The Settler

by Brian Duncan

Loves and wars in the cauldron of Southern Africa in 1890-1902, where a young Englishman and his American companion become accidental soldiers. Can they survive the desperate fighting between settlers and African tribesmen, and between British and Boer armies? Which of four pioneering young women will choose to share their challenges?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Africa, South Africa, Fiction

424 pages, Paperback

First published March 12, 2012

About the author

Brian Duncan was born in India and lived there until he was twelve. He then went to school and university in England. He worked as an economist in Africa and Asia for many years, before settling in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Brian's lived and worked in Nyasaland/Malawi during 1947-1986 and travelled the country widely; he spoke ChiChewa fluently. He also worked in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe for 16 years, and during that time researched the setting for his novel 'The Settler'. He is now writing a sequel, set in Nyasaland (now Malawi) during the First World War.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the first book of the trilogy, Brian Duncan takes the reader into an interesting and contentious period on the African continent, showing an impressive ability to use history as a backdrop to support a powerful story. As the novel opens, the year is 1890 and a young Martin Russell has just completed his studies at Oxford. Determined to make the trek to South Africa where he hopes of discovering some of the new mining possibilities, Martin refuses to heed the requests put forth by his family. In preparation for his journey, Martin encounters Perry Davenport, an American who is headed into the Transvaal to detect what mining options there might be, backed by a rich family in Boston. When they head to the Cape, Martin meets a young Helen Bateson, engaged to Lord Robert Onslow,who agrees to fund Martin's trip into the unchartered African territory. Martin and Helen share a brief spark of romance, though the engagement is a impediment for any suitable progress. While travelling in the bush and up to Rhodesia, Robert and Perry soon abandon the trek, leaving Martin to wrestle with all the territory has to offer, though he is not alone as many British have begun flocking to the region to take advantage of many diamond discoveries. Martin succeeds in securing land in the as yet developed Rhodesia and begins a farming venture, which he offsets by mining for gold on the periphery of his territory. However, by 1893 the Matabele tribes begin rebelling against these intruders. The imperial British and Boers alike fight to stem the tide of these tribal rebellions, though remember their animosity towards one another fondly. When Perry makes a surprise return from time in America, he and Martin fight together and eventually come across a Boer family, the Venters, who take them in during their journey homeward. The two teenage daughters, Louise and Pookie, draw much interest from both Martin and Perry, though their age makes any romantic possibilities less than ideal. While sixteen year-old Louise does seem to express interest, Martin cannot convince himself to reciprocate her desires and Perry ends up stealing her away, no conscience blocking his lustful ideas. Licking his heartbroken wounds, Martin returns to farming while Perry becomes ensconced with the Boer lifestyle. When Helen and Robert return from England to pursue a farming lifestyle in South Africa, Martin's spark returns, though Helen remains forbidden fruit, though they build a strong friendship built on admiration. Trouble is brewing as the British continue to travel to settle in South Africa but are refused representation in the local government, which leads to a second British-Boer clash, famously referred to the Boer War. Martin agrees to serve under his native Britain, though Perry is happy to serve on the side of his relations and signs up to defend the Boer territories. Martin and Perry have different experiences on either side of the battle, but will cross paths at least once more. Will their friendship supersede battle lines and how will the others fare in this bloody battle that ushered in the 20th century? Duncan does a wonderful job laying the groundwork for this first novel and lures readers in as the African subcontinent's mysteries are slowly revealed.

I received word of Duncan and his trilogy while working my way through another collection of South Africa-Zimbabwe novels by a popular author. I agreed to take a gander and was pulled into Duncan's narrative early on, as he develops many wonderful characters, all of whom work on conjunction to weave a strong plot. However, as with any good storyteller, Duncan had to choose the path he wished the story to follow and focussed on Martin Russell's adventures, as he settled in the new land of Rhodesia. Using a narrative that does progress over periods of time, Duncan is able to skip over some of the mundane daily living that his characters might undertake and highlight key events. The struggles that Martin faces become more complex in time and with more characters flavouring the narrative, though the foundation remains the same, that he seeks a new and independent life in Africa. Peppered with wonderful subplots and historical figures making their own cameos, Duncan is able to push the story to its ultimate climax, the Boer War. The story branches off and a number of the characters in a useful way while offering the reader a detailed look into his military campaign, providing fodder for both sides and their points of view. While the end does leave the reader wondering, the epilogue seeks to tie things up in three to four paragraphs. Alas, the trilogy is more about the region than the characters introduced in this opening novel.

Kudos, Mr. Duncan for a masterful opening novel. I cannot wait to see what other aspects of African history you seek to address in the next two novels.

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[Thomas Kuhn · Rating 3 out of 5]

When an artist chooses to paint a portrait of a vast and dynamic landscape, he or she generally selects a canvas large enough to reveal the depth and breadth of the subject. Authors of historical novels must also match the scope of their work to the setting--both in time and place--for the size and importance of their subject. In The Settler, Brian Duncan has selected the marvelous landscape of South Africa at the turn of the 19th Cent. during the critical events of the Boer Wars and English empire building. Into this wonderful potential he has set a cast of characters that do not always come up to the challenge of their setting. Great writers of what I would call "colonial fiction", such as Coleen McCullough for Australia or even Kenneth Roberts for colonial New England allow their characters to grow into the interesting settings, which are the true attraction for their novels. Historical characters when introduced need to be done as more than cameo appearances with little or no relevance to the advancement of the more personal stories being told. The history here would best be revealed more by the narrative and not so much by the dialogue of the characters, which often gives their words a stilted, almost contrived tone leaving the reader to ask: Do people really talk like that?
The Settler, much like the main character Martin Russel--who seems to flit from one sexual fantasy encounter to the next due to a lack of commitment until it is almost too late for him--comes together predictably over twelve years in an era of monumental events. A couple of hundred more pages might have brought the otherwise interesting characters more to life and given the reader a satisfaction of fullness rather than the quick summary that transpires in the last pages. Still, Mr. Duncan's obvious skill and in-depth awareness of a truly interesting and little-known region leaves one asking for more next time in the hopes that he might give us another look at this amazing landscape and parade of interesting people and the important events that transpired there.
This review is done as a Goodreads Firstreads book giveaway winner
Submitted by Thomas Kuhn

[Tessa Bardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It takes you on a grand sweep through twelve years of history, with the bonus of interesting, well-developed characters. I don't know a great deal about the history of Southern Africa, so I can't comment on the authenticity of the description of events. There are certainly plenty of incidents in the book that make for exciting reading. The scenes are quite vivid, enabling me to visualise events after reading a few well-chosen words.

The author cleverly interweaves the main characters with the historical background. The main character, Martin (The Settler), is well drawn, and his relationships with the four main female characters are realistic and quite poignant. His abrasive companionship with the American, Perry, is also well described. The four women are delightful, they are quite different in their personalities and very engaging. The characters are accidentally buffeted by wars and extreme hardship, with intervening, rather brief, periods of peace.

Some of the episodes are very graphic - notably when the Boers are besieged on the bank of the Modder River at the Battle of Paardeberg. You can almost smell the wood fires and the rotting carcasses. There were some episodes that illustrated well the carnage and suffering in war that often resulted from crass decisions by politicians and stupid generals.

The narrative starts at a leisurely, almost Victorian, pace, but then gathers momentum until it hurtles to its conclusion twelve years later. If I have a criticism of the novel it's that it reaches its conclusion rather too quickly. Perhaps it was my disappointment that I had to leave characters and a saga that had absorbed me so much.

I thoroughly recommend this book for those who enjoy serious historical novels that seem to be about real, believable people.

[Diane S ☔ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review in progress.

[Cindy Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story

This is a well written story of the Boer Wars in South Africa circa 1899. I have never been very interested in war stories as such, but this author tells this story with a group of characters that are followed over many years beginning with a young man who wants to try his luck in South Africa as a farmer. The plot is very interesting and I learned much about the Dutch and British colonization and eventual wars against the native peoples and eventually the wars between the boers and British. The politics are explained in a thorough fashion and detailed as to both sides opinions. War us always horrendous and one statement by the character Perry sticks with me as he answers there are no winners in war. The relationships between men and women evolve over a period of many years and friendships are tested. This is a very good book for historical fiction readers. High marks.

[Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely well written and researched, this book of fiction based on fact was highly entertaining as well as factually educating. The author manages to couch the historical facts of South Africa's past in a readable and entertaining style. Using well researched real characters in South African history combined with fictional characters, he is able to weave a family saga element into his highly entertaing novel.

[Andrew Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book in ages

This was an excellent book with real characters that gives insight into the life’s of the settlers and native people in Rhodesia & South Africa during troubled times. The author has a great understanding of the region and it’s history and made the times come alive in our own imagination.

[Silviu Mihai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely...

beautifully written...
sound southern African history through characters lives...
all famous historical figures appear throughout the story...
an absolute pleasure to read...

