The Burning Land

by George Alagiah

'Gripping' Guardian
'Pacy and stylish . . . what a read' Jeremy Vine

‘It was never meant to be like this. Sabotage, yes. Propaganda, yes. All of that and more – but not this. Not murder.’

South Africa has become a powder keg. Its precious land is being sold off to the highest bidders while the country’s corrupt elite pocket the profits. As the dreams and hopes of its people are threatened, frustration turns to violence. With the shocking murder of one of the country’s bright young hopes, the fuse is well and truly lit.

When conflict mediator Lindi returns home to the country of her birth she is reunited with her childhood friend Kagiso. Suddenly the professional becomes deeply personal and they find themselves at the heart of the chaos. They have just days to save themselves and the country they love, even as events are set in motion that no one, least of all they, can control.

Genres: Fiction, South Africa, Africa, British Literature

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 5, 2019

Reviews

[Paromjit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the well known BBC journalist and presenter George Alagiah's fictional debut, a brilliant novel written with his wealth of experience and expert knowledge on Africa and South Africa in particular. It depicts the picture of a South Africa that has emerged from its history of political protest, race and struggle and what it has now become, all the dreams, disappointments, and the search for a new identity. It was home for many who grew up there and left for other countries, such as the Seaton family did for Britain. Perhaps inevitably, many of the revolutionaries, many of whom were imprisoned, lost sight of the ideals, the commitment to equality and tackling poverty, to become wealthy corrupt black men, negotiating and selling land to Middle Eastern, Chinese and other global interests, determined to benefit from South Africa's profitable resources. One such billionaire is Josiah Motlantshe, referred to as one of the Black Diamonds, a businessman, married to wife Priscilla, who has remained true to the cause, even if her husband has not. She has brought up her beloved son, Lesedi, with her vision of the fairer society that she has always believed in.

Lesedi is famous in South Africa for representing an idea, a symbol, and a mascot, the embodiment of the country, its new beginnings and hope. Lesedi is less than enamoured at his father's direction and his self enrichment path, and does not agree with the corrupt 'land reform', the underhand removal of locals, and selling the land to foreign interests. He sets up a meeting in Mpumolanga with Kagiso Rapabane representing the Soil of Africa charity, opposed to and documenting the land sell off. When Lesedi is murdered, the horrific repercussions reverberate throughout the country, with sanctioned xenophobic mob violence and killing, directed at the poorest of the poor, those from Mozambique, when the authorities speak of a Mozambique labourer as the chief suspect. Lindi Seaton, once of the FCO, now works for the South Trust charity. Her white family were prominent opponents of the apartheid regime, a liberal family who treated Maude, their servant and her son, Kasigo, as family. She flies to SA in a mission to find out what happened to Lesedi, meet Kasigo, and identify what role the charity could play in tackling the nightmare that has unfolded. She has no idea of the danger she and Kasigo will find themselves in.

Alagiah paints a multilayered complex picture of SA, the varied viewpoints of some its people, a government mired in corruption, with ministers looking to line their own pockets, such as Jake Willemse in the story. There are big questions that are asked in the narrative, such as does it matter if someone is black or white if both are intent on oppressing the people, and is diversity a good thing if in the world of billionaires, some of them are now black? There is a fascinating exploration of just how the economic and political order has changed or not in the post-apartheid era, or is the only change that of what were once white faces are now black, deploying the very instruments of power against the people that were once ranged against all those who challenged apartheid? This is an informative, engaging and politically informative mystery read that is thought provoking and absorbing. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Canongate for an ARC.

[Carolyn Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish to extend my thanks to NetGalley and Canongate Books for this informative and insightful political thriller. Having read some other crime novels set in post-apartheid South Africa, I was very pleased to receive this advanced electronic copy of The Burning Land in return for an honest review.


It would appear to the reader that the freedom fighters' quest for an all-inclusive and just South Africa was only partly fulfilled. Blacks now have greater opportunities, many rising to upper-middle-class and some becoming very wealthy. However, post-apartheid governments have become rife with corruption, bribery, and injustice.

In this challenging and enlightening novel, xenophobia is rampant. Its focus is on land theft. Powerful people are enriching themselves by selling land to foreign enterprises for a profit. This land was stolen from the natives or was land they hoped to own eventually. This resulted in resentment against wealthy foreign buyers, such as British, Chinese, and Arabs. Poor, struggling migrant workers, mainly from Mozambique, are working long hours on the farms for very little pay.

