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Sons of Africa
In a time when lands were forged of blood and conquest, farmers and prospectors looked north to new beginnings. Settler wagons in their hundreds left the safety of the Cape Colony; generations on, their descendants are still fighting to keep a land they love... ... "For that smallest of moments the two men stared at each other. Between them flew a hundred years, a thousand reasons. Ancient prophecies, the creak of wagons over rough ground and a woman's yearning for infinite horizons, the strengthening of one man's belief and the imminent death of another." From Rhodesia's final years, the clock turns back to the windswept, dusty streets of Kimberley’s infamous diamond fields. For Catherine Goddard and her son, Mathew, their decision to cross the Limpopo as part of a settler wagon train is one borne of desperation and a boy's need to be reunited with his father. For three months their ox-drawn trek wagon stands as their only defence against the African wilderness and the bloodlust of Lobengula Khumalo’s warring impis. Throughout the passage of a hundred years, three racially divided families are fatefully drawn together. Dynasties are shaped and smashed by kings, warrior chiefs and the indomitable lust for power and wealth by men like Cecil Rhodes and the perpetrators of Zimbabwe’s chaotic new order. From the latter part of the nineteenth century, Sons of Africa runs inexorably to the demise of Rhodesia’s white minority rule and the emergence of the new Zimbabwe.
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First published August 3, 2011
182 people are currently reading
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About the author
Jeffrey Whittam
4 books17 followersJeffrey was born in Lancashire, England in 1947.
With his parents, on a cold, wet Thursday in 1956, he boarded RMS Carnarvon Castle - Africa bound.
His formative years in Southern Rhodesia were spent fishing, hunting and exploring the wilderness. Still in his early twenties, Jeffrey became a prospector of note and sold his first gold claims in 1973. For the best part of the bush war, he fought with the Rhodesia Regiment's 10th Battalion.
Jeffrey now lives in the wilder reaches of Lancashire's fell country with his wife, children and 3 dogs. His considerable experience and natural flair for storytelling is reflected in his writing. He now writes full time and Sons of Africa is his first novel. The sequel, Empress Gold has just been released on Kobo, Amazon Kindle and iBooks.
With his parents, on a cold, wet Thursday in 1956, he boarded RMS Carnarvon Castle - Africa bound.
His formative years in Southern Rhodesia were spent fishing, hunting and exploring the wilderness. Still in his early twenties, Jeffrey became a prospector of note and sold his first gold claims in 1973. For the best part of the bush war, he fought with the Rhodesia Regiment's 10th Battalion.
Jeffrey now lives in the wilder reaches of Lancashire's fell country with his wife, children and 3 dogs. His considerable experience and natural flair for storytelling is reflected in his writing. He now writes full time and Sons of Africa is his first novel. The sequel, Empress Gold has just been released on Kobo, Amazon Kindle and iBooks.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 18, 2015
This one took me forever to read. I kept getting interrupted, but also the writing just wasn’t very good so I didn’t mind getting interrupted and side-tracked with other books. That, to me, is a sign that it’s not a great book. What I did like was the fact that it was historical fiction that held more or less pretty accurately to the events it covers (with the exception of some of the seeming mystical things, which while people did believe those things I wouldn’t say are historical “fact”). It jumped through time and characters pretty fluidly at parts, which made things confusing sometimes. I was just disappointed because I think the story could have been quite good, but it wasn’t very well written. There was a lot of extraneous stuff that really just detracted from the story at times, too.
Overall I’m quite torn about it. Interesting story that I liked, but the execution was done so poorly that I at times thought I would never finish. That’s not how I want to go through a book. I ended up marking it 3 stars because I really did enjoy the story (or at least, what the story was trying to be and for some parts that really were very good). I’m not sure I would recommend this one to other though, especially not die hard Africa and/or historical fiction fans.
Overall I’m quite torn about it. Interesting story that I liked, but the execution was done so poorly that I at times thought I would never finish. That’s not how I want to go through a book. I ended up marking it 3 stars because I really did enjoy the story (or at least, what the story was trying to be and for some parts that really were very good). I’m not sure I would recommend this one to other though, especially not die hard Africa and/or historical fiction fans.
April 29, 2019
I always grab a book written about Africa and I’m pleased to find a new author in the mould of Wilbur Smith. I gad not read too far when I was certain that not only had the writer lived in Africa but he was familiar with the mining industry. His in-depth descriptions of extracting gold in southern Zimbabwe is really informative. I loved the description of the battles, the harsh lives endured by the early settlers, and the African flora and fauna. For two days I was engrossed, taking a trip back to Africa which did my homesickness no good at all! I shall be looking for more books by Jeffrey Whittam.
October 20, 2018
A great novel
The novel is set in Africa. It was hard to put down as the story revolved around the first white settlers entering territory the natives had claimed as it's own. The mountains were full of gold and it was imperative that the white settlers claim this ground. A bitter rivalry with the white settlers and the chief of the original people's plays out. Both sides had casualties. Very well written and hard to put the book down. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Will be reading more novels from Jeffrey Whittam.
The novel is set in Africa. It was hard to put down as the story revolved around the first white settlers entering territory the natives had claimed as it's own. The mountains were full of gold and it was imperative that the white settlers claim this ground. A bitter rivalry with the white settlers and the chief of the original people's plays out. Both sides had casualties. Very well written and hard to put the book down. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Will be reading more novels from Jeffrey Whittam.
November 27, 2019
A book as well written as by Wilber Smith.
Took me back many years to when I read many books by the Southern African fiction writer I said above. I spent time in the local library hunting all his books, and then reading the stories over and over again.
This book felt the same. Hope to more books by this author, and maybe others as well.
Took me back many years to when I read many books by the Southern African fiction writer I said above. I spent time in the local library hunting all his books, and then reading the stories over and over again.
This book felt the same. Hope to more books by this author, and maybe others as well.
October 13, 2018
Excellent read
I only have praise for the author that captures the history of the times in Rhodesia and the emerging Zimbabwe. The characters are true to life and the story line is filled with excitement.
I only have praise for the author that captures the history of the times in Rhodesia and the emerging Zimbabwe. The characters are true to life and the story line is filled with excitement.
October 2, 2020
A trip through Zimbabwe history
Follow the footsteps of one family through from the wagon trains and Cecil Rhodes, the internal war and on to independence in 1980. An enjoyable read but I found the skips through time were a little too far for continuity.
Follow the footsteps of one family through from the wagon trains and Cecil Rhodes, the internal war and on to independence in 1980. An enjoyable read but I found the skips through time were a little too far for continuity.
July 9, 2017
Sons of Africa
A good read and interesting story looking at two different life perspectives with Africa and the history of events from both sides
A good read and interesting story looking at two different life perspectives with Africa and the history of events from both sides
August 2, 2019
Turbulent times
It the first time I have read a book by this author and I found it a good read and a trueful story.
It the first time I have read a book by this author and I found it a good read and a trueful story.
February 14, 2020
Very easy reading and very informative
November 25, 2020
A super read
A cracking read, as good as Wilbur Smith's early (and best!) books, I look forward to reading his next books with pleasure.
A cracking read, as good as Wilbur Smith's early (and best!) books, I look forward to reading his next books with pleasure.
August 5, 2021
Wonderful!
In my opinion, this book/story could not be better. I'll read anything by this author and enjoy it immensely. 'nuff said#
In my opinion, this book/story could not be better. I'll read anything by this author and enjoy it immensely. 'nuff said#
December 6, 2023
An excellent novel of Rhodesia/Zimbabwe matching Wilbur Smith at his best
July 31, 2024
aspects poorly writte
Lazy writing in parts. Kinda started and ended quickly and with no resolution. Disappointed by it. Needs a sequel and help.
Lazy writing in parts. Kinda started and ended quickly and with no resolution. Disappointed by it. Needs a sequel and help.
October 6, 2012
Sons Of Africa
One of the best books I've read on the early days of Rhodesia in a very long time.
Although a novel, Mr. Whittam's book, "Sons of Africa," is clearly the work of a writer familiar with the country and its history. He has easily captured the essence of the birth of Rhodesia and its eventual descent into darkness.
But he does end on a positive note giving some hope for the future.
For anyone who has enjoyed the writings of Wilbur Smith, this book is a must read.
One of the best books I've read on the early days of Rhodesia in a very long time.
Although a novel, Mr. Whittam's book, "Sons of Africa," is clearly the work of a writer familiar with the country and its history. He has easily captured the essence of the birth of Rhodesia and its eventual descent into darkness.
But he does end on a positive note giving some hope for the future.
For anyone who has enjoyed the writings of Wilbur Smith, this book is a must read.
May 20, 2016
From British a South East Arica to Rhodesia to Zimbabwe
This is an exceptionally good read for those who enjoy solid tales in this historic part of Africa.
I enjoyed it's links with Cecil Rhodes and historically correct details of the first archeological excavations at the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. To me the central characters where much like Wilbur Smith's The Ballantyne Family of Rhodesia or The Courtneys, and I loved it.
The author has great descriptive powers and for a first novel it is a great tribute. I recommend reading this before Empress Gold because Empress Gold follows on and I accidentally read them in the wrong order.
I can't eat to read his next novel.
This is an exceptionally good read for those who enjoy solid tales in this historic part of Africa.
I enjoyed it's links with Cecil Rhodes and historically correct details of the first archeological excavations at the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. To me the central characters where much like Wilbur Smith's The Ballantyne Family of Rhodesia or The Courtneys, and I loved it.
The author has great descriptive powers and for a first novel it is a great tribute. I recommend reading this before Empress Gold because Empress Gold follows on and I accidentally read them in the wrong order.
I can't eat to read his next novel.
September 24, 2014
Exceptionally written
Exceptional reconstruction of the Rhodesian history through the eyes of the characters and historic South African and British personalities that explored Rhodesia's territory.
Outstanding piece of writing from Jeffery Whittam describing the realities of the Southern African colonies through the 19th and 20th centuries.
Exceptional reconstruction of the Rhodesian history through the eyes of the characters and historic South African and British personalities that explored Rhodesia's territory.
Outstanding piece of writing from Jeffery Whittam describing the realities of the Southern African colonies through the 19th and 20th centuries.
October 23, 2016
A historical saga, following the lives of both black and white families as they waded their way through Rhodesia's/Zimbabwe's troubled and violent history.
The author has an excellent command of language and description. He links the drama of his fictional tale to historic fact in an unbiased, evenhanded narration of "real life drama".
The author has an excellent command of language and description. He links the drama of his fictional tale to historic fact in an unbiased, evenhanded narration of "real life drama".
August 25, 2013
Similar to Wilbur Smith. I enjoyed the book
January 11, 2014
It was a decent read. Learned of mining and southern Africa. Good stuff.
September 17, 2019
EXCELLENT !! Thoroughly enjoyed. Hated to come to the end
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews