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The Mandela Trilogy #1
Kill Mandela
Jan Kruger has had the same nightmare for the past twenty five years: he opens his parent’s bedroom door, switches on the light, and is swallowed whole by the unspeakable horror that lies before him. Jan holds the imprisoned Nelson Mandela responsible for the trauma that robbed him of his heritage; and at last revenge is in sight.
Destiny and the broad platform of world history have overtaken the apartheid regime in South Africa. It is locked into endgame with the African National Congress, and intends to release the most famous prisoner in the world, Nelson Mandela.
But rogue agents of the regime seek to stop this. Will the ANC unleash the ethnic bloodbath of Project Vula? Will Mandela bring peace? There are those that will not take this chance: KILL MANDELA!
KILL MANDELA is the first novel in The Mandela Trilogy that explores the release, pain, joy and fear of the New South Africa – a saga of three families and the fateful meeting point between private and public life.
Jan Kruger’s vision of an Afrikaner nation set aside by God, called by Providence, custodians of a precious heritage, is torn asunder. His only wish is to protect his family and leave them some remnant of a legacy. Duty and service to the state have, for him, been debased into the shady world of counter-insurgency.
Jack Jarrard is an English immigrant, fired with ideals, social justice, enthusiasm. Outwardly he contends with a bitter marriage; inwardly he nurses a dire secret – his undercover work for the liberation movement.
Alpheus Mhambi is haunted by an act of terror, blood on his hands, and the desire for dignity, peace and reconciliation.
Can their children find a way forward in the maze of fear and suspicion, unknown territory, goodwill and deceit? Nelson Mandela, the world’s most famous prisoner, is to be released. A groundswell of reaction: KILL MANDELA!
Destiny and the broad platform of world history have overtaken the apartheid regime in South Africa. It is locked into endgame with the African National Congress, and intends to release the most famous prisoner in the world, Nelson Mandela.
But rogue agents of the regime seek to stop this. Will the ANC unleash the ethnic bloodbath of Project Vula? Will Mandela bring peace? There are those that will not take this chance: KILL MANDELA!
KILL MANDELA is the first novel in The Mandela Trilogy that explores the release, pain, joy and fear of the New South Africa – a saga of three families and the fateful meeting point between private and public life.
Jan Kruger’s vision of an Afrikaner nation set aside by God, called by Providence, custodians of a precious heritage, is torn asunder. His only wish is to protect his family and leave them some remnant of a legacy. Duty and service to the state have, for him, been debased into the shady world of counter-insurgency.
Jack Jarrard is an English immigrant, fired with ideals, social justice, enthusiasm. Outwardly he contends with a bitter marriage; inwardly he nurses a dire secret – his undercover work for the liberation movement.
Alpheus Mhambi is haunted by an act of terror, blood on his hands, and the desire for dignity, peace and reconciliation.
Can their children find a way forward in the maze of fear and suspicion, unknown territory, goodwill and deceit? Nelson Mandela, the world’s most famous prisoner, is to be released. A groundswell of reaction: KILL MANDELA!
502 pages, Paperback
First published November 25, 2013
1 person is currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
John Mountford
2 books5 followersHi, my name is John Mountford. My wife, Chanie, and I have been married for 43 years and raised four children, Camilla, Guy, Leila and Courtney. Being husband and father to a close, loving family has been my greatest achievement.
I have been many other things in my life - missionary, entrepreneur, political activist, world traveller... I even tried my hand at singing. Since retirement I have worked hard at adding another item to my CV, that of Author. I have always written for pleasure in the short format - diaries, essays, poems, speeches, articles - but now with time on my hands I have turned to the ultramarathon of writing, the novel.
Chanie and I live in Paradise Beach on the Southern coast of Africa. Our house is close to the beach and I write with a magnificent view of the Atlantic Ocean, with St Francis Bay to my right and Jeffrey's Bay to my left as constant inspiration for my latest novel, 'The Gods Of Love'. Chanie reads all the early drafts of my novels, tempering my idealism with her realism before I release my final draft to an editor. Writing would be lonely without her. When I'm not writing, we're on the beach.
I have been many other things in my life - missionary, entrepreneur, political activist, world traveller... I even tried my hand at singing. Since retirement I have worked hard at adding another item to my CV, that of Author. I have always written for pleasure in the short format - diaries, essays, poems, speeches, articles - but now with time on my hands I have turned to the ultramarathon of writing, the novel.
Chanie and I live in Paradise Beach on the Southern coast of Africa. Our house is close to the beach and I write with a magnificent view of the Atlantic Ocean, with St Francis Bay to my right and Jeffrey's Bay to my left as constant inspiration for my latest novel, 'The Gods Of Love'. Chanie reads all the early drafts of my novels, tempering my idealism with her realism before I release my final draft to an editor. Writing would be lonely without her. When I'm not writing, we're on the beach.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 7, 2014
This debut novel from John Mountford is set in Apartheid South Africa, just before Nelson Mandela's release from prison. The story follows a CCB agent tasked with Madiba's assassination and the attempts of others to thwart him.
John describes the Cape Town setting with breath taking accuracy and gives us the points of views of several characters to enable us to get a clear picture of this time in our history. Each character is beautifully sculpted and filled with psychological complexity making them easy to identify with and realistic.
It was very difficult to put this book down, I can't wait for the next one.
John describes the Cape Town setting with breath taking accuracy and gives us the points of views of several characters to enable us to get a clear picture of this time in our history. Each character is beautifully sculpted and filled with psychological complexity making them easy to identify with and realistic.
It was very difficult to put this book down, I can't wait for the next one.
January 26, 2014
A Stunning Debut of Historical, Political, and Relational Significance
With “Kill Mandela,” John Mountford offers a spectacular debut novel, the first in “The Mandela Trilogy.” The novel chronicles both a dark and a promising time in South Africa’s history, when apartheid was coming to an end and Nelson Mandela’s days of imprisonment were likewise concluding. However, “Kill Mandela” travels far beyond the political struggle, encompassing the lives of black and white South Africans and their concomitant exertions. Mountford breathes incredible life and identity into both sides of the struggle, from Civil Cooperation Bureau members to those of the African National Congress, brilliantly portraying the thoughts and motivations of each and how their fight for dominance spilled over into the lives of their families and communities. Members of the black, white, and colored race are represented, and the main characters range from teenagers to adults.
“Kill Mandela” opens on two white South African men of relative privilege who have led very different lives. Jan Kruger suffered a brutal loss as a young man, one that transformed him and ignited a need for revenge, while Jack Jarrard immigrated to South Africa to seek a purpose greater than himself. When they find themselves sharing company, they begin a dangerous dance that can only have one victor. Meanwhile, teenager York Jarrard begins to discover the world that lies beyond his own white neighborhood as he dabbles in love and strikes up an unlikely friendship. However, all are being drawn inexorably together in a stunning showdown that will determine the course of the country.
Mountford has done a phenomenal job with this remarkable first novel. He seamlessly blends politics, history, and human relations to create a startling and beautiful thriller. The result is an eye-opening account of a crucial period in not only South Africa but the world as well. His characters are well-drawn and genuine, with raw emotions and both strengths and frailties. “Kill Mandela” is engaging and thought-provoking, arousing the reader’s emotions while also informing. Aimed at more experienced readers, this novel could be read by mature young adults; it does contain some language and violent situations, as well as hints of sexuality, but these are all contextual and reasonable. With the necessary background information and historical references interwoven into the thread of the narrative, Mountford’s pragmatic approach makes “Kill Mandela” accessible to those who are from or have some knowledge of South Africa as well as those (such as myself) who do not. Being that “Kill Mandela” is the beginning of a trilogy, the novel has some conclusion but certainly leaves the door open for speculation and for the sequel. The coincidental timing with Nelson Mandela’s passing makes this novel a sterling testament to one of the most important figures of the twentieth century and his enduring legacy.
With “Kill Mandela,” John Mountford offers a spectacular debut novel, the first in “The Mandela Trilogy.” The novel chronicles both a dark and a promising time in South Africa’s history, when apartheid was coming to an end and Nelson Mandela’s days of imprisonment were likewise concluding. However, “Kill Mandela” travels far beyond the political struggle, encompassing the lives of black and white South Africans and their concomitant exertions. Mountford breathes incredible life and identity into both sides of the struggle, from Civil Cooperation Bureau members to those of the African National Congress, brilliantly portraying the thoughts and motivations of each and how their fight for dominance spilled over into the lives of their families and communities. Members of the black, white, and colored race are represented, and the main characters range from teenagers to adults.
“Kill Mandela” opens on two white South African men of relative privilege who have led very different lives. Jan Kruger suffered a brutal loss as a young man, one that transformed him and ignited a need for revenge, while Jack Jarrard immigrated to South Africa to seek a purpose greater than himself. When they find themselves sharing company, they begin a dangerous dance that can only have one victor. Meanwhile, teenager York Jarrard begins to discover the world that lies beyond his own white neighborhood as he dabbles in love and strikes up an unlikely friendship. However, all are being drawn inexorably together in a stunning showdown that will determine the course of the country.
