The Burning Land

by Emma Drummond

A novel of conflict, passionate courage and heroic love, set against the background of the Boer War. It tells of a clash between cultures and the anguish of three young people caught in it. Alex Russell sent with his regiment to South Africa struggles for moral and physical survival. Rejecting his English fiancee before she can reveal her true feelings, his desperate love for a Boer girl arouses powerful emotions and leads to a conflict of loyalties when her family takes up arms against the British.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical Fiction

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

About the author

A pseudonym used by Edna Dawes.

Drummond was born in a Military Hospital, as her father was a member of the British Army. She spent her early childhood in Hong Kong, where her father was stationed. She eventually married a senior British Civil Servant. She worked for a time as a WRAC (Womens Royal Army Corps). She also writes as Elizabeth Darrell, Eve Dane, Edna Dawes, and Eleanor Drew.

Reviews

[Misfit · Rating 4 out of 5]

The focus of this novel is on the Second Boer War, and I'll give you a very brief rundown as I understand it. The Boers (Dutch) originally settled in South Africa to farm and practice their religion in peace. Upon the discovery of gold and diamonds, the British began arriving in greater numbers to the point of becoming the majority of the population - but without a say in the government, and you know they're not going to tolerate that! Of course there's more to it than that, but that's what Wik is for. Now on to the book review...

"All my life I have been dealt the lash of guilt. Do you want to punish me more... is that it?"

Alex Russell is a young man with a chain around his neck, the tragic death of his brother when they were children - everyone believe Miles drowned trying to spare Alex's life, and his father never lets him forget it. Not able to live up to the perfection that was Miles, Alex can do no right and finally flunks out of college and after a few drunken escapades his father has had enough. He finds himself entering the military and proposing marriage to the woman his father has chosen for him, whether he likes it or not - and he most definitely doesn't like it. Judith most definitely wants to marry Alex, but he misunderstands her quick acceptance of an arranged proposal and assumes she's in it for the money.

When Alex's unit is sent to South Africa to help in the escalating situation with the Boers, Judith jumps at the chance to follow when her aunt arranges a trip to investigate her financial interests in the mines. Once there, things don't go quite according to Hoyle, as Alex has met Hetta, a young Boer girl, and he is head over heels in love. Is their love strong enough to survive the enmity between their two countries?

Let's just say the old adage war is hell most definitely applies to this story - there are plenty of ups and downs, surprise twists as well as a tear shed here and there. I really liked watching Alex mature from a tortured young man with all that emotional baggage, to the soldier who could face anything, including the horrors of Spion Kop. You can go to the Wik article if you want to see pictures, but I warn you they are very disturbing. Guerilla warfare is not pretty.

"...but all around him the trench was being filled with dead men, emptied by living ones who were soon dead themselves. There was no order to retreat, so once a soldier reached the trench he was there until an office-or an angel-released him."

I know by now I probably sound like a broken record, but Drummond really crafts a great tale and keeps you on pins and needles until the very end. Her knowledge of all things British Military as well as highly structured society is spot on as always, as is her dialogue. This was one period I'd always heard about, but never quite understood and this book is definitely a good place to start and *get your feet wet*.

[Mela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Considering historical accuracy and research, as usual, the author did a fantastic job. I learned a lot, and Drummond also portrayed the world, life, and emotions that I could feel.

The main characters' storylines (including the love stories) sometimes felt like constant repetitions (bordering on melodrama). So, at times, they irritated me. But now that I consider what the characters went through, how much they were part of the world, how much they managed to "escape," that is, how I think about the concept for the book — I appreciate them more, as they are quite original. It's just a shame they didn't resonate with me as much when I read the novel.

This was one of Drummond's first novels, and I'm glad she's refined her storytelling style later.

[4-4.5 stars]

[Laura]

Since Misfit gave 4 stars to this book, I MUST read it.