Child Of Africa

Child Of Africa #1

by T.M. Clark

After his recent tour in Afghanistan, ex-British marine Joss Brennan faces a new life as a double amputee. All he wants is to be left alone to complete his rehabilitation and forget about his calling to be a frontline commando. Returning home to his safari lodge on the banks of Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe, he joins his old friend Chief Bongani in returning the lodge to its former glory and improving his people’s lives.

Peta de Longe is a big game veterinarian and no stranger to hard decisions. Working in the messy political society that is Zimbabwe, she is engaged in a constant struggle to save the national parks, and their wildlife. When she nearly drives over Joss at the Beit Bridge, the reunion isn’t joyous. Joss let down her dying sister eighteen months before. After she uncovers the terrible ordeal that kept him away, she discovers that Joss could be the key to the love she’s been missing. Together with Chief Bongani, the ragtag family begin creating harmony for the Binga Safari area.

Too soon they discover that the power held by Chief Bongani’s brother, Tichawana, a corrupt and vicious businessman with close ties to government, is dangerous and inescapable. When Tichawana makes a deadly play for Bongani’s chieftainship, Joss must find the strength within to fight again. But to prevail is Joss going to need to let go of his dream to return to the front line? Is it perhaps people much closer to home who need a commando…?

Genres: Africa, Fiction

381 pages, Paperback

First published November 20, 2017

About the author

T.M. Clark

Zimbabwean-born T.M. Clark combines her passion for storytelling, different cultures and wildlife with her love for the wild in her multicultural books. Writing for adults and children, she has been nominated for a Queensland Literary Award and is a Children’s Book Council Notable. When not killing her fans and hiding their bodies (all in the name of literature), Tina Marie coordinates the CYA Conference (www.cyaconference.com), providing professional development for new and established writers and illustrators, and is the co-presenter at Writers as Sea (www.WritersAtSea.com.au). She loves mentoring emerging writers, eating chocolate biscuits and collecting books for creating libraries in Papua New Guinea.

Visit T.M. Clark at tmclark.com.au

Her books include My Brother-But-One, nominated for a Queensland Literary People’s Choice Award in 2014. Shooting Butterflies, Tears of A Cheetah, Child of Africa, Nature of the Lion and Cry of the Firebird. Her children’s picture books include Slowly! Slowly!, which is a 2018 CBCA Notable Book, and Quickly! Quickly! which are companion books to Child Of Africa.

Her new novel, Song of the Starlings is out now.

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Child of Africa is the first book I've read by this author and I can't believe I haven't read any of her books until today. This book had me hooked right from the beginning all the way to the very last page.

I absolutely enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read her other books. An extraordinary story which takes place in Africa and one that engages the reader on an emotional roller coaster. I must admit I love reading animal stories, but this is like no other animal story I've ever read before. Aussie author T.M. Clark is one very talented author and I'm so glad I read this amazing story. With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my copy to read and review. Highly recommended.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living at the Safari Lodge with his parents, Joss Brennan was a happy child. His rescue of a baby elephant when he was ten years old had a profound effect on his growing years – but his dreams of being a British marine, doing his best to save lives and help people didn’t wane. When he returned home to Zimbabwe after his tour of Afghanistan, he was a changed man. A double amputee, Joss wasn’t sure if he wanted to stay in Africa or return to the front line – but he also knew he had to go home…

Joss’ friend Bongani, who’d been at the lodge since long before he left, had been caretaker after Joss’ parents had died. He was pleased to see him and knew Bongani would help to return the lodge to the magnificence of his parents’ day. When Bongani’s father died, he became Chief Bongani, and took over his people’s care – but the danger from poachers and his half-brother, the bitter, vindictive and evil Tichawana was constant. Both Joss and Chief Bongani knew there was much to be done before the area was safe again.

Peta de Longe was the big game veterinarian in the national parks, and she was in a never-ending battle to save the rhino and elephants from the poachers. She knew Joss from their younger days, when he was best friends with her sister Courtney and now that he had returned home, Peta and Joss renewed their friendship. But when the violence and attacks on the villages escalated, Joss and Bongani prepared to take action. What would be the outcome for the people of Zimbabwe as corruption and terror took hold?