Mountford has done a phenomenal job with this remarkable first novel. He seamlessly blends politics, history, and human relations to create a startling and beautiful thriller. The result is an eye-opening account of a crucial period in not only South Africa but the world as well. His characters are well-drawn and genuine, with raw emotions and both strengths and frailties. “Kill Mandela” is engaging and thought-provoking, arousing the reader’s emotions while also informing. Aimed at more experienced readers, this novel could be read by mature young adults; it does contain some language and violent situations, as well as hints of sexuality, but these are all contextual and reasonable. With the necessary background information and historical references interwoven into the thread of the narrative, Mountford’s pragmatic approach makes “Kill Mandela” accessible to those who are from or have some knowledge of South Africa as well as those (such as myself) who do not. Being that “Kill Mandela” is the beginning of a trilogy, the novel has some conclusion but certainly leaves the door open for speculation and for the sequel. The coincidental timing with Nelson Mandela’s passing makes this novel a sterling testament to one of the most important figures of the twentieth century and his enduring legacy.
January 22, 2014
With “Kill Mandela,” John Mountford offers a spectacular debut novel, the first in “The Mandela Trilogy.” The novel chronicles both a dark and a promising time in South Africa’s history, when apartheid was coming to an end and Nelson Mandela’s days of imprisonment were likewise concluding. However, “Kill Mandela” travels far beyond the political struggle, encompassing the lives of black and white South Africans and their concomitant exertions. Mountford breathes incredible life and identity into both sides of the struggle, from Civil Cooperation Bureau members to those of the African National Congress, brilliantly portraying the thoughts and motivations of each and how their fight for dominance spilled over into the lives of their families and communities. Members of the black, white, and colored race are represented, and the main characters range from teenagers to adults.
“Kill Mandela” opens on two white South African men of relative privilege who have led very different lives. Jan Kruger suffered a brutal loss as a young man, one that transformed him and ignited a need for revenge, while Jack Jarrard immigrated to South Africa to seek a purpose greater than himself. When they find themselves sharing company, they begin a dangerous dance that can only have one victor. Meanwhile, teenager York Jarrard begins to discover the world that lies beyond his own white neighborhood as he dabbles in love and strikes up an unlikely friendship. However, all are being drawn inexorably together in a stunning showdown that will determine the course of the country.
Mountford has done a phenomenal job with this remarkable first novel. He seamlessly blends politics, history, and human relations to create a startling and beautiful thriller. The result is an eye-opening account of a crucial period in not only South Africa but the world as well. His characters are well-drawn and genuine, with raw emotions and both strengths and frailties. “Kill Mandela” is engaging and thought-provoking, arousing the reader’s emotions while also informing. Aimed at more experienced readers, this novel could be read by mature young adults; it does contain some language and violent situations, as well as hints of sexuality, but these are all contextual and reasonable. With the necessary background information and historical references interwoven into the thread of the narrative, Mountford’s pragmatic approach makes “Kill Mandela” accessible to those who are from or have some knowledge of South Africa as well as those (such as myself) who do not. Being that “Kill Mandela” is the beginning of a trilogy, the novel has some conclusion but certainly leaves the door open for speculation and for the sequel. The coincidental timing with Nelson Mandela’s passing makes this novel a sterling testament to one of the most important figures of the twentieth century and his enduring legacy.
“Kill Mandela” opens on two white South African men of relative privilege who have led very different lives. Jan Kruger suffered a brutal loss as a young man, one that transformed him and ignited a need for revenge, while Jack Jarrard immigrated to South Africa to seek a purpose greater than himself. When they find themselves sharing company, they begin a dangerous dance that can only have one victor. Meanwhile, teenager York Jarrard begins to discover the world that lies beyond his own white neighborhood as he dabbles in love and strikes up an unlikely friendship. However, all are being drawn inexorably together in a stunning showdown that will determine the course of the country.
Mountford has done a phenomenal job with this remarkable first novel. He seamlessly blends politics, history, and human relations to create a startling and beautiful thriller. The result is an eye-opening account of a crucial period in not only South Africa but the world as well. His characters are well-drawn and genuine, with raw emotions and both strengths and frailties. “Kill Mandela” is engaging and thought-provoking, arousing the reader’s emotions while also informing. Aimed at more experienced readers, this novel could be read by mature young adults; it does contain some language and violent situations, as well as hints of sexuality, but these are all contextual and reasonable. With the necessary background information and historical references interwoven into the thread of the narrative, Mountford’s pragmatic approach makes “Kill Mandela” accessible to those who are from or have some knowledge of South Africa as well as those (such as myself) who do not. Being that “Kill Mandela” is the beginning of a trilogy, the novel has some conclusion but certainly leaves the door open for speculation and for the sequel. The coincidental timing with Nelson Mandela’s passing makes this novel a sterling testament to one of the most important figures of the twentieth century and his enduring legacy.
