A Gathering of Dust: A Novel Out of Africa

by Samantha Ford

A Novel Out of Africa Through the mists of a remote and dangerous part of the South African coastline, a fisherman stumbles upon an abandoned car and an overturned wheelchair. Thousands of miles away, in London, an unidentified woman lies in a coma. When she recovers she has no memory of her past or where she comes from. As fragments of her memory begin to return, the woman has to confront the facts about herself as they begin to unfold. A disastrous love affair in the African bush; a missing husband; and a sinister, shadowy figure who knows exactly who she is and where she comes from. Tension builds as images and secrets begin to resurface from her lost past – rekindled memories that plunge her back into a world she finds she would rather not remember. Set against the magnificent backdrop of East and South Africa, A Gathering of Dust is a fast-paced story of love, betrayal and murder scattered along a trail of deception and lies, with a single impossible truth, and an unthinkable ending.

Genres: Africa

363 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 3, 2018

Reviews

[Karen G Clesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

She gets another Excellent from me!!

A widow from 9/11 meets the love of her life @ a safari camp, and spends years trying to find him again. Political intrigue, a brush with near death, memory loss and recapturing that memory back all taking place between England and Africa make for an exciting read! Pick up a copy today!

[Isabelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the summary says it all. It is a pleasant read to escape the monotony of lockdown. All the more when it comes to descriptions of the bush and its wildlife. Certainly the best bit of the book !
The plot is not bad though. It mixes tragic terrorist events that are all part of our collective memory and an impossible love story (a bit far-fetched?)
I cannot say which of Samantha Ford's books I have preferred an Zanzibar affair ot this one.
Both have been pleasant, making me dream of a safari (though I don't think I will ever have the means to do one)

[Mae · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
The premise of the book was fascinating - however, only so much coincidence is plausible and that is where it fell down in spots. Still a worthwhile read thougjh.

[Andrew Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I enjoyed the twists and turns of the story and the layer of both anti- terrorism and terrorism weaved into the plot. The back ground on the Wild Coast & Kenya brought a perspective of how life should be lived

[Irhelma Pieterse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving Samantha Ford's writing...or maybe I am just home sick...very predictable but an easy enjoyable read....she describes Africa perfectly

[Durinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Wow. Wow. This incredible book takes you from South Africa to England to USA to the South of France and Kenya, and throw in a couple of safaris as well. Numerous twists, all with a backdrop of Africa, terrorism, stunning descriptions of the African bushveld, its wildlife and nature. Having been born in South Africa and moving to Canada at the age of 48, I'm homesick for the touch, sounds, and smells of Africa. There is nothing like it. And this book takes you on such a journey.

Wonderful new author to me, and I will seeking out her other books.

[Rox · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unquestionably the. most. poorly. proofread and edited book l have ever come across. While the story line was quite good, the constant carelessness in the writing of said story was enormously distracting. After 100 pages, I began the book a second time—with a red pen, and gave up the pen when the ink ran out. Given that two of her characters were supposedly involved in the writing/publishing industry, it boggles my mind that the author (apparently) did not hire a professional to tidy up an otherwise interesting tale.

[Marsha Reiniers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book - love all books about Africa. This storyline has many layers, and the onion keeps getting peeled back. I would have liked to see more character development, as some chapters felt a little rushed. The descriptions of the safari camp and animal sightings were spectacular. It is a love story, but without giving away the story, it has many twists and turns. Definitely worth the time to read, be patient, the peeling of the onion takes time. But you will fall in love with Africa and Nick Kennedy!

[Wendy Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a brush of death and memory loss a young woman tries to find her way back with many twists and turns. As a widow trying to turn her life around after the death of her husband she returns to home country Africa,but on a safari where she begins her journey as she finds love, betrayal, new friendships and loss. This beautifully written story with the backdrop of Africa will stay with you long after the last page.