Child of Africa by Aussie author T.M. Clark is another brilliant novel set in Africa – the intrigue, mystery and tension generated had me on the edge of my seat; the story of the poaching and killings of the beautiful wild animals – the elephants and rhino – was heartbreaking. But the touching tale of the baby elephant, Ndhlovy, and her growth through to adulthood was extremely special. Child of Africa is one I highly recommend, by a talented writer at the top of her game.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read and review.

[RG · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this over this week's lunchtimes. I've always enjoyed stories set in Africa. This is my first read from this author. Set in Zimbabwe, it deals with 2 main characters and numerous side characters. Joss is returning after tours of Afghanistan, an amputee as well, but returns home to his family place. His childhood friend is a vet in the area, and they begin to become involved in alot of issues. Political scheming, especially issues related to the country, poaching, love affairs, action scenes, it has it all. It was a solid read, definitely held my interest, however not amazing. It reminds of Tony Park but just not as polished but she defintely has potential to get there.

[Talking Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Child Of Africa by T.M. Clark contained a wealth of complex characters who faced more than a few hurdles as depicted in the story. There were chilling scenes and evil characters within the read who really made my skin crawl. Yet, there were also many happy moments portrayed, with the likeable characters of Bongani, Joss, and Peta. I liked how the author weaved the story into one big arc in an unmissable finale. Another great read from author T. M. Clark.
Review copy received from Harlequin Australia via Netgalley

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has a WOW factor for me it is emotional, moving and gripping, from page one I fell totally into the story, the characters coming to life on the pages and speaking to me of the lives that they live the hardships that they go through the power struggles running a village can cause. The beautiful wild beasts of Africa that need to be cared for and the way that Joss, Peta and Bongani share their love and friendship with them and each other.

Joss Brennan has returned to his home at the safari lodge on Lake Kariba Zimbabwe from Afghanistan a changed man he is a double amputee and is not sure what he wants to do with his life, but that doesn’t take him long to learn when he is back with his old friend Bongani they shared a lot while Joss grew up and now Joss is back there is danger brewing from Bongani’s brother, but there is also joy in his home new friends and old and additions to the family and the return of the baby elephant Ndhlovy that Joss, Peta and Bongani saved when she was a calf.

Peta de Longe is now a veterinarian and lives close to Joss Peta and her sister Courtney were very close as children Courtney is now passed away and Peta cares for her father. A lot has happened in the years that Joss was away and there is always danger lurking in this area with poachers and wild animals. Peta and Joss’s reunion comes as a shock and then joy that brings them together in this harsh world where they have to fight corrupt and nasty businessman to save animals and humans alike.

I don’t want to give too much away but let me highly recommend this story MS Clark writes powerful stories set in a hard place but there is always hope and love running along with the danger and cruelty that happens in Africa, it opens your eyes to the struggle to save these awesome beasts. Getting to know the elephant Ndhlovy left me speechless she is such a beautiful animal who has been through so much and the joy when she is reunited with her old friends had me tearing up. Thank you MS Clark amazing story that I loved.

[Claire Louisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first T.M Clark novel, I have 2 more on the shelf waiting and after reading this one, they have definitely moved up the reading pile. I learnt a lot about the corruption in Zimbabwe, I had no idea that the poaching was still as bad as it is and am at a loss to understand what drives people to kill these beautiful animals. There was plenty of crime, suspense and a bit of romance to keep me thoroughly engaged in this book from start to finish.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin (Australia), TEEN / MIRA for an copy of this book in exchange for an honest and voluntary review

[Helen - Great Reads & Tea Leaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Today you have proved you are a child of Africa. I will see you now-now.’


Having lived in Africa I have a great affinity for the wondrous continent. However, even if you don’t have personal experience, there is nothing like a well written tale that can truly transport you to far off places. T.M. Clark’s novel is one such tale. This is brilliant! I was fully engaged from beginning to end in this mind riveting story.