As this beautiful country struggles to redefine itself, it is spinning out of control. The author describes violence, crime, and extortion, with corruption at government levels, within the police force and businesses.

This is a brutal, complex story, as complicated as the new South Africa. I found the beginning slow-paced, hazy and confusing. There were many characters and organizations to sort out, and this took me a long time. Still, everything became abundantly clear later in the book and ended with a satisfying conclusion.

Lindi, a former South African white woman, is working for a conflict resolution agency in the UK. She has lived in England for 20 years but is returning to her home country. Her assignment is to sort out and report what forces behind the turmoil and riots over land. She will meet with a childhood friend, Kagiso. The government once employed him, but he now works for the Soil of Africa charity. There is a secret underground group, The Land Collective, working to stop land sales to foreigners.

Josiah Motlantshe was a leading voice in the struggle for freedom and to end apartheid and went to prison. Now, his ideals and principles have been eroded, and he has become a billionaire
businessman. His wife was left to bring up their children on her own. She tried to install in her son, Lesedi, Joshia's former ideals. Lesedi has become a popular symbol for the nation. He is admired for his fairness despite his family's wealth.

The book begins with the brutal murder of Lesedi. Unknown killers filmed his horrific torture and death. A poor migrant worker from Mozambique was quickly charged with the murder by police. Enraged mobs reacted by killing Mozambique refugee workers and their families and burning their dwellings and belongings.

Lindi has a terrifying bus journey to meet her former friend, Kagiso, the Soil of Africa worker. The bus was carrying frightened fleeing migrants back to Mozambique and was attacked by a rampaging mob. After the driver makes an escape, Lindi is nearly raped by a corrupt policeman at a roadblock but bribes him to let her back on the bus. A priest who protected the migrants befriended Lindi on her arrival at the border town. He was killed after warning her of danger. She learns that Kagiso was the last person known to see Lesedi alive. Lesedi stated he wanted to help Kagiso achieve land reform and inform Kagiso that he intended to expose how the land deals were done and name those involved. He had documents to prove all this.

Kagiso suspects a government-backed assassination of Lesedi and feels the blame is now being placed on himself. Police are watching his mother's home in Johannesburg and his workplace. He feels he is being made a scapegoat for the murder, and he and Lindi must flee the danger. Add to this mix a prominent government official aware of Lesedi's documents proving corruption, his secret meeting with Kagiso, and a vengeful scorned woman from the past. You have some twists, and the tension and suspense escalate.
Who will survive? Who will go to prison? What will the outcome be for the characters and society?

[Ceecee · Rating 4 out of 5]

South Africa is erupting, there’s sabotage, burnings, anger and increasing xenophobia towards migrant Mozambicans. The issues centres around land sales and much of the agitation is linked to The Land Collective who are fighting to win back the land sold to foreign companies. When Lesedi Motlantshe who personifies the new South Africa, is murdered in the province of Mpumalanga, who is responsible for his murder and why is added to the growing list of the countries problems. His murder sparks further mob violence and chaos. Lesedi is the son of Josiah Motlantshe a very influential, powerful billionaire who wields great influence in South Africa. It seems as if the country has lost sight of the ideals of the ANC movement of Mandela and others and has exchanged one master for a similar one. Childhood friends Lindi Seaton who works for a London based conflict resolution charity South Trust and Kagiso Rapabane who works for a South African charity Soil of Africa combine together to uncover why Lesedi was killed and how deep into SA government and others the land corruption goes.

This is a fascinating political thriller of high calibre which looks at a changing South Africa although some problems remain the same. There are still too few ‘haves’ and too many ‘have nots’. It questions whether much has changed in reality for the multitude. As a taxi driver tells Lindi the agitators all want to be rich, drive BMW’s and not work. It looks at how power corrupts and creates a dangerous atmosphere which is very evident as Lindi who is white (born in South Africa) tries to move around the country to try to find answers. She is an excellent character and I like how she stands up for what she thinks is right as does as does Kagiso. My only negative is that there are a lot of characters to get your head round and it takes a while to establish who is who. The novel is very well written and depicts the country and it’s people so vividly it is easy to picture and it has an authentic feel. I like how at its heart it’s a murder mystery which is entangled in a complex web of politics and amassing a fortune.

Overall, this is an intelligent, well written political thriller which gives a good insight into South Africa and a lot of its is absolutely fascinating and keeps you interested. The author George Alagiah is a very well respected BBC journalist and frequent presenter of the news. He has the credentials therefore to produce a book of this kind. Recommended to fans of this genre.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Black Thorn for the copy.

