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Afric
A drama ripped from today’s headlines
1963 As European colonists flee the Congo, a witchdoctor finds an abandoned child and teaches him the power of hatred. A hundred miles to the east, six American hippies on a joy ride across Africa, crash their VW bus in to a cemetery. While they wait for repairs they scandalize the local missionaries and Brenda Carter impulsively marries an African student.
2013: Brenda Carter brings Sarah, her deeply troubled granddaughter to Africa to explore her roots and meet her grandfather; the man Brenda married and abandoned fifty years before. When a Peace Corps worker is murdered, a baby is kidnapped, and all contact with the outside world is severed by a torrential rain storm, Sarah becomes an unwilling investigator making the connection between the abandoned boy from the Congo, the truth behind her grandmother’s marriage, and fifty years of undercover CIA involvement in the politics of Africa.
A compelling tale of Africa today where witchdoctors co-exist with modern medicine, where warlords carry cell phones, and where one small nation stands at the cross roads of America’s War on Terror.
1963 As European colonists flee the Congo, a witchdoctor finds an abandoned child and teaches him the power of hatred. A hundred miles to the east, six American hippies on a joy ride across Africa, crash their VW bus in to a cemetery. While they wait for repairs they scandalize the local missionaries and Brenda Carter impulsively marries an African student.
2013: Brenda Carter brings Sarah, her deeply troubled granddaughter to Africa to explore her roots and meet her grandfather; the man Brenda married and abandoned fifty years before. When a Peace Corps worker is murdered, a baby is kidnapped, and all contact with the outside world is severed by a torrential rain storm, Sarah becomes an unwilling investigator making the connection between the abandoned boy from the Congo, the truth behind her grandmother’s marriage, and fifty years of undercover CIA involvement in the politics of Africa.
A compelling tale of Africa today where witchdoctors co-exist with modern medicine, where warlords carry cell phones, and where one small nation stands at the cross roads of America’s War on Terror.
Paperback
First published June 12, 2013
43 people want to read
About the author
Eileen Enwright Hodgetts
37 books119 followersEileen Enwright Hodgetts is a much traveled writer. Brought up in England and Wales, she has also lived and worked in South Africa and Uganda. Eileen and her husband, Graham, now make their home in Baden, PA. Eileen’s life experiences allow her to use exotic backgrounds for her novels and to understand how an adventure can begin with just one small incident. For ten years she directed a humanitarian mission in East Africa as an employee of Christ Church at Grove Farm in Sewickley, PA. and her whole family continues to be involved in Uganda through the Ugandan Gold Coffee project bringing coffee to the United States and returning the profits to Uganda to be used for drilling water wells. She writes historical fiction from Arthurian sagas to World War Two murder mysteries. The major movie "Unsinkable", currently in production, is based on her national award-winning stage play "Titanic to all Ships". Her latest work "The Girl on the Carpathia - A novel of the Titanic" reflects over twenty years of research into both the US senate hearings and the British inquiry into the sinking.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 18, 2016
This book could easily be a three star book. In fact, I almost did rate this book as such. The only reason that I did not was because of the story itself. I was transported to Africa and the trials and tribulations of this country. It makes me so grateful that I live in the US. Yet, when I read books featuring out countries and what the people of those countries are dealing with like warlords, rape, and starvation to name a few, it makes me sad. Thus the reason I am glad that there are authors like Eileen to help share these stories to hopefully make others take action and help.
Ok, back to the book. For the most part I did enjoy this book. I did not find any reason for the constant switching of names for Sarah aka Swot. One moment she would be known as Swot and the next as Sarah. Almost every one she met called her by one name or the other. For me, if you are going to be called another name then just go with it and not the constant changing. It kind of disrupted the flow of the story for me as I sometimes would get so distracted by this that it would take away from the story. Then there were other times where I found I wanted more action then the talking. Yet, the last half to third of the story did really pick up for me. Overall, a good book featuring Africa.
