zimbabwe and claimed it their home. Tariro's life story completely wrenched my heart. There were days when they were all happy before the whites took their lands and forced them to move from their homes. Katie's life story however, differed so much from Tariro. She lived a happy life on her father's farm in Zimbabwe until the new revolution forced her family to give back the land they stole from the natives, and her life slowly crumbled to pieces.

This book also highlights the different treatments received by people who have different skin color. The abuses and agonies they had to receive from the whites (who claimed themselves their master) were unbearable. Few times I felt like I wanted to punch this Ian Watson for all the horrible things he did to Tariro and her family. Far From Home is well-written. If you want to read a story that highlights colonialism, revolution and racism the natives had to endure, this book is for you.

[Cari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I was not expecting something so powerful from a children's book. This should be required reading in school. This book is so realistic and emotional. It really helps you understand the injustice done to Africans at the hands of the British (among many others). This book helps you understand just how devastating colonization is. In America it's 'in the past.' I had no idea that stealing land from Africans was happening as late as the 1960s! And it was not until the 2000's that the Zimbabwean people finally started getting their land back.
Highly recommend to adults and pre-teens if you want to gain some perspective on colonization through the eyes of relatable characters and a story that comes full circle.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Far From Home – Na’ima B Robert (2011)
This book was given to me to read by a student in one of my English classes.
It is a challenging read. The author initially introduces us to Tariro, daughter of the Baobab. Tariro tells the stories of her people, and the simple explanations given really help to develop an empathy in the reader. She explains, in her uncle’s voice
‘Now, Lobengula, son of Mzilikazi, king of the Ndebele, had grown concerned about all these varungu – the Boers, the Portuguese, the British – bothering him, wanting him to let them look for gold and other minerals in his territory. But, because he trusted the British Queen’s representative, he finally agreed to sign a document called the Rudd Concession, giving the mining rights they wanted.’
Cecil John Rhodes was granted a charter by Queen Victoria, allowing him to run the country on behalf of Britain. As Tariro quite rightly asks,
‘Who gave her the authority to decide our fate?’ I asked. ‘We have never seen her. We did not accept her as our queen.
The removals of the Karanga people, Tariro’s people, from the land, are violent and merciless. Tariro and her family suffer terribly, with the loss of many people and the removal to poor land with no rights to cut down trees, or to irrigate. And the girls sent to fetch water from the river live in constant danger of attack from the white men. (In Maori, a karanga is a spiritual call to welcome, or summon, the manuhiri – visitors – on to a Marae. It is a thread between the two women, one tangata whenua and one manuhiri, calling through the passages of time. This felt really appropriate to me,as this novel is so much about the calls of woman to woman, and identity through time and place). A good friend of mine who speaks Shona, tells me that Maori and Shona languages have unexpected connection.
Tariro suffers such an attack, and the result is a daughter, Tawona. Despite her hatred of the man, Ian Watson, Tariro loves her daughter, and brings her up in the Karanga way, as best she can, suffering the deprivations that they do.
However, as time passes, discontent grows, and the African National Congress grows and develops. The Karanga, and other displaced African people, build an army and start to reclaim their land. This is also the time of Robert Mugabe. Tariro becomes involved and fights in the battles as a soldier. This is an historic time, where the people of Zimbabwe not only reclaim their land but also reclaim their name.
About two thirds of the way through the novel, we are introduced to Katie, the white and legitimate daughter of Ian Watson, and the White African version of events is told. To be fair, it is difficult for the reader to develop a lot of empathy with Katie and her family. Our first and loyal affiliation is to the family we know and love already, who were so badly treated by her white ancestors and by her father. Racism is conveyed very effectively, especially in moments where Katie herself acts in ways that reflect her upbringing, rather than what she learns. I guess this could be uncomfortable reading for some, but it reflects very much a perspective that was real. What the author attempts to do is to help us understand why Katie might feel that she has had her heritage ripped away from her. She is not successful in this. But I did find myself thinking that it wasn’t Katie’s fault she was born into the family and the place that she was.
This novel demands that the reader asks some really difficult questions of themselves and their lives. The author bravely attempts to present two sides of a story that she cannot really feel in her heart. While this is courageous, I think ultimately Katie as a character fails. She is relatively two-dimensional compared to Tariro or Tawona. I’m not sure that is entirely fair, but it is a brave attempt to acknowledge the possibility of another perspective to this story.
This is a very well written book that taught me much about the recent history of Zimbabwe. I will be asking my friend who grew up in Zimbabwe, to read it and tell me his view.
Because of the violent acts that happen within the story, I feel this is probably a Young Adult / Adult novel. I would rate it a 4/5 stars.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found out about this book from Africa Access, which is a wonderful organization to promote opening perspectives on Africa and supporting African authors. I am so glad that they brought this book to my attention. As the YA staff member for my local library, I will definitely be pushing this book into my patrons' hands.