This tale has a little of everything, from intrigue and mystery that goes on to build tension and drama. If the individual tales of Joss and Peta (and her father) are not enough, the whole emotion surrounding corruption and poaching is heartfelt and real. The violence is confrontational, but it’s meant to be. On the flip side of this, is the beauty and majesty of the wildlife, especially elephants. The tale of Ndhlovy is truly touching and I just love how Clark followed through with her tale right to the end.



‘Poor guy. We’ll settle him down and get him used to his guards before he’s let out. He’ll never be alone again. Two teams of men will watch him twenty-four hours a day; it’s the only way I can keep them alive.’



I particularly appreciated the ‘Fact vs Fiction’ at the end, that detailed and debunked many of the core issues covered in this book. For example, ‘It is estimated that wild elephants will be extinct within twenty-five years’. A sad fact and this book helps highlight that more action needs to be taken now.


‘This country is so full of corruption, I do not know if we will ever get out from underneath the tyranny that is our leadership.’



I cannot recommend this book highly enough, especially for those of you interested in delving into this exciting genre. The writing is compelling as Clark weaves tales of corruption and traditions, ravages of war, poaching and preservation. Add to that a cast of characters - both human and animal - that demonstrate real depth, whether it be leadership and compassion, to being evil and sadistic - you have a story here that is worthy and totally engaging.


‘He had been so determined to go and fight against the injustice of the world with the commandos that he hadn’t noticed how messed up his own country had become.’




This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release

[Theresa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Child of Africa is the novel about Africa I have been waiting for. With vivid clarity, T.M. Clark has woven together a story about modern Africa, Zimbabwe in particular, that shows its desperate plight: a nation where everything is considered a commodity, no one is safe, and nothing remains sacred. Ethnic cleansing has left much of the population transient and in poverty. Land reclamation through force and subsequent abandonment of reclaimed properties has led to a decline in farming and food supplies, as well as banishment for white Africans. Poaching is prevalent and corruption ensures its continuation. Yet against this bleak backdrop, there is hope in the form of those who love Africa and want to preserve its wild animals before they are all gone forever. It’s these people who are the inspiration for the characters in Child of Africa.



“More than 140,000 of Africa’s savannah elephants were killed between 2007 and 2014, one-third of the total population. On average, one elephant is being poached every fifteen minutes. It is estimated wild elephants will be extinct within twenty-five years.”

“Rhinos are a critically endangered species. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, there were approximately one million rhinos. In 1970, there were only 70,000. Today, there are around 28,000 rhinos surviving in the wild.”
(Author notes from Child of Africa)



My knowledge of Africa is rather sketchy in terms of specifics, but after reading Child of Africa, I feel I now have a much more solid grasp on the situation, in Zimbabwe at least. T.M. Clark is a superb writer. Her passion for Africa and her first hand knowledge of living there makes for an excellent basis upon which to bring Africa alive on the page. Through both narrative and dialogue, she imparts essential history as well as current conditions with precision. The facts and fiction section at the back of the book highlights just how much truth there is in everything she writes and I appreciated her taking the time to include this section – fiction inspired by fact is always my favourite and I admire authors who write with a clear agenda that aligns with altruistic motivations.



As you might expect, when writing truthfully about ethnic cleansing and wildlife poaching, there are some confronting scenes, both implied and described, yet I never felt that any of them were gratuitous or over the top. Everything included simply added to that sense of realism in terms of time and place. There were characters to loathe as well as plenty of them to love, but one character in particular made my heart sing: Ndhlovy, the elephant. I absolutely adored the relationship between Ndholvy and her ‘human’, particularly the parts that were told from her perspective. It reminded me of Gorillas in the Mist, just in the sense of that bond of trust being formed between a human and an animal so wild and great. It gave me goose bumps – in the best way!