Ok, back to the book. For the most part I did enjoy this book. I did not find any reason for the constant switching of names for Sarah aka Swot. One moment she would be known as Swot and the next as Sarah. Almost every one she met called her by one name or the other. For me, if you are going to be called another name then just go with it and not the constant changing. It kind of disrupted the flow of the story for me as I sometimes would get so distracted by this that it would take away from the story. Then there were other times where I found I wanted more action then the talking. Yet, the last half to third of the story did really pick up for me. Overall, a good book featuring Africa.
June 1, 2015
First and foremost, I was forewarned that the book may be upsetting to some readers, so please note, that this book may be upsetting. There is violence, murder, kidnapping, and rape involving young girls. While not graphic, it does take you aback a bit.
With that said; this was the most suspenseful read I have read in some time. I think I held my breath most of the book and could not put it down. I fell asleep to it for 3 nights in a row because I hated putting it down. I wanted to know what happens.
The book starts fairly quickly with a dark twist that sets the tone for the remainder of the story.
Sarah, aka Swot, is visiting Uganda with her grandmother to learn about her familial roots, so to speak.
Sarah’s grandmother, Brenda, visited Uganda 50 years ago and per Ugandan customs, married a local boy, got pregnant and returned to her family in the United States (which in turn make’s Brenda’s daughter half Caucasian, half African; which in turn makes Swot one-quarter African, and from what I could gather, the remaining three quarters Caucasian. It is mentioned throughout that Swot is ‘not quite white’.)
The adventure starts off with the murder of one that is believed to be linked to a technical kidnapping of a young girl which then moves into ‘who’s who’ and more kidnappings and violence and rapes.
The entire time you are reading, you trying to figure out what is going on, who is linked to what, why everything is happening all the while, still putting the entire piece of history together (which wasn’t that difficult and really did help fill in the story so don’t let that discourage you.)
I loved the suspense and the trying to figure everything out.
The ending ended with a little romance that I was secretly hoping for and I hated that the book ended. I would love to see something next that continues that bit.
All in all, I really, really, really enjoyed Afric. I think I would even admit that it is my favorite book this year.
With that said; this was the most suspenseful read I have read in some time. I think I held my breath most of the book and could not put it down. I fell asleep to it for 3 nights in a row because I hated putting it down. I wanted to know what happens.
The book starts fairly quickly with a dark twist that sets the tone for the remainder of the story.
Sarah, aka Swot, is visiting Uganda with her grandmother to learn about her familial roots, so to speak.
Sarah’s grandmother, Brenda, visited Uganda 50 years ago and per Ugandan customs, married a local boy, got pregnant and returned to her family in the United States (which in turn make’s Brenda’s daughter half Caucasian, half African; which in turn makes Swot one-quarter African, and from what I could gather, the remaining three quarters Caucasian. It is mentioned throughout that Swot is ‘not quite white’.)
The adventure starts off with the murder of one that is believed to be linked to a technical kidnapping of a young girl which then moves into ‘who’s who’ and more kidnappings and violence and rapes.
The entire time you are reading, you trying to figure out what is going on, who is linked to what, why everything is happening all the while, still putting the entire piece of history together (which wasn’t that difficult and really did help fill in the story so don’t let that discourage you.)
I loved the suspense and the trying to figure everything out.
The ending ended with a little romance that I was secretly hoping for and I hated that the book ended. I would love to see something next that continues that bit.
All in all, I really, really, really enjoyed Afric. I think I would even admit that it is my favorite book this year.
April 30, 2018
Uganda, East Africa. Zach (Peace Corps worker) had been killed.
Rory Marsden had found him in his yard.
What was General Matapa up to?
Will the murder mystery get solved & someone brought to justice?
Yrs. later separations among families ran pretty rampant.
Matthew (S1, crippled kid), & Swot Jensen (f), had found another very sick child.
