Langbourne's Rebellion

by Alan P. Landau

The remarkable story of the Langbourne brothers is picked up in 1893. Morris, just 17, makes the bold and risky decision to head north, deeper into Africa. Morris and his younger brother David thus embark on a new adventure - to set up business as traders. After walking through the African bush for three months with six wagons laden with goods, and hardly a track to guide them, Morris and David stop in the settlement of KoBulawayo and build their first warehouse out of wooden poles and mud. Realising a radical change in plan is needed, Morris devises a new business strategy that propels them towards success. A political impasse rapidly develops between the European Administration, and the ruthless King Lobengula's massive Ndebele army. A brief and savage war erupts between the two powers; the brother's business is unavoidably affected, and David is hunted by the Ndebele army when he tries to rescue a friend. Undaunted, but wiser to the perils of Africa, Morris sets his mind to recover their pride, their reputation, and business. Based on a true story and actual events.

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 3, 2016

Reviews

[Derek Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read the whole series and seen this author grow so much. I have researched some of what is written here and much to my surprise find it is a true story. Well done Mr Landau. Hopefully there are more books on the way

[Elza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read & nice to read about familiar places & history.

[Patrick Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 Books that are exceptional, read them all.

[elena j. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Langbourne’s Rebellion is a gripping historical novel that brings ambition, risk, and resilience into sharp focus against the unforgiving landscape of late-19th-century southern Africa. Drawing on real events, Alan P. Landau tells a story that feels grounded in experience rather than legend, capturing both the promise and peril of frontier enterprise.

What makes the book especially compelling is its sense of momentum. The Langbourne brothers’ journey from teenage resolve to hard-earned wisdom unfolds with clarity and tension. The early scenes of endurance, three months on foot through bushland with wagons and limited guidance, establish the physical and psychological cost of their ambition. Their improvised warehouse and evolving business strategy reflect ingenuity born from necessity, not idealism.

The strongest sections are those where commerce and conflict collide. As political tensions escalate between the European Administration and King Lobengula’s Ndebele army, the brothers are pulled into forces far beyond their control. David’s perilous attempt to rescue a friend brings the stakes into sharp, personal focus, while Morris’s determination to rebuild after loss gives the novel its emotional core.

This is historical fiction that balances adventure with realism a story of youth, survival, and adaptation shaped by real history and hard choices.

[Michael Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Is A Beautifully Written 2nd Book

Being a deep lover of anything old Africa, this author this story has me very happy yet again. On to book 3.