[JohnHouston · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some decent plot twists and turns throughout and I loved the parts in the bush which was so beautifully described. I was annoyed by the main protagonists though, while it made for an interesting story in the end it was very frustrating. Emily and Nick both behave like petulant teenagers and display little to no emotional intelligence, leaping to worst case scenario conclusions at every possible opportunity without demanding even a shred of credible evidence

[Sarah Petris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although an engaging and exciting read, I found the twists and turns of the plots too contrived......I found after increasing several chapters, I became sceptical about what would be the next crisis. There were in fact too many crises to deserve merit... if the author had adhered to one or two, The story would have piqued my interest more. Nick was just too handsome, too rich & too perfect.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always been drawn to books in Africa. I’m glad I was drawn to this one! At first I thought ‘oh geez, a sappy love story’ boy was I wrong! It was romantic without being cloying. The suspense at times had me speed reading to find out what happened next.
Note I want to go on a safari too, but only if I can stay at a lodge like Honey Badger!
Great story

[Jackie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book had no redeeming qualities in my opinion. The female character was weak, boring and annoying in her decision making. The storylines were just too far apart and random. There was nothing but romance, silly at that, for the first and last part of the book. In between was a mess.
I am a fan of the author but this one did not make the cut.

[Mrs Irene Baumhardt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read but becomes implausible

A good read but difficult to accept that key players would sulk and 'run away ' just to fit the story line. First half great but then implausible / irritating main character. Sorry, but not a Wilbur Smith at all in plot of narrative

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read

I really enjoyed this book and the author is one I intend to keep a watch on to read more of her books. Especially enjoyable for anyone who has lived or still does live in Africa.

[Nigel Copeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lover or Foe is the question

This is the 3rd book I have read from this author and it's worth reading. Can you trust the people you love. So many different pieces to put together like a jigsaw finally the last piece is put in place.

[Eva Kujawa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t get enough of this author

Another stunning story set in Africa. Makes me so so homesick for Africa. My soul will forever be African!! Thank you Samantha Ford. I am looking forward to reading more!!!

[Nancy G. Murdoch · Rating 2 out of 5]

Almost good

I think trying to combine romanticism and terrorism just didn't work. Too many detailed descriptions of curtains and furniture and too little expanding of the plot. Plus the result that anyone could see coming was tortured. Just not very good, but could have been.

[Lisa M. Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can leave Africa but Africa never leaves you!

I grew up in Jinja, Uganda and went to boarding school in Nairobi in the 60,s and early 70's. Reading this book about Nairobi, Mombasa, Lamu and the safari lodges brought back many pleasant memories!

[janice gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great and nostalgic read

A very well written novel with beautiful and accurate descriptions of Africa. As the author has commented - Africa gets under your skin and no matter where you may go it will always be a part of you and in you blood.

[Lynn Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Loved this book! It has so many twists and turns .I wasn't sure what was going to happen. Once again the author takes you to Africa. The sights , smells ,culture and of course the animals are all brought to life. Highly recommended reading as all her other books.

[gary loupassakis · Rating 3 out of 5]

great description of African safari

Having been on safari twice, this is a realistic description of Africa and was very enjoyable. The love story got old and dragged out way too long. The plot was unrealistic.

[Valerie Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Weak and unlikely plot. Too many coincidences and too predictable. Were Wilbur Smith alive today, he would have nothing to fear from this author. The only realisms this book has to offer are the accurate descriptions of Africa and the wildlife and it’s for this reason I’ve given it 3 stars.

[Maud Shayji · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok but not a patch on her previous books.

[Lynette Robb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too predictable.

[susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

entertaining :)

[marion · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing


Having read all her other three out of Africa books, this book was very disappointing. Not enough of Africa and too much romance.

[Heidi Matheson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very difficult to put down. Lots of twists and turns that kept me reading late into the night. I was on an emotional roller coaster.

[Tori Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another great read for Africa-lovers. Fate has a way of showing up!

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dust

A good book of a love story.. In Africa. Not a typical story either. It makes more want go read more of books by Samantha Ford.