The mother had died.
Its not likely they will be able to cure him.
Shots were being fired everywhere.
Cecelia Byaruhanga (15, Ursuline Boarding Academy student, Budeka, Uganda), & Matthew (Andrew’s uncle) headed for the forest.
General Matapa had kidnapped Swot.
What were Grandmother Brenda Songbird Carter (70) & Frank discussing?
Will CIA Agent Rory Marsden follow through with his mission?
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, & great font/writing style. A very well written murder mystery book. It wasn’t always very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish (cultural differences), but never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great murder mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Emerge Publishing; Bookfunnel; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn)
Rory Marsden had found him in his yard.
What was General Matapa up to?
Will the murder mystery get solved & someone brought to justice?
Yrs. later separations among families ran pretty rampant.
Matthew (S1, crippled kid), & Swot Jensen (f), had found another very sick child.
The mother had died.
Its not likely they will be able to cure him.
Shots were being fired everywhere.
Cecelia Byaruhanga (15, Ursuline Boarding Academy student, Budeka, Uganda), & Matthew (Andrew’s uncle) headed for the forest.
General Matapa had kidnapped Swot.
What were Grandmother Brenda Songbird Carter (70) & Frank discussing?
Will CIA Agent Rory Marsden follow through with his mission?
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, & great font/writing style. A very well written murder mystery book. It wasn’t always very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish (cultural differences), but never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great murder mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Emerge Publishing; Bookfunnel; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn)
December 14, 2015
That feeling when you start reading a book and you know after one line this is the book for you, this is that book. An excellent read, I love the fact that it is centered around a country and continent which has a lot of mystique and tradition, which we are still trying to understand.
Based around East Africa and Uganda this story is about witchcraft, war, tribal feuds and control. If you understand African traditions, beliefs and general way of life then this is the book for you. If you don't, then a word of caution, you will find certain parts of the story line upsetting.
The novel revolves around a murder and a baby, who has been cursed by the local witch doctor and who the warlord wants in order to cure his tribe. On the other side we have a young 18 year old american girl who on her first visit to Uganda believes it is her destiny to rescue and keep the baby from harm.
The historic references and the fact that the story jumps from the past to the present explains the changes and the power struggle which ensues. It's fast paced, with excellent descriptive scenes and describes perfectly the rules of a nation where the basic rule and law is to survive. Also along with this is the way of the tribes and how you are dealt within that tribe depicts how you will treat and behave towards outsiders and nothing stops the tribe moving on ruling by terror.
I cannot praise this book high enough and this is my favourite read of the year, I must again stress that it is down to the tribal feuds and understanding of the story line, as mentioned some readers might find this upsetting.
Based around East Africa and Uganda this story is about witchcraft, war, tribal feuds and control. If you understand African traditions, beliefs and general way of life then this is the book for you. If you don't, then a word of caution, you will find certain parts of the story line upsetting.
The novel revolves around a murder and a baby, who has been cursed by the local witch doctor and who the warlord wants in order to cure his tribe. On the other side we have a young 18 year old american girl who on her first visit to Uganda believes it is her destiny to rescue and keep the baby from harm.
The historic references and the fact that the story jumps from the past to the present explains the changes and the power struggle which ensues. It's fast paced, with excellent descriptive scenes and describes perfectly the rules of a nation where the basic rule and law is to survive. Also along with this is the way of the tribes and how you are dealt within that tribe depicts how you will treat and behave towards outsiders and nothing stops the tribe moving on ruling by terror.
I cannot praise this book high enough and this is my favourite read of the year, I must again stress that it is down to the tribal feuds and understanding of the story line, as mentioned some readers might find this upsetting.
June 2, 2015
When my husband and I first met, I loved listening to stories about his worldly travels during his time in the U.S. Navy. Having barely traveled around the U.S. myself, I long to discover more about the world. The only way I get to do this is through books. Afric is a book that I wasn't expecting to dig so deep down in my soul but it was a beautiful read. Not beautiful in the deliberate sense of the word but beautiful in a way that it makes you really feel something while reading it. I have to be honest in the fact that I don't know much about African culture but I learned a multitude of information about traditions, beliefs, witchcraft, tribal feuds, etc.
If you're sensitive to anything outside of your daily, mundane life, then I suggest this not be a book that you pick up. This book covers historical facts of the country including murder, rape and kidnapping but it is not so violent as to be inappropriate. Without it, the story would lose a sense of being. The story line has a lot going on but it is fairly easy to follow and keep up with. I felt like I was living the story and couldn't imagine if a similar situation were to happen here in the U.S. - how would it be handled? A baby is cursed by the local witch doctor against a war lord who wants for personal matters. On her first visit, a U.S. girl makes it her mission to save the baby.
There are times that I had to set the book down and take a deep breath to take in all that I had read. It hit me hard and sent me on a journey of discovery!
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
If you're sensitive to anything outside of your daily, mundane life, then I suggest this not be a book that you pick up. This book covers historical facts of the country including murder, rape and kidnapping but it is not so violent as to be inappropriate. Without it, the story would lose a sense of being. The story line has a lot going on but it is fairly easy to follow and keep up with. I felt like I was living the story and couldn't imagine if a similar situation were to happen here in the U.S. - how would it be handled? A baby is cursed by the local witch doctor against a war lord who wants for personal matters. On her first visit, a U.S. girl makes it her mission to save the baby.
There are times that I had to set the book down and take a deep breath to take in all that I had read. It hit me hard and sent me on a journey of discovery!
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
June 12, 2015
The opening tale immediately captures the reader and sets the stage for what seems will be an endless revelation of circumstances and limited choices. The backdrop is set in Uganda, East Africa where culture and beauty runs as deep as the corruption and poverty.
The main character Swot, a bi-racial intelligent girl proclaimed to harbor great intelligence, drives the story. As Swot is exposed to the harshness of her grandfather’s land she begins her quest in search of the American Peace Corp worker with only the use of her senses to guide her. As the story develops, Swot realizes that cultural values are oftentimes mixed into the reasons behind vicious acts that destroy humanity
The author, Eileen Enwright Hodgetts, was as smart as her main character by weaving the reader through the lives of a variety of meaningful characters that help drive the story and bring a deeper understanding of the political issues that have enveloped their lives. The insight about life in Uganda during this troubling time kept me captivated. The stories of pain and senseless violence will tear you apart as you realize this has been reality for many Africans in modern day times.
The main character Swot, a bi-racial intelligent girl proclaimed to harbor great intelligence, drives the story. As Swot is exposed to the harshness of her grandfather’s land she begins her quest in search of the American Peace Corp worker with only the use of her senses to guide her. As the story develops, Swot realizes that cultural values are oftentimes mixed into the reasons behind vicious acts that destroy humanity
The author, Eileen Enwright Hodgetts, was as smart as her main character by weaving the reader through the lives of a variety of meaningful characters that help drive the story and bring a deeper understanding of the political issues that have enveloped their lives. The insight about life in Uganda during this troubling time kept me captivated. The stories of pain and senseless violence will tear you apart as you realize this has been reality for many Africans in modern day times.
June 8, 2015
I’m going to start off by saying that when we applied to review this book, we were warned that this book might be upsetting to some readers. That being said, this is one book that I have read lately, where I held my breath most of the time I was reading it. I thought it was an absolutely fantastic book and I didn’t want to put it down. I fell asleep to it quite a few times, thought “Oh, I’ll charge my kindle here in a few minutes.” and my kindle ended up dying on me – TWICE while reading this book.
The whole time I was reading the book, I was trying to figure out what was going on. I loved the suspense in this book. I love books where I can try to put things together, while reading! I like that it ended with just a tad bit of romance, and honestly, I would love to see another book that continues that part of the story!