December 29, 2014
It took me a little while to get into this book because the genre is not one I usually read. The opening chapter, with its setup of the plot to kill Mandela, was full of political and military references that did not seize my attention. However, from the time the action moved to the families of the main characters and their deeper psychological motivations for either wanting Mandela dead or free, I was hooked. Thereafter, the action moved swiftly and kept me engaged from chapter to chapter, so that I finished the book within a month, way ahead of my expectations!
I am very impressed with this book as a first novel. John Mountford shows himself to be a skilled storyteller, a compassionate observer of human drama, an informed commentator on political conflict and an insightful narrator of spiritual crisis. The book works at many levels, which makes it entertaining on a surface level and thought-provoking on a deeper level. For example, I came away contemplating what sacrifice means to various people — how a single act can be interpreted by some as supreme heroism while others see it as the ego's last-ditch attempt to preserve its image.
I am a South African living in Johannesburg, and what I particularly enjoyed about the novel was its clever use of setting. Much of the action takes place in various locations on Table Mountain, while other parts of the drama occur on the promenade, in Crossroads and in the Cape Town city centre. It was like visiting the Cape and walking the streets, encountering people of different backgrounds and coming face to face with both the beauty and the awfulness of the city during the early nineties. I also enjoyed the way the author enlarged on aspects of local culture, such as the game of rugby, the ritual of the braai, the existence of the Table Bay foghorn and the history of the Cape Town castle. All these details, and many more, filled the book with a sense of authenticity and affection.
The story itself is a gripping tale of intrigue and psychological mind games. All the main characters have depth and distinctiveness. While some of them die in this, the first of the Mandela trilogy, I feel sure that there is a mountain of material available for the sequel and the one after it. Personally, I would like to see the women in the story feature a little more strongly in the next book, but that is because I favour women's fiction! It is a credit to John Mountford that he managed to keep me engrossed from start to finish — and eager to read the follow-up!
I am very impressed with this book as a first novel. John Mountford shows himself to be a skilled storyteller, a compassionate observer of human drama, an informed commentator on political conflict and an insightful narrator of spiritual crisis. The book works at many levels, which makes it entertaining on a surface level and thought-provoking on a deeper level. For example, I came away contemplating what sacrifice means to various people — how a single act can be interpreted by some as supreme heroism while others see it as the ego's last-ditch attempt to preserve its image.
I am a South African living in Johannesburg, and what I particularly enjoyed about the novel was its clever use of setting. Much of the action takes place in various locations on Table Mountain, while other parts of the drama occur on the promenade, in Crossroads and in the Cape Town city centre. It was like visiting the Cape and walking the streets, encountering people of different backgrounds and coming face to face with both the beauty and the awfulness of the city during the early nineties. I also enjoyed the way the author enlarged on aspects of local culture, such as the game of rugby, the ritual of the braai, the existence of the Table Bay foghorn and the history of the Cape Town castle. All these details, and many more, filled the book with a sense of authenticity and affection.
The story itself is a gripping tale of intrigue and psychological mind games. All the main characters have depth and distinctiveness. While some of them die in this, the first of the Mandela trilogy, I feel sure that there is a mountain of material available for the sequel and the one after it. Personally, I would like to see the women in the story feature a little more strongly in the next book, but that is because I favour women's fiction! It is a credit to John Mountford that he managed to keep me engrossed from start to finish — and eager to read the follow-up!
August 11, 2016
Kill Mandela is the first work to come from Cape Town based, John Mountford. Set in the months leading up to Mandela's release; a plot emerges as part of the CCB to kill Mandela who is seen as a communist and terrorist, and a threat to the way of life that white South Africa had become accustomed to; and to the entitlement they seem to have of South Africa.
It is well plotted and well written. It's major value for me was in giving insight into military intelligence unit (CCB); English & Afrikaans speaking white South Africans perspectives of the country, and their perspectives of the black population. It also elaborates the lifestyle of white South Africa during apartheid quite well - specifically rugby - there are some elaborate and well written scenes on this sport. The book is strongest for me when it speaks from this perspective
Kill Mandela also explores and provides insight into personal relationships between father and son; wife and husband and between friends and throughout book, the dynamics of these are explored and tested. Themes of revenge, racism, prejudice, loyalty, betrayal and justice are prominent.
