Finding Ignatius: a modern mystery, an ancient disappearance

by James Penhaligon

Finding Ignatius. A modern mystery, an ancient disappearance. An adventure saga like no other. Ignatius Tregurtha, apprehended for smuggling in 1786 by the King’s Revenue, escaped his convict ship in the Cape of Good Hope. There is a rumour that he took refuge in the great western desert across the Gariep River. Dr Tobias Vingoe, his distant nephew, sets out to discover what became of him. In the most inhospitable part of the Namib desert, he encounters deceit, murder and tragedy. Marooned with a beautiful woman and a San Bushman companion, he fights his own demons and the many perils of the desert. If they survive, will Tobias find out about Ignatius, and is there any truth in the legend about a hoard of diamonds awaiting discovery? By the same Speak Swahili, Dammit! By James Penhaligon. ‘How do you review a perfect book? The best I can say to anyone is READ IT! ’ The Citizen, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. ‘Extraordinary, hilarious and heartbreaking.’ R. Vogs, ABS broadcasting, Nairobi, Kenya. ‘As expansive as the continent that begat it, yet intensely personal, this is a life's tale like no other.’ Leamington Courier, Leamington Spa. ‘Sheer magic of life in the bush shines through in brilliant writing.’ Cape Times, Cape Town, South Africa. ‘A unique view on life, death, sadness and humour … a captivating read.’ Cornwall Today, Truro, Cornwall.

370 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 21, 2018

Reviews

[Zinnat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another literary gem from James Penhaligon! ‘Finding Ignatius’ is penned with simplicity and skillfully brings together two parallel narratives – one set in the eighteenth century and the other in the twentieth century. The scene is set in Cornwall where Ignatius is arrested for smuggling and the reader follows his trial and departure by ship for the penal colony in Australia (which he does not reach as he jumps ship in Cape Town), his fugitive status and finally a settled life with his wife Manara (purest, most beautiful relationship rooted in love and mutual respect), son Pengilly and much loved pet Malkop thanks to the support given by the San people.

The other narrative recounts the life of tour guide, Tobias Vingoe, his friendship with business partner Chico, his angst from childhood, failed relationships, being involved in a diamond related murder case where he meets Angelika and her loathsome brother Egon and his unending quest to find out what happened to his ancestor, Ignatius.

Ignatius and Tobias have a family connection and Tobias develops an obsession to ‘find’ (by means of prison archives, fortuitously coming across Ignatius’ diary and a rock painting) Ignatius and in the process not only does he discover what happened to Ignatius but he also discovers himself and this allows him to move forward in life with self acceptance, with confidence and with optimism in his new found love.

All the characters are well-defined and unforgettable in their own way, including the loathsome Egon involved in illegal diamond smuggling. Tataba and Xsara embody humanism and spiritualism, Chico a loyal friend to cherish, Angelika (anthropologist) non-judgemental and yet guiding, Pengilly sailor on the convict ship who pays a price for his humanity, Sterkbooi fugitive turned entrepreneur with a heart of gold, Ignatius stoic and not afraid to face challenges, Marana gentle, loving and a woman of substance, Malkop (mixed breed dog) lovable and an absolute champ!

The setting in Namibia transports one to the hostile terrain oppressed with the intense heat, bareness, freezing nights, sandstorms, cave paintings, varied fauna and flora and the whole exudes ‘peace, wild beauty and eternity’.

James Penhaligon is a convincing writer and much of his material is well-researched making for an authentic experience – the penal system in Cornwall, the harsh conditions on the convict ships and the perils of sea travel at the time ( sea storms, pirates, scurvy ), rifles (informative), linguistics , psychoanalysis, historical context of Europe in the eighteenth century, the expansion of colonies, the carving out of Southern Africa by The Dutch, German and English leading to the displacement of many tribal communities. And lastly, the San people.

Personally, getting an insight into the culture and beliefs of the fascinating hunter-gatherer San people has been the most memorable experience of this engaging novel - their great philosophy of life, humanity ( generous and welcoming to strangers despite eking out a living, care for the groups and animals) their spiritualism, oral traditions of story telling, rock paintings viewing birth and death as a circular path, disinterest in the monetary value of diamonds and considering a loving family to be of greater value (in sharp contrast to the greed shown by Tobias’ fellow men).

‘Finding Ignatius’ is an impelling novel and draws on many ingredients – suspense, murder, nail biting escapades, history, humanity, spiritualism, relationships and even quiet humour (‘stone age style laundry’) as well as translations to give the reader a very satisfying literary experience.

[Miss SHF Urquhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good african/cornish mystery. It has the flavour of both as well as an understanding of the San. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good story

Great cornish /African mystery. All the flavour of both as well as an understanding of the San. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good story.

[Sue Cross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slightly predictable in parts, but I enjoy Penhaligan’s writing style generally. I don’t think it’s up to the standard of “Speak Swahili Damit!”, but a good yarn nonetheless. I found the historical interludes more enchanting than those of the present day. My only other gripe would be that I read this as an eBook, and there were numerous proofreading errors.