Far From Home focuses on the stories of Tariro and Katie and covers a span of forty years. Tariro loves life in her village: her father is the chief, her beloved Nhamo returns her feelings, and she is near her precious baobab tree. She is aware of the whites and the Queen, but all is well until the Husbandry Act of 1951 forces her off her land and changes her life in irreparable ways. Flash forward almost 30 years later, and Katie is a 14 year old white girl who loves her farm, her father, and her life. Until changes in Zimbabwe force her to look at her life and her family history in a completely new way.

This book does such a good job at providing realistic characters and situations. Na'ima Robert has said that this is her first book that is loosely based on her experiences, and I completely believe it. The book is filled with real moments of tragedy, sadness, suffering, and triumph that I would believe it if Tariro was a real person. She feels real.

I will say that this book touches on some heavy issues, but I would say that it is a must read.

If this book interested you, I think you can use this as a platform to get them interested in other books about African history from this time period, as well as some fiction. Barbara Kingsolver's The Poisonwood Bible is one that immediately jumps to mind and can be read by older teens.

This book better be on the Printz short list next year.

Other recommendations would include Now Is the Time for Runningby Michael Williams, Chanda's Wars by Allan Stratton, and Kaffir Boy: The True Story of a Black Youth's Coming of Age in Apartheid South Africa by Mark Mathabane. All of these are YA books.

I also strongly suggest visiting Africa Access's website at http://www.africaaccessreview.org/aar.... They have books for all ages, and they are currently running a reading competition for children and teens.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story that surprised me with its complexity. I was drawn in by the characters, specifically Tariro, one of the two main characters narrating the story. Tariro is doing what young girls in Africa do, taking care of her siblings and helping with the crops until the white men come and begin the fight for land and power. Tariro is also in love with a much-talked about boy Nhamo but she is torn from him when Nhamo is beaten and blinded for defending Tariro from a white man's physical abuse. She is told to forget him because he is damaged. Heartbreakingly, Tariro finds herself in another dangerous situation and the same white man, Ian, sexually assaults her, leading to a pregnancy. She begins to love the baby and welcomes this blue eyed, light skinned beauty into the world. Unfortunately her call to duty is strong and she goes to fight for independence.

Around this time, the story of Katie breaks in. From the beginning you sense that she is Ian's daughter and he is now farming the land he forced Tariro and her clan from years earlier. Katie is living a privileged lifestyle and is daddy's girl. Upon her return to the farm, she is haunted by her shunning of her black friend when her parents arrived, yet there are underpinnings of doubt as to what is wrong with befriending blacks, especially when she sees the way her mother abuses and distrusts the help and especially after she discovers her shunned uncle married a black woman and was ostracized from the family. Yet, she is indebted to them when her father turns drunk and her mother leaves the family after they're removed from their farm and move without much money to London.

Then comes the redemptive finale that is realistic because it is not tidy. In her older age, Tariro, her half-white daughter born of rape, and her husband Nhamo (yes the same one she was barred from marrying she ended up marrying because of the power of love!) get their chance to face Ian and his ugliness. But, Tariro is patient and although she is able to explain to Katie that the same baobab tree Katie loved on her farm was the same tree that Tariro was born under and rightly so, the land is now Tariro's again. The rest, Tariro is contented to wait until another time and place to explain to Katie.

There are several storylines that I wished were developed or not included at all because they were distracting, yet overall, this is a necessary story of Zimbabwe's independence told through two girls' experiences. Certainly worth its place on world literature and history reading lists.

[Ummu Katheer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had been privy to finding out about this book because of an award given and acclaimed for in the U.S. Initially very proud of this award , because being an avid admirer and reader of the author and magazine, I couldn't wait to find out what this book was really about. However, I wasn't able to get my hands on it, it seemed to be selling out and I missed my chance! Well as it turns out, my daughters and I had the opportunity to attend the 64th International Book Fair, in Cairo, Egypt this month. On the very last day,and a couple hours before closing time, we were separated from one another in the huge arena. I confess, we are all bookworms. So while I was engrossed by hundreds and thousands of books all in one place, my oldest daughter was in her own world as well. When we finally caught up to one another, she showed me her surprise. It was this book. She told me how much she paid for it, and that I could read it first when we get home. I finished it in less than one day. It was a definite page turner and I felt so much closure at the end of the book,despite feeling a lot of sadness for the main female characters in the beginning. I'm a grown adult raising teens in this sometimes tragic yet hopeful world. The story of hope and peace has stayed with me since. I especially loved Tariro's great display of strength.

[Lizzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited when I picked up this Children' Africana Book Award winner. It was unique story of both a black and white young girl set in Zim. Zim is a fascinating complex country and the perfect place to set a coming of age story.
It was indeed wonderfully atmospheric. Since I have a personal connection to Zim it was fun for me read the Shona phrases, and the farmer's slang. Or read about the babob tree or private schooling culture. The setting and the characters' voices were accurate.
That said, the ending was very preachy and the forced plot connections could be a major turnoff to YA readers. I liked the timeline in the back for greater context, but the glossing over of Mugabe's troubled reign especially in the last decade is worrisome. All told, although it stirred a strong reaction in me and I waver if it would do the same for others.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not in my typical genera I usually read, but I read it for a book club I am in. I was a little skeptical when I first started the book, and after reading the first chapter I was about to give up, but since it was for a book club I kept reading, and I'm so glad I did! It took a few chapters to pull me in, but after that I was hooked. I do not know much about what happened in Africa during that time, but I feel as if I learned so much from this book! I really enjoyed how the story was told from the two different view points. It was extremely interesting to see how each girl experienced a similar situation. And I really love how they were not only connected by the land they called home, but they were connected by Ian. I would like to read a sequel to see what happened after, I think that would be fascinating.

[Gugu · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I heard the story line of this book I was initially very apprehencious as I felt that few authors are able to captures two sides of an emotionally charged issue. The land. Somehow Na'ima manages to achieve this without compromising the integrity of either side of the story.

I won't say that i enjoyed the book, as "enjoy" is not the right word for it. It gripped me - i finished it in one weekend. It moved me - I did cry. It made me angry and upset. Made me grateful and proud. Made my uncomfortable and pensive. It made me feel all these things in the way that it is written with a solid historical grounded, but a sensitivity of the life and feelings of these characters - Tariro and Katie.

I highly recommend this book.

[Salsabrarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this, in particular Tariro's story, put me in mind of "Shabanu," similarly giving a strong sense of place and time and the importance of the relationship of Tariro's people to the land. Katie's story was disturbing in that the white Zimbabweans' beliefs about blacks is so at odds with what I know and my own beliefs. This also reveals a history and culture many young people are not familiar with and does so in a compelling way.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful and thought-provoking historical fiction about two young girls growing up in Zimbabwe years apart. The stark differences are very much illuminated, but there is also interesting common ground. A compelling narrative.

I always appreciate learning about a different culture and country through the lens of fictional characters and this was a powerful way to learn about some of Zimbabwe's history.

[Inbal Alon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good read for young adults about an interesting historical time in Zimbabwe. I loved the complexity of the issues, even in a young adult novel, and the different perspectives. I liked the first person narrative and the alternating narrators. A good book for youth, and a good introduction to some post colonial issues in Africa.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poorly advertised to look like a middle grade book but this is definitely something for the older crowd too, dealing with issues such as rape, racism, civil war. An interesting read about the history of Zimbabwe!

[Bookslover · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE BEST BOOK IVE EVER READ

Na'ima B Robert is the best writer I ever saw. I hated books but this book changed everything,i cried when they cried I laughed when they did I was a complete idiot !
I read it 3 times now this is my fourth!
its just so heart-touching

[Buckham Teens Library]

Zimbabwe, 1980s and present-day.

[Miss M · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of two lives at two very different, but turbulent time periods within the same country and how those very different lives are brought together by fate. Excellent read.

[Davie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was very eye opening and I felt the fear and emotion so strongly. I cried every chapter

[Kat B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. A great story told through two strikingly different, yet connected, characters. I learned a lot about Zimbabwe and the politics of its independence. Highly recommend it!

[sylas]

This book isn't for me. Couldn't get into it, despite being really intrigued by the premise. Gave it 100 pages.

[Megan Geissler · Rating 5 out of 5]

zimbabwe, rhodesia, whites, blacks, very good.