[Sayantoni Das · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read The Burning Land a few months back and the tremendous research put behind it shook me unimaginably. It is hard cope with loss and harder to live with it. The Africa portrayed in here is scary and I can't even imagine how painful it is for people who are stuck right in the middle of war and its violence. You all should pick this up sometime. . . .

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 4 out of 5]

George Alagiah, renowned BBC presenter and journalist presents his debut novel about the struggle South Africa has faced for many decades in which he puts his extensive knowledge of the political situation to good use. This is so much more profound than just a simple thriller as my opening statement should suggest, and I am sad to say that the depiction is an accurate one. A murder mystery set against the backdrop of a burning landscape of division and chaos. It explores race, class, power, corruption, violence, land reform, greed, how money really is the root of all evil and how this all fits together to tell the story of post-apartheid SA. This is both an enjoyable and unsettling read and I appreciated learning more about the country's history and the atmosphere Alagiah creates is impressive.

This is a superb novel that shows just how complex the situation was (and still is) and brings forth the longing of many for South Africa to forge a new identity and move forward towards a more stable and prosperous future. The author asks a series of questions, many of a philosophical nature, throughout the narrative which provided much food for thought. In particular, the question of whether anything has actually changed or whether merely what were once primarily wealthy white men climbing the ladder of corruption have now turned to black. The same outcome remains: oppression of the people, corruption and all that comes along with it. It makes for compulsive and fascinating reading and the immersive story is completed by an intense murder mystery. An engaging and thoroughly absorbing novel. Many thanks to Canongate for an ARC.

[Bandit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading internationally and this book certainly provided an interesting armchair trip to South Africa. It’s a complex and intricately plotted story that begins as a murder mystery when a scion of a spectacularly wealthy black South African man of a new generation known as Black Diamonds is found killed. It turns out the young man was actually the proverbial apple that rolled pretty far from the tree, with him being more interested in helping farmers to own their land and opposed to having people like his father profit from it and to this end he contacted an organization dedicated to just such a cause. The main story then develops following the south African leader of that organization and a British woman from a UK based nonprofit, the two knew each other growing up and reconnect now in the far from best circumstances in a country that has used the young man’s death to justify its latest spat of antiimmigrant violence.
It’s a slow burning and tonally very serious novel, so it takes a moment to get into, but once you do, you get to appreciate not just the writing, but the general immersiveness of the representation of South Africa as a country scarred and divided, oppressed by both its legacy and potential and unrealized on either scale.
And yes, it is something of a murder mystery in that the death occurs under mysterious circumstances and the culprit isn’t disclosed until the very end, but it mainly serves to highlight the social, political and economic divides than to attract a genre audience.
Not an easy read, but a smart , poignant and interesting one, so much so it made me quite uncharacteristically round up and certainly an auspicious debut. Thanks Netgalley.

[Gail Addis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in one day, as the plot and the politics were so gripping.
George Alagiah's depth of experience as a foreign correspondent gives the novel and plot veracity and the scenes vividness. Over his years of work as a journalist he has heard similar stories and witnessed similar events in the real world.
A really good read.

[Nicolas Chinardet · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is no doubt that Alagiah knows his subject (xenophobia and corruption in South Africa) but it is somewhat surprising that, as a BBC journalist/broadcaster, someone who tells stories for a living, he should be so little in control of his material.

As a piece of storytelling, The Burning Land is a mess. The pace is much too slow for what is supposed to be a political thriller. The narrative is turgid in places, anaemic in others. Perhaps due to his day job, Alagiah is a little too liberal with exposition, particularly at the first third of the book. The back stories of certain characters take up many pages while others only get a few brush strokes, sometimes much too late in the narrative.

It isn't until the first third of the book has gone that who the main characters are is made clear, which makes it difficult to become invested in the book. As the last third of the book begins, the readers finally starts to engage and empathise with the main characters but by then it is too late. And why kill off one of your most relatable characters, having taken the trouble to make them so, when they are little more than a plot device, after only a few pages?

More importantly perhaps, for a story about intricate machinations by powerful interests, the plotline lacks complexity. There is an attempt at a plot twist near the end but the possibility that things happened the way they do has already been mentioned earlier, which considerably blunts the effect of surprise.

The whole thing lacks the momentum that could have helped the reader overlook its other flaws. The setting and insight into the situation in South Africa are interesting but this read like a polished draft rather than a finished novel. It has potential but it never really lives up to it, unfortunately.