I’d like to think that there really are people like Joss, Peta, Mitch and Bongani in Africa, doing exactly what T.M. Clark has written them as doing: working to save the animals from extinction and the people from the effects civil war and corruption. I think it’s very unlikely I’ll ever visit Africa, but it’s wonderful to know that I can rely on T.M. Clark to take me there in spirit. You’ll feel immersed while reading this novel. The searing temperatures, the relieving rain, the wildlife on the savannah, the bond between people who have lived in the same place and faced the same challenges. I loved every page of Child of Africa and look forward to reading T.M. Clark’s other titles as soon as I can.

[Annie · Rating 2 out of 5]

On the surface this was a fun read in a great setting, which was well paced and had some romance and adventure.
At the heart though, this is shallow and sanitised garbage which skates over the surface of some really serious issues. For example, if you have survived trauma or have loved ones who have served in war, the shiny, high functioning hero Joss will probably make you mad. Other issues presented also seem oversimplified or half baked.
I'm not particularly inclined to read anything else by Clark now.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Child of Africa is another compelling read from Zimbabwean born T.M. Clark. It is a twisted tale of traditions and the sad state some species of animal find themselves in.

Clark writes beautiful characters, be they human or animal, and I love getting to know the animals in her stories.

Child of Africa is a story of national parks, animal conservation, tribal chieftanship and the corruption rife in the country.

Joss Brennan grew up in Zimbabwe but knew from an early age he wanted to be a British Marine, to head out and save the world far from home. He left behind a young elephant that he saved as a 10yr old boy, his best friend and her older sister, the local tribe and his parents. Years later he returns from Afghanistan a double amputee, too late to say goodbye to his parents or his best friend Courtney.

He is strong, he is determined and he isn’t quite sure what’s next. Joss is aiming to compete in a triathlon once he gets his fitness back and there are many improvements he wants to make to the lodge and surrounding villages, if the locals will learn to accept him.

Peta de Longe is a big game vet and the older sister of Courtney, she hasn’t forgiven Joss for not making it back to spend time with Courtney before she lost her battle with cancer but she doesn’t know the challenges he has faced; and either did Courtney. She lives a couple of hours away in a national park and spends her life trying to save the wildlife.

Bongani is a native man of many hats. He is the lodge manager, the chief’s heir and he is helping to nurse him in his final months. He has known the Brennan’s since Joss was a boy and is the last link Joss has to his parents. Bongani has a lot on his plate with running the lodge and looking after his father but he also has to look forward to the day that he takes over the chieftanship… and face his corrupt half-brother with an eye on the top job.

Clark has imbued her characters with a deep love of their homeland that stretches to the people and the animals. Her story depicts the plight of some majestic animals that are dying out at the hands of poachers who are doing a lot more damage than they need to.

Child of Africa is told on a dual timeline past and present with flashbacks scattered throughout the story. The flashbacks set the scene and let us get to know all of the characters and how they found themselves in their current situations.

All of the characters are colourful and all have their burdens to bear, they are well developed and well drawn. I grew to love the good guys and despise the bad guys. The baddest of the bad was a character that I wanted to see redeeming feautres, I wanted to see what made him the way he was but the more we learned the more it seemed that sometimes the bad is bone deep and he was actually just born that way.

Child of Africa has a slow burn and sweet romance and a big dose of suspense as we hold on waiting to see what lows will be stooped to next.

[Lillian Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would you do to save the ones that you love? Joss has finally made it back home to Zimbabwe, he is no longer the young man that left to fight a war, he has come back a broken man. It was time for him to come and pay his final respects to his best friend, he was unable to visit her before she died and no one knew why he never came home. The war broke his spirit and took his legs and he hopes that his home can heal his soul. Peta can't believe that he is back she is so angry with him for not coming sooner that is until she learns the truth and she realizes that she never blamed. So much has changed in the country corruption is worse and farms are been taken and people murdered for no reason other than having a different skin colour.
How can Joss make a difference when there are so many against him all he wants to do is make sure that they all are safe and fed.? Can his best friend and manager Bongani get his tribe to trust Joss and to realize that all he wants to do is help make their lives better? But war is coming and the evil will stop and nothing to destroy the peace. Can Bongani beat his brother at his own game before even more people are killed or will he fail to keep his new tribe safe? Joss won't stand by he now has a daughter to protect and the woman that he loves and he won't back away. Joss's old friend Ndhlovy has returned with her herd and he is sad to know that she lost most of her herd, her mother & grandmother both slaughtered for their ivory but she knows that she can trust this human to keep them safe from the danger that is coming. A beautiful story that tells us a tale that is not too far fetched as this has happened in Zimbabwe and it will continue to happen for years to come. We have to stop the poaching of African wildlife before we have no elephants rhinos lion etc and that day is approaching fastest than we realize. Please make a stand for them they need us to be their voices. I was lucky enough to receive a copy in exchange for my honest review via Netgalley & the publishing house.