[Nick Tupper]

Worth a read, very entertaining

[Thomas Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

The Settler. Good read. Holds interest, not too many characters, moved along well.Will read next in series. Well developed characters, good historical background.

[keith holmes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riveting Read

Will keep you glued to each page,well written around some of the major happenings of the Anglo Boer war. Well worth the price. This is the second time I have read this book and still found it most enjoyable,

[Geoff Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Settler is a great book, and in some ways parallels a work of my own. Those who value historical accuracy in historical fiction will love this. A tad slow to start, but worth the wait for what comes next. Brian Duncan knows his history! An easy rating of 5 Stars. This is not a paid review.

[Mark Muller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, like the time set...

Would not want to compare it o Wilbur Smith but really a great write and a great read if you like to read about South Africa bush veld and boer war past...

[Nigel Copeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family at war

First book I have read by this author well worth a read. Friends and family on different sides who gets to win or did neither. You will have to buy the book to find out.

[Rafi Ali · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed it but am not as positive as many other reviewers. I couldn't help feeling it was a "poor man's" Wilbur Smith. For those who like that period in Southern Africa I recommend Smith's novels.

[Alta Bradford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the authentic history mixed with some ‘adventure’ and romance!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting picture of an important stage of the southern African history, including the Boer wars.

Rok 1890. Martin Russell jako młodszy syn nie dostanie spadku w rodzinnej Anglii. Postanawia osiedlić się w Afryce, gdzie brytyjscy kolonizatorzy mogą liczyć na bezpłatną lub tanią ziemią. Z Cape Town rusza na północ. Towarzyszy mu amerykański playboy Perry Davenport, a przez pewien czas także lord Robert Onslaw i jego narzeczona Helen, która od razu wzbudza w Martinie gorące uczucia. Ziemię kupuje w Rodezji. Farma, na której uprawia kukurydzę zaczyna nieźle prosperować, a zapowiada się jeszcze ciekawiej, gdy jego wspólnik znajduje na jej terenie niewielkie złoża złota. Nawiązuje przyjacielskie stosunki z bliskimi i dalszymi sąsiadami, m.in. z rodziną Afrykanerów, Venter, z dwoma atrakcyjnymi córkami. Dobrze układają się też relacje z tubylcami z plemienia Shona, których zatrudnia na farmie, a dla ich dzieci urządza szkołę. Jednak w 1893 inne tubylcze plemię, waleczni Matabelowie wypowiadają białym osadnikom wojnę. Jest krwawa i bezsensowna - uważa Martin - ale oczywiście bierze w niej udział. Podobnie jak później w tłumieniu buntu Shona. A także w tej najdłuższej, okrutnej, w której dawni przyjaciele walczą po przeciwnych stronach, czyli w II wojnie burskiej, 1899-1902.

Powieść Duncana można by nazwać przygodowo-historycznym romansem. W odróżnieniu od książek Wilbura Smitha czy Tonego Parka niewiele tu dzikiej afrykańskiej przyrody, a wątkom romansowym daleko do temperatury scen erotycznych u Smitha. Natomiast jest to niezły, podany w pigułce zarys historii Południowej Afryki w jednym z kluczowych dla niej okresów. Szczególnie geneza i przebieg tzw. wojny burskiej, Brytyjczyków z Afrykanerami, które zajmują mniej więcej jedną trzecią objętości powieści, przedstawione są w sposób naprawdę interesujący, z udziałem wielu historycznych postaci, którym autor dodatkowo poświęca w posłowiu krótkie notki biograficzne.

[Kai · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Settler is a wonderful story with the history of South Africa. Martin Russell, being a second son, went to seek his future in South Africa, His father, a member of the English Parliament, and his mother do not want him to go to an uncivilized country. Martin has made his mind to go since there is nothing in England to make his fortune.

George Davenport was willing to give Martin some financial help if Martin is willing to escort his nephew Perry Davenport to Johannesburg to survey the mines for gold. Martin meets and even though it was a brief moment, he fell in love with Helen, who is engaged to Lord Onslow. Helen couldn't back away from her engagement for his father's sake and married Lord Onslow.

Martin continued his journey to Mashonaland where he was able to acquire land for his farm. With his military background from India, he became involved with Matabele War of 1893, the 1896 Mashonaland Rebellion, and the Boer War.

Through Martin and Perry, the readers are able to see and experience history of South Africa. I found the history of South Africa to be fascinating, educational, and entertaining during ten years that Martin has lived in Mashonaland (even though Martin remained there after those ten years).