(I received a proof copy from the publisher)

[Benny · Rating 3 out of 5]

A novel examining the beneficiaries of land reforms in post-apartheid South Africa.

[Jamie Bowen · Rating 3 out of 5]

South Africa is about to explode with violence, land is being sold off to foreign investors and corruption is rife within the government. When one of it’s country’s bright hopes, the son of a rich family, gets murdered the violence kicks off and foreigners are targeted, many try to flee. When a South African born mediator, Lindi, returns from the UK to find out what’s going on, she’s drawn into the chaos and may find herself targeted, along with her childhood friend Kalisz. Can they survive? Can they prevent their country from tearing itself apart? This is the debut novel by BBC newsreader George Alagiah, and it’s a good effort. The descriptions of South Africa are rich and bring it to life, the violence described is quite intense. The drama builds up as Lindi and Kagiso are drawn ever deeper into the mire, but for me the pay off feels too quick and easy, hence my rating.

[Liz Valette · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although I read several chapters I couldn’t get into it, probably my fault as my mind kept wandering.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

South Africa, Mpumalanga province. The farm owners and the poor rural population experience a deja-vu. They are to move, the land is being redistributed and sold. They had just defeated apartheid when an international investor struggle for property began, dubbed as 'land reform' by the government. Not everyone likes that: local organisations are trying to help, and an anonymous resistance group Land Collective is forming and sabotaging with online statements.
In the middle of all this Lesedi Molantshe is murdered. He is one of the so-called 'children of the future', who on the day of his murder visited the charity organisation Soil of Africa to seek a dialogue with the rural population. But who exactly wanted the son of 'Black Diamond' Josiah dead? In the search for the guilty xenophobia increases, especially against the Mozambican refugees and farm workers, who try to leave the country in the chaos. But has the Land Collective planned the chaos or is it in reality planned by the government to divert attention from the land distribution?
In London, the recent events have not gone unnoticed. Anton Chatty, the South African boss of the high-profile charity organization South Trust—committed to conflict resolution worldwide—believes that the murder has to do with the land reform. Further, his colleague Lindi Seaton, who grew up in South Africa herself, gets a warning call from her former boss at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, who now works for the suspicious company Africa Rising Investment. To locate the two contending parties and to encourage dialogue, Anton sends Lindi with a tourist visa to South Africa.


I liked the mood of the author that came out in the right moments to give more life to the dialogues and to make them more natural and easygoing. I liked the diversity of emotions that not only the characters of the work but also the reader feel (and most likely the author). I liked that at no time I had the feeling that he was too detailed or that he waffles. I loved the characters of this book, from the more important personages like Anton ('Whether you are being fucked by a black bastard or a white bastard is irrelevant—you are still being fucked.') to marginal but well-developed characters as Pedro ('People listen to him because they know he used to work for government. And the guys in Pretoria do not like that. They think of him like Judas—he is a traitor.').
Further, I liked the protagonists, although they were a bit archetypal, immaculate ideal humans without errors. Possibly my only point of criticism for the work.
Alagiah began where Mandela finished and built a fictional—though possible—scenario on events in post-apartheid South Africa. He took the general opinion of the young generation of having to 'keep the burning flame' that the fighters and heroes before them had lit.
I would like to include a quote by the author himself where he describes his novel perfectly:
"As a journalist, I try hard to discover the facts, the things you can see, touch and measure; As a novelist, I've tried to find the truth, something more elusive, less tangible. The Burning Land is a story I never quite managed to tell as a reporter. It's about why some people are seduced into extinguishing the flame of freedom, while others strive to keep it burning."

Personally, I liked the mix of real history with elements of what the author decided to take to the extreme —or maybe even truer in the novel that seems. It was a quick read for not being able to leave the book. Full of emotions, intrigues and authentically constructed. I definitely recommend it.

[Elite Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fact or fiction?

A farmer’s house, outbuildings and equipment are sabotaged in Mpumalanga. Four people prepare an article to post under their group proclaiming that they are responsible for this fire. They want to prove that the “New Regime” is no different from the “Apartheid Regime” in South Africa. The people, workers who've lived on the land for centuries, count for nothing, especially when the Government buys the farmland from the white farmers. Often these families are turfed out, and left homeless, when the new owners, people from the UK, many Middle-Eastern countries, China and Japan, take over these properties. People in Government, or on the periphery of Government, are becoming multi-billionaires on the profits from these sales.