[Roz ~ My Written Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a little longer than it usually would to read Child of Africa, having to take breaks to wrangle children and do real-life work. However, this didn’t upset me as it allowed me to continue spending time in the world T.M. Clark created. For almost 20 years, I have listened with fascination to the stories of my mother-in-law’s childhood in Kenya and the then-Tanganyika, and have even longer had a deep interest in the continent. So being able to dive headfirst into a tale that appeals to this corner of my mind is always a good thing.

When you are on your journey through the work of T.M. Clark, you will notice a real sense of love and truth in the way she writes about Africa, and particularly Zimbabwe. She shows its beauty and its imperfections in equal measure, its light and its darkness, distilling its essence into the words of her stories.

From the moment I opened the book on my Kindle, I was hooked. The tension of everyday life, the battle between good and unforgiving evil, the deliciously slow burn of the romance between Joss and Peta - all of this drew me in and kept me perched on the edge of my seat until the end.

I am not going to ride the spoiler train and start throwing details out its windows, but trust me when I say that Child of Africa is one of the best that you will read this year. It certainly was for me.

[Donna Munro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It's my kind of book. African settings, strong but fractured characters, twists, turns, surprises and lots of emotional rides. I particularly loved the view point of the elephant matriarch. The portrayal of PTSD, while not over written, was vivid and real.
I now want to read all T.M. Clark's books.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://www.instagram.com/happyvalley...

[Dianne James · Rating 5 out of 5]

An ex British marine returns to Zimbabwe as a double amputee and comes home to the problems the people and wildlife must face within the political mess the country has become.
This is a wonderful read! From a flashback of his childhood and an adopted elephant calf to the jealousy and hatred of the local chief's second son, the book is beautifully written and fully engaging. Strong relationships of many kinds drive the story.
I expect many people will get different things from the book; a sense of the difficult times Zimbabweans (both black and white) lived through during that period, the wonder of African wildlife and the problems that it faces....still, the plight of the young children and the workings of the tribal structure and traditions/beliefs.
For me, the story brought all that and more. It transported me to the country and kept me spellbound. The chapters about the elephant herd's journey to safety were magical and added so very much to the atmosphere of the story.
There is plenty of drama and even action, but mostly, the book tells of love in every sense of the word.
Highly recommend.

[Leanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

An ex-commando returns from the Afghanistan war to his beloved home, a Zimbabwean safari lodge. His parents have been killed in a car accident while he was away on duty and he has lost both his legs. It is time for him to recuperate, rehabilitate and resume running the family business. His good friend, son of the well-regarded local village chief, and heir in waiting, has faithfully looked after things in his absence. But all has deteriorated in his country and he must deal with wildlife poachers, corruption in business, politics and the police, as well a murderous vendetta. An interesting and enjoyable read with likeable characters and descriptions of the African landscape and animals that are well done.

[Billyjean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this fascinating story set in Zimbabwe which is at once tragic, heart warming, stunning, complex and rewarding. Highly recommended!!

[Robyn Coyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

10+++++ Wow, loved it - what a fantastic read - powerful

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome African saga by T M Clark.

[Andrew Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good story and very well written

I think that the writer understands the African Bush and how so many people are trying to help them in saving the wild life and the people.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story, love tradgedy and betrayal. All rolled into the Majestic surroundings that is Africa.

Gorgeous images of the animals, also the excitement of who will win and who will lose.

If you like mystery, adventure with a little romance added in for good measure, then this is the book for you.