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars for the interesting historical information I got from this book. This is one of those WW1 interest searches after I read Ken Follet's Fall of the Giants, which I loved and would recommend.

I was captivated by the hardships of those that settled this unknown territory based on some romantic idea of gaining and owning property. But here again, repeating what was done to the Native American, we just came in and stole from the native culture. A crime. We are taught growing up in school that many of these world conflicts and key players (like Rhodes) are glorified and romanticized and it's startling to shine the light of truth on them.

I found the setting rich with detail and the different skirmishes detailed enough to spark continued interest in reading more about this era leading up to WW1 and the Boer conflicts in general.

The personal relationships unfolded nicely and I became personally invested in their stories thanks to the non-narrative style. I thought that Russell Martin's character could have been more deeply developed as his romantic involvements never matched up with his courage. And it would have been nice to read another chapter or two of what his journey was after the last page ended.

[Mirella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martin dreams of a life outside of England, in Africa where he can explore a new land, settle down someday, and farm. Before he departs, he is asked by a friend of his father, to take an unruly young American named Perry Davenport to South Africa with him. Perry has been tasked with seeking out for an uncle who owns and operates several gold mines. Little is Martin to know that Perry will become a nemesis in many ways.

Set in South Africa during the end of the 19th century, The Settler is an intriguing adventure rich with historical accuracy and a touch of romance. The story sweeps the reader into the heart of the Matabele War, the Mashonaland Rebellion, and finally the Second Boer War. Some of the war scenes are not for the feint of heart, but war is war and the graphic are accurately depicted and feel very real. I found the scenes that concerned the women and children in the concentration camps most poignant of all.

There is definitely something for everyone in this sweeping novel. Nicely written, with plenty of emotional turmoil, I enjoyed this historical novel and learning more about the Boer war in exotic Africa.

[Tony Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance and Adventure

Although I am not a great reader of novels, once in a while I discover one of those works of fiction I simply cannot put down. "The Settler" by Brian Duncan definitely fits into that exclusive category.

While I was initially attracted by its South African location, I was hooked by the end of the first chapter by characters I actually cared about. Brian Duncan's skillfully-woven main protagonists, Martin and his American friend, Perry, are well drawn and their collective love affairs with the four female characters are both believable and entertaining.

The novel is set against the historical background of the founding of Rhodesia, the Matabele War and ultimately, the Anglo-Boer War. As an annoying stickler for historical accuracy, I was delighted to find Mr. Duncan's novel pretty well sticks to the facts!

A highly recommended good read.

[Sally Parcels · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very well told story weaving fact with fiction. The author spent years in Africa working in an international capacity. He visited the places where the action takes place. He researched and then blended his fictitious characters with historical events and people present at these events. I found the book to be well written and full of insight of the attitudes leading to the conflicts and shows a multi-level depiction of the interpersonal relationships. The main protagonist is a bit stilted, but then so were the times he lived in. I have read a lot of historical fiction both American and English. He presents details of someone who knew the background well.

[David Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a long time, devoted Wilbur Smith fan so I was instantly attracted to this novel. It covers a period before and during the Boer War, a war I've not often read about. Martin, the upper class Englishman, is embroiled in several local battles with natives as well as joining the British force to fight the Dutch while somehow maintaining his hold on his piece of land. He even finds plenty of time to romance several women. It's a fast paced story that does a great job of covering the numerous hardships faced by settlers in Rhodesia at the beginning of the 20th century.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book about a you man emigrating from England to Rhodesia. It is interesting to read about his experiences as a farmer and a soldier. He is very loyal to the people he meets. I found this book especially interesting because one of my colleges is from South Africa and speaks Africaan. I have recommended this book to her.

[Joanne Fetzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be action-packed and captivating! The author aptly weaves historical fact with spell-binding fiction to create a lovely story that centers around life in Africa during the 19th-century. The reader gains a realistic sense of the hardships and struggles of life during that time period. A well-documented and well-written novel!

[Rupusneloth · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's mostly about the romances between the different characters. The history of South Africa is just a background to make the story complete. I will not finish the book.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this historical fiction novel. Moving from England to South Africa it combined well researched information and romance and although it was a long read well worth it.

[Maddy Will · Rating 1 out of 5]

Book club fail.

[Suzi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Historical Novel About Boer War

The story, as written, was only mildly interesting (in spite of the fact that I'm wildly interested in everything Africa). The characterisation, structure, and storyline were amateurish at best, and the author kept switching tenses and viewpoints, often in the same sentence. If you're interested in well-written historical novels about Africa, try Wi!bur Smith.