Lesedi Motlantshe is the son of one of these multi-billionaires. However, he does not share his father’s way of thinking. He wants to see the land returned to the rightful owners. He travels to Mpumalanga to meet with Kagiso Rapabane, the head of an organisation called Soil of Africa. This charitable organisation tries to help those made homeless by these sales. Shortly after meeting with Kagiso, his body is found – mutilated, clothing scattered, but nothing was stolen.

Lindi Seaton lives in London and works for South Trust, a high profile charity and well-respected organisation dedicated to conflict resolution around the world. Lindi and her boss, Anton Chetty, are both ex-South Africans. Both have links back to fighting apartheid, Lindi through her parents and Anton, through imprisonment by the regime. When they hear of this murder, Anton decides that Lindi should go to South Africa to find out whether it will impact their organisation’s conflict resolution as Mozambique citizens are being burnt to death, their houses destroyed – they’ve been blamed for the murder.

What Lindi finds when she arrives and makes her way to Mpumalanga, puts her at risk of being involved in the growing backlash to the murder.

George Alagiah has written a book, on a subject that is hugely controversial in South Africa – land seizure. His research, flawless method of writing in the South African vernacular and understanding of the country and the people make this one of the most influential books written about the ongoing struggle people have in the “new” South Africa.

Imbali

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.

[Selina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this for a book group, would not normally have chosen this type of book, left with mixed feelings. I think Alagiah was probably a better journalist than novelist, but I can see why he wanted to write a book on this theme.

The story is centred around the murder of the son of a prominent South African business man. It focuses on political unrest and corruption in relation to land ownership in post apartheid S. Africa, questioning where the divide now lies - black v. white, rich v. poor, S. African v. Non-S. African.

I think my main problem with the book was down to poor character development. Lindi in particular seemed to lack the emotional depth that the situations she found herself in would warrant. Other female characters in particular also lacked depth. It also took me a while to figure out who was who and which organisations they represented at the start of the book, so I was about a third in before I really caught up with what was going on, but perhaps that was just me being obtuse.

There was also, in my opinion, a completely unnecessary sex scene that detracted from the depiction of a relationship between two main characters and some odd bits that felt like they were put in simply to allow something else to happen (Lindi weirdly finds she has to 'nip to the loo' at one point, I think purely so that two other characters can have an exchange by themselves).

Good on Alagiah for turning his hand to fiction, I certainly wouldn't have the confidence or skill to write a novel, but all in all not the best writing I have read.

[Nic Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Burning Land is a thought provoking and eloquent piece of writing by renowned journalist George Alagiah. It explores the corruption and violence that still exists in South Africa in this post-apartheid era.

The book is a murder mystery, revolving around the murder of a young man fighting against the ongoing land deals, but it is also so much more. It delves into government corruption, politicians working with businesses, family, land deals, displacement, and demonstrates the horrific treatment of migrant workers and poor locals. It is obviously that. Alagiah has a wealth of knowledge on South Africa, and I found it very enlightening to learn more about the situation and the problems that still exist today.

It is an excellent read and well worth picking up to gain an understanding of what life is like in South Africa. It is both informative and engaging, and I would definitely recommend giving it a go.

Thank you to Netgalley and Canongate for the ARC. It was a pleasure to read from start to finish.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not going to lie - I picked this book because of the Author. George Alagiar has been in our lounge so often he feels like a family friend, so the least I could do was support him by buying and reading his book. When I read the details of the book on the website it was fortunate that the theme was my cup of tea. To be fair I would have read it regardless.

George did not disappoint. I knew he wouldn’t. It is as described on the jacket - daring, pacy and thrilling. I started first thing in the morning and got so wrapped up, I stayed until the end. One book, one day. In my opinion - that is one good book.

At times it made for uncomfortable reading and the aftermath, at times, was brutal but that was part of the addiction. Heck of a twist at the end that I did not see coming. Glad there was an Epilogue - it tied up my loose ends without being wrapped up with a big soppy bow.

Nice one George! Looking forward to the next 🤩

[Ruth Hosford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many previous reviewers have given succinct and insightful reviews on the content of this book, most of which I agree with, so no need to repeat. Having lived in South Africa for fifty years, read A Passage to Africa which I thoroughly enjoyed, and seen the author many times on BBC TV, I was intrigued to see in an airline magazine that he’d written a novel. The murder mystery is at the core of the novel, but I was unsurprised at how incredibly knowledgeable the author is about the culture and geography of the country and the many philosophical issues this short novel evoked about this incredibly complex and troubled country. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Linda]

A very thought-provoking read. A t times, George Alagiah serves a spoonful of mind ticklers; paradoxically, these concern matters we'd rather turn a blind eye on. A cue to start those uncomfortable conversations.

Alagiah, never-mind his rather pedantic diction that made me page the dictionary innumerable times, is an excellent writer. He shares a lens through which one can view topics such as "post-apartheid South Africa", "xenophobia", "Power dynamics", "identity", to name but a few. He commingles the aforementioned concepts with a thread that screams the hope of a people.

I'm absolutely convinced that his book would make a great movie. I think it is a must-read for every African.

[Sani Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The new Wilbur Smith

This book grabbed me not from the first pages, but later when I persisted in turning them. Had I not known, I would've though that it was a new Wilbur Smith book. It has the power of "Rage", it grabs you and transports you in the place and time, equates you with the characters, makes you love the harshness and savagery of the land as much as its beauty. The past and the traumas of the past are neve too far under the surface. Will they ever go away? Will the conflict stay, just change the participants? Only time will show.

[Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author is no doubt very well informed about the political situation in post apartheid South Africa, but his attempt to demonstrate this in a work of fiction falls flat. The plot is clunky and the denouement is hampered by the need in a lengthy penultimate chapter to fill in the backstory between two of the characters to explain what is essentially a ludicrous solution to the central murder mystery.
If the novel is intended to highlight some of the genuine problems in South Africa, then it’s important that the fictional components are plausible.

[Cassie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written by an author with a great in-depth knowledge of South Africa this novel deals with many problems that beset the country. Big business, corrupt politicians, aid workers and migrant workers are all caught in the web of lies, self- interest, corruption and the people trying to combat this.
A wide ranging look at South Africa through a work of fiction.

Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Ann Tonks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't been back to South Africa since shortly after the regime change in the mid-1990s and so I enjoyed (and was depressed) but this book that explores layers of corruption in the political scene. There are black and white lead characters providing different perspectives and even thought this isn't the best political thriller I've ever read, if you have any interest in South Africa, it's worth a look.

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like reading novels by people who know their countries well. Alagiah writes with assurance and authenticity about South Africa. It is easy to see who a conflict could escalate after one idealistic person does something inappropriate. It was interesting to see how it would all end, as well as the descriptions of life along the way. He has captured the spirit and frustrations of activism, as well as the striving for a better life.

[Ed Milner · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent, taut political thriller, a good story well delivered, with a very authentic setting (although I'm not familiar with South Africa, it seemed very convincing) and believable imperfect characters. An excellent read for a wet summer's day, and a thought-provoking thesis about dissent and dissenters. If I have any complaint it's that while the rebels were convincing the 'baddies' were a bit stereotyped and overdrawn. Nevertheless, strongly recommended.

[Kerry Rhodes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having grown up in South Africa during the bad old days of apartheid and having so much hope for the future post 1994 this was a difficult read. Clearly well researched as one would expect from a journalist of George Alagiah’s calibre , the story was hard hitting and I have to say depressingly accurate in the portrayal of the corruption and violence which is not only rife but an accepted part of life now. Excellent characters and a good plot but the story rather petered out towards the end.

[Rix · Rating 2 out of 5]

I dunno I just couldn't connect with this. Part of the problem being how predictably centrist the inevitable conclusion to the political aspect of this political thriller is but also the main character just irritated me. Maybe that's a cultural barrier, but I feel like I should be able to comment on whether or not a white South African character who has been raised in the UK works

[Lisa Harlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having visited South Africa many times over the last 15 years and with many friends there, this book seemed very real and I could imagine the story happening
Written very well, you really got to know the main characters well and understood their motivations
Definitely for all those with an interest in South Africa

[Ally Van Schilt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the sort of book I usually read and thus it wasn’t super enjoyable for me. It did get interesting at around the 75% mark but not enough to redeem it for me unfortunately. I found that, although the topic was fascinating, the exposition failed to grab me. Lindi’s bus ride was a harrowing read and her reunion with Kagiso gripping, but the rest of the book was, sadly, forgettable.

[Nicholas Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

The subject area of this book is of interest and it should have been a gripping book, but it fell short for me. I admire the writer very much but the characters and plot weren't wholly believable for me, and it was all a bit jumbled.

[Annette Acker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super

A fantastic read South Africa has always been of interest to me. The apartheid system was cruel and unnecessary Mandela being released was an a enlightening time in the countries history. A story of greed , honour , honesty and more a great read .