At the end of the book I am left pondering the question of exceptionalism (which is enhanced) versus the realities of structural oppression of colonialism and apartheid and restorative justice.
Understandably, given the perspective of the book; perspectives of black people under oppression and their deep issues, feelings, frustrations and choices are less developed. What is a noble way to fight against oppression in your land? Negotiate or fight are underlying themes, with the book promoting negotiation, peace and forgiveness, as the better way.
I rate this book 5 star because it is a new kind of work in South Africa, because it is well written and because it is evident that much time was given to develop the plot especially around CCB operations; even though I do not "feel" the characterisation of the oppressed and do not agree with views of what constitutes 'noble' or 'moral' or 'just' under an oppressive and illicit regime of apartheid.
It is well plotted and well written. It's major value for me was in giving insight into military intelligence unit (CCB); English & Afrikaans speaking white South Africans perspectives of the country, and their perspectives of the black population. It also elaborates the lifestyle of white South Africa during apartheid quite well - specifically rugby - there are some elaborate and well written scenes on this sport. The book is strongest for me when it speaks from this perspective
Kill Mandela also explores and provides insight into personal relationships between father and son; wife and husband and between friends and throughout book, the dynamics of these are explored and tested. Themes of revenge, racism, prejudice, loyalty, betrayal and justice are prominent.
At the end of the book I am left pondering the question of exceptionalism (which is enhanced) versus the realities of structural oppression of colonialism and apartheid and restorative justice.
Understandably, given the perspective of the book; perspectives of black people under oppression and their deep issues, feelings, frustrations and choices are less developed. What is a noble way to fight against oppression in your land? Negotiate or fight are underlying themes, with the book promoting negotiation, peace and forgiveness, as the better way.
I rate this book 5 star because it is a new kind of work in South Africa, because it is well written and because it is evident that much time was given to develop the plot especially around CCB operations; even though I do not "feel" the characterisation of the oppressed and do not agree with views of what constitutes 'noble' or 'moral' or 'just' under an oppressive and illicit regime of apartheid.
February 13, 2014
I’ve read this book as part of our group Discussion on Goodreads.
I have to tell you, I don’t like politics and didn’t think that I would enjoy this book as much as I did.
Mr. Mountford done one hell of a job writing this novel. It covers more or less what happened twenty years back when Nelson Mandela was released from prison. I was only 14 at that time and was a really scary time in my life. We didn’t know what was going to happen with the new South Africa and will we be able to adapt to everything that will change. Again Mr. Mountford shows those fears through his characters and through many point of views and scenarios. All of these things in his novel happened. I absolutely loved this book. Although a bit thick, I couldn’t put it down but was forced to at times since I have a very hectic reading and writing schedule.
His characters a developed in depth and to such an extension we had a chance to actually feel and experience what they had and questions about their actions will become yours. This story toyed with different emotions and I just have to give it to Mr. Mountford that capturing South Africa, especially Cape town is one of this books masterpieces.
He’s a real artist with words and paint our beautiful country to the last detail.
I will recommend this novel to anyone that like these type of stories. It is seriously one of the best I’ve read in a long time.
I have to tell you, I don’t like politics and didn’t think that I would enjoy this book as much as I did.
Mr. Mountford done one hell of a job writing this novel. It covers more or less what happened twenty years back when Nelson Mandela was released from prison. I was only 14 at that time and was a really scary time in my life. We didn’t know what was going to happen with the new South Africa and will we be able to adapt to everything that will change. Again Mr. Mountford shows those fears through his characters and through many point of views and scenarios. All of these things in his novel happened. I absolutely loved this book. Although a bit thick, I couldn’t put it down but was forced to at times since I have a very hectic reading and writing schedule.
His characters a developed in depth and to such an extension we had a chance to actually feel and experience what they had and questions about their actions will become yours. This story toyed with different emotions and I just have to give it to Mr. Mountford that capturing South Africa, especially Cape town is one of this books masterpieces.
He’s a real artist with words and paint our beautiful country to the last detail.
I will recommend this novel to anyone that like these type of stories. It is seriously one of the best I’ve read in a long time.
February 6, 2014
This is the first book in a trilogy. It is set in South Africa at a very historic time, just prior to and including the release of Nelson Mandela from prison. Right from the very beginning you are drawn in to the story and as you progress you become attached to the various characters. In addition the author takes you on a journey around Cape Town and with him you climb Table Mountain which is a World Heritage Site. It is my opinion that each character has a voice and a story to tell and the author allowed them to do so. I can't wait for the sequel.
October 7, 2014
So what do I really think of my own book? It will drag you to bed every night, and keep you awake mumbling 'just one more chapter.'
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews