Inyoni and the Pale Man: Love and War in South Africa

by John Suk

In 1897, Pieter Rijken is a young Dutch Calvinist schoolteacher who wants to be a good man, but he thinks it may be impossible. After going too far with one of his students, he is forced to flee to Southern Africa. On the way there he meets Bertram Hugin, a happy-go-lucky German with a knack for getting Pieter into trouble.

Once there, Pieter meets Jaap and his daughter, Dien, mixed-race Africans who challenge everything the young man believes in—and especially Pieter himself. Along the way, all of them must overcome violence, rape, and betrayal if they are to achieve their dreams. Finally, there is Anke Gouw, a Boer farm girl who is, perhaps, too much in a hurry, at least for Pieter. The Boer War, from its beginning at the Siege of Mafeking to the Battle of Moedwil, near the end, overtakes them all. It turns out that in love and war, nothing is what it seems at first.

This historical novel tells the story of Pieter, a teacher on the run who finds himself in the midst of the Boer War, finding trouble from Cape Town’s brothels to English firing squads.

266 pages, Paperback

Published May 16, 2025

Reviews

[Genetta Star · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pieter’s journey as a young pastor and teacher struggling to uphold his Christian values, especially in the face of personal temptation and the political turbulence of late 1800s Africa, creates a compelling story. His character’s internal struggle with trying to be a good Christian, yet finding it difficult, could make him very relatable, even for modern readers. The tension between his faith and human imperfection would likely speak to anyone who has ever felt caught between ideals and reality.

The backdrop of political upheaval also adds a significant dimension. Africa in the late 1800s was a time of colonization, shifting power dynamics, and cultural clashes. Pieter might find himself not only navigating his personal faith journey but also coming to terms with the changes and challenges in the world around him.

The book is gently written and accessible for all ages. It seems like it has a universal quality—appealing to readers who enjoy historical fiction, those interested in spirituality, or even young readers who might find Pieter’s struggles with faith and self-worth relatable.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young Dutch Calvinist man is exiled to South Africa, where he embarks on a journey that will change him and will make him rethink everything he has learned thus far about himself and his faith. He ends up in the midst of the Boer War. This historical fiction debut novel, is based on a true story and is well researched without being overwritten. The writing is engaging and easy to read.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

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