If you have the chance, I would highly recommend you read this book! It’s fantastic & I really don’t think you will regret it!
The whole time I was reading the book, I was trying to figure out what was going on. I loved the suspense in this book. I love books where I can try to put things together, while reading! I like that it ended with just a tad bit of romance, and honestly, I would love to see another book that continues that part of the story!
If you have the chance, I would highly recommend you read this book! It’s fantastic & I really don’t think you will regret it!
June 19, 2015
Afric is an engaging book, with strong, well developed characters set against a historical fiction backdrop of kidnapping, rape, and murder.
Sarah, aka Swot, is visiting Africa with her grandmother, Brenda, who went as a young woman years before and is bringing Swot back now to meet her grandfather, a powerful and well respected African man. Swot is a genius and has just finished college at age 18. When a white man is murdered, Brenda convinces Swot to put her smarts to solving the murder.
Against a backdrop of the beauty and strange culture of Uganda, the plot weaves an intricate story around Swot's investigation and crimes going back fifty years. Some people may not like the presence of such crimes as rape, murder, and other violence in this story, but the sad fact is that these crimes have been reality in Africa for years.
While not for the faint of heart, if you suspence and history, this book has the right combination for you.
Sarah, aka Swot, is visiting Africa with her grandmother, Brenda, who went as a young woman years before and is bringing Swot back now to meet her grandfather, a powerful and well respected African man. Swot is a genius and has just finished college at age 18. When a white man is murdered, Brenda convinces Swot to put her smarts to solving the murder.
Against a backdrop of the beauty and strange culture of Uganda, the plot weaves an intricate story around Swot's investigation and crimes going back fifty years. Some people may not like the presence of such crimes as rape, murder, and other violence in this story, but the sad fact is that these crimes have been reality in Africa for years.
While not for the faint of heart, if you suspence and history, this book has the right combination for you.
June 16, 2015
I love reading books that take place in foreign countries! I have had a fascination with Africa for a while and I am so glad that I read this book. I loved the variety of characters and the depth in which they are introduced. The plot has just the right amount of twist and turns to keep the reader engaged without it becoming too complex. Please note that some of the topics can be quit upsetting, including rape and kidnapping. Unfortunately, these type of things still happen in Africa today. The novel is set in Uganda and the Congo starting in 1963 to present. It covers the changes that have happened in Africa over the years while weaving in a story of a young American girl finding out about her roots. There is a mystery involved and the story is woven masterfully.
June 11, 2015
This book made me think about how different countries can be so different, and yet also similar. I liked the mystery of Brenda and her husband. Especially when their granddaughter goes back to where they met. It was very interesting to read about the different ways of life and their beliefs. I also liked how the author described Africa through the years. She has been to Africa, and she used her knowledge in this book. I am giving this book a 4/5.I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
December 6, 2018
Oh, where to start on this. First the story is fine, but not terribly original or exciting. If I were only reviewing the story itself, it would probably have gotten 3 stars, but there are just so many niggling details that are wrong or could easily have been solved with some basic googling. Let's begin with the fact that Brenda and Sarah are both supposed to be American but Brenda calls Sarah "Swot." Swot is (as I had to google to find out) a BRITISH slang word meaning someone who studies to the exclusion of all else. This is not an American slang word and I would bet nearly all Americans who haven't spent substantial time in the UK have ever even heard it. It certainly wouldn't be something said by a 70 year old grandmother from Cleveland.
Second, and this is specific to the audiobook version that I listened to, this is a story about two AMERICAN WOMEN and yet it's narrated by a British man. His voicing of the main characters is awful and ruins a lot of the enjoyment.
Finally, there is so much white savior/western superiority woven throughout (Brenda keeps going on and on about how much better things were in *colonial* times, Swot is clearly the best suited to finding the Peace Corp worker's killer, the missionary's God is supposed to have intervened to protect Swot, Matthew, and the baby, etc.).
"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
Second, and this is specific to the audiobook version that I listened to, this is a story about two AMERICAN WOMEN and yet it's narrated by a British man. His voicing of the main characters is awful and ruins a lot of the enjoyment.
Finally, there is so much white savior/western superiority woven throughout (Brenda keeps going on and on about how much better things were in *colonial* times, Swot is clearly the best suited to finding the Peace Corp worker's killer, the missionary's God is supposed to have intervened to protect Swot, Matthew, and the baby, etc.).
"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
July 10, 2023
AFRIC, also titled LEGACY, not only supports a life-saving humanitarian project, but it is an exciting, true to life political thriller. Please buy a book and think of how it is helping to bore a well for one more impoverished village in Uganda.
Sarah Jensen is 18, surly, and lacking direction. Thanks to an exceptional IQ, she has already graduated from college and is back home in Cleveland, feeling that she's never fit in anywhere because of being different mentally, emotionally, and physically. Her grandmother Brenda invites her to accompany her to Uganda to meet her extended family for the first time. Fifty years ago, her hippie grandmother was traveling through Africa with several other free-love spirits, in an iconic VW minivan, and fell in love with a handsome Ugandan, whom she married. When she became pregnant, Brenda's parents brought her back to Cleveland to raise her daughter, never to return to what she left in Uganda.
During her years away, Uganda went through some of the worst years of its existence under British colonialism, and the despotic reign of Idi Amin and his type. When the British colonials left, Uganda was free, but not ready to self-govern, and so turmoil ensued, making the country extremely unsafe.
Brenda and Sarah are escorted everywhere by her grandfather's armed guards. Despite such care, events occur that soon spiral out of control, putting everyone in mortal danger.
Sarah's grandfather's region is isolated where severe storms wipe out road and bridge access back to Kampala, so they are stranded indefinitely. The cell tower is down making communication impossible.
A young Peace Corps volunteer is brutally stabbed to death. A terrorist and his armed band raid a convent dormitory and carry off the teenage girls who study at the private school. Sarah's teenage relative Matthew is kidnapped and held for ransom.
AFRIC is an eye-opening look at the impossible lives of poor helpless Ugandans. Even today, bands of terrorists cross an unsecured border for regular raids on villages. Girls are carried off to be sex slaves. Boys are kidnapped and forced to become killers. Villages are burned.
Sarah and her grandmother are not prepared for the Uganda they encounter.
Sarah Jensen is 18, surly, and lacking direction. Thanks to an exceptional IQ, she has already graduated from college and is back home in Cleveland, feeling that she's never fit in anywhere because of being different mentally, emotionally, and physically. Her grandmother Brenda invites her to accompany her to Uganda to meet her extended family for the first time. Fifty years ago, her hippie grandmother was traveling through Africa with several other free-love spirits, in an iconic VW minivan, and fell in love with a handsome Ugandan, whom she married. When she became pregnant, Brenda's parents brought her back to Cleveland to raise her daughter, never to return to what she left in Uganda.
During her years away, Uganda went through some of the worst years of its existence under British colonialism, and the despotic reign of Idi Amin and his type. When the British colonials left, Uganda was free, but not ready to self-govern, and so turmoil ensued, making the country extremely unsafe.
Brenda and Sarah are escorted everywhere by her grandfather's armed guards. Despite such care, events occur that soon spiral out of control, putting everyone in mortal danger.
Sarah's grandfather's region is isolated where severe storms wipe out road and bridge access back to Kampala, so they are stranded indefinitely. The cell tower is down making communication impossible.
A young Peace Corps volunteer is brutally stabbed to death. A terrorist and his armed band raid a convent dormitory and carry off the teenage girls who study at the private school. Sarah's teenage relative Matthew is kidnapped and held for ransom.
AFRIC is an eye-opening look at the impossible lives of poor helpless Ugandans. Even today, bands of terrorists cross an unsecured border for regular raids on villages. Girls are carried off to be sex slaves. Boys are kidnapped and forced to become killers. Villages are burned.
Sarah and her grandmother are not prepared for the Uganda they encounter.
March 11, 2025
Surprisingly Engaging. It took about five chapters, but once you get past the foundation, it's actually engaging. I did think that some of the familial interactions were unrealistic, and I didn't think the author portrayed a woman of color realistically. She didn't give as much depth to the primary character's internal dialogue as I thought she should have.
For instance, at one point, the main character calls her brother because she is in a life-or-death situation, and her brother is essentially gloating because she has proven she's not perfect. It just was weird that a brother would be so petty when his sister might die.
For instance, at one point, the main character calls her brother because she is in a life-or-death situation, and her brother is essentially gloating because she has proven she's not perfect. It just was weird that a brother would be so petty when his sister might die.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2015
This is a a novel based on the U.S. war on terror as it might be played out in Africa. Uganda is where the majority of the novel takes place--Uganda where missionaries, churches and witch doctors live side by side. War lords and what I can only term terrorists of the home grown variety strike fear into the peoples hearts. The villagers children are stolen, their villages plundered. The young boys forced to kill and maim--the girls raped and then if they are lucky get married to just one of their abductors.
Swot's grandmother, Brenda decided to take Swot to Uganda to visit the other side of her heritage. When Brenda had been there as a young girl she had married one of the African men. She ultimately left him and returned to America with a daughter. That daughter in turn married a man of Swedish descent which is how Swot and her 2 brothers came to be. Now Swot was a genius-she had graduated college when she was 14--but was a very unhappy young girl-thus Brenda's decision to take her to Africa.
But Africa had changed since Brenda had been there last-drastically. Would Swot be able to find and save the little girl who a mad man wanted to sacrifice? Would she find her friend who was abducted? Could she solve the mystery surrounding everything going on around her. AND would she figure out a way to save herself as well? How this all ends made my heart happy--but the thought that it might still be happening there or in other parts of the world with the complicity of the United States made me very sad.
I would like to mention that I had previously read one of this author's book Whirlpool -and I loved that one as well.
Afric
June 16, 2015
Afric is a really great read, it is truly a book ripped from the headlines. I honestly had no idea what it was really about until reading it. Talk about jaw-dropping! The story of Sarah is set against the background of real-life events that took place in Africa including the taking of young girls and truly horrifying happenings such as rape and murder. This book will definitely open your eyes to what happened during that time and while it is extremely sad, this is one of my favorite genres to read ... historical fiction. And even though the events were terrifying it is also something that people need to learn about and they can do that through Sarah's eyes - someone that they can relate to and truly empathize with. Sarah is an extremely strong young girl who is living in a world she can't understand and I sometimes wonder if she realizes how dangerous it is. It's hard to comprehend the horrific events that took place and you really get to SEE and FEEL how monstrous these people were and how scared the girls were of them. This is definitely not something for the weak-hearted because of the extreme violence but if you are someone who loves to learn about history and read a fantastic story at the same time then this is one book you do not want to miss. The author Eileen Hodgetts pulled from her own personal experiences to write this book as she made numerous visits to Uganda and Africa and it adds a whole new aspect to the book. I give this 5 stars because it is so amazing and such an incredible journey!
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
June 5, 2015
There are many books these days that truly touch the heart of their readers. There are several novels that keep every reader to want more. Afric by Eileen Enwright Hodgetts is not an exception. This well-written piece deserves a high regard. Everything about it is just amazing. I love how the author was able to show its readers the tradition, society, events and stories concerning the African people. The book will catch every reader’s attention. As I go through the pages, I start to learn more about Africa and the diversity in its community. At the same time, I became interested in how the main character took a walk down the memory lane and discover the secrets of her past. It’s an excellent read.
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