Echoes from the Past

The Brigandshaw Chronicles #1

by Peter Rimmer

Exiled by his father...
Forced to abandon his childhood sweetheart...One man will risk everything and fight for what he holds dear.

When Sebastian Brigandshaw is cast aside by his Sea Captain father so his family will be received into the aristocratic establishment, his world is turned upside down. But the heartache and perils mounting against him are no match for the love he bears Emily. With threatening danger, Sebastian risks his life to take back the love that was ripped from his clutches.

The Boer War threatens the land Sebastian and his family have grown to love. With the Boer rebels bent on freedom from the British, Sebastian must make the hardest decision of his life - join the fight or dare be named a coward. With the land he loves at stake, and his relationship to Emily vulnerable, where will Sebastian's loyalty lie?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Africa, Adventure, War, Historical

416 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 15, 2015

About the author

Peter Rimmer was born in London, England, and grew up in the south of the city where he went to Cranleigh School. After the Second World War and at aged 18, Peter joined the Royal Air Force, reaching the rank of Pilot Officer before he was 19. Then at the end of his National Service and with the optimism of youth, he sailed for Africa with his older brother to grow tobacco in what was then Rhodesia, and the odyssey of his life began.

The years went by and Peter found himself in Johannesburg founding an insurance brokering company. Over 2% of the companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange were clients of Rimmer Associates. He opened companies in the United States of America, Australia and Hong Kong and travelled extensively between the branches.

His passion had always been writing books, which he started at a very early age, though running a business was a driving force too and a common thread throughout his books. By the 1990’s, he had written several novels about Africa and England, and his breakthrough came with Cry of the Fish Eagle published by HarperCollins, Zimbabwe. It was a bestseller, which was followed up with the release of Vultures in the Wind. However, during this time, Zimbabwe was going through its struggles and the books did not get their just international recognition.

Having lived a reclusive life on his beloved smallholding in Knysna, South Africa, for over 25 years, Peter passed away in July 2018. He has left an enormous legacy of unpublished work for his family to release over the coming years, and not only them but also his readers from around the world will sorely miss him. Peter Rimmer was 81 years old.

To learn more about Peter, and to get a free starter library of novels, visit his website at www.peterrimmer.com, or find him on Facebook.com/PeterRimmerAuthor, follow him on Twitter @htcrimmer.com, and on BookBub: www.bookbub.com/authors/peter-rimmer

Reviews

[Jim A · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm sure this is a better story than I give it credit for. But I've read all of Wilbur Smith's fictionalized history of Africa. And I've read many of Frederick Forsyth's family history story. So I was struggling to not compare the authors and I failed.

When Sebastian is whisked off, basically Shanghaied, by his father to allow for his eldest son to marry your Emily. It's predictable that Emily is already pregnant with Seb's child. Meanwhile Seb is making his way in Africa as an elephant hunter.

As mentioned, Wilbur Smith did this way before Rimmer wrote this series.

[Jennifer (JC-S) · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘Why don’t we send him on a long voyage?’

In July 1887, Sebastian Brigandshaw’s world is turned upside down. He has been planning for the day when he can marry his childhood sweetheart Emily. Instead he is sent from England by his father on a long sea voyage so that his older brother Arthur can marry Emily. Emily is 16, Sebastian is 17, and Arthur is 30. Their fathers have plotted a marriage for dynastic reasons: Captain Brigandshaw has money and Sir Henry Manderville is an aristocrat with a title, a huge home and no money. Sir Henry thinks that Emily will get over Sebastian, and that he, Emily and the Brigandshaws will benefit from the arrangement.

Thus begins a long, sprawling saga (of which this is the first instalment) about ambition, greed and love.

‘We shall wait. In Africa there is always time.’

Much of the novel is set in Africa, and Mr Rimmer’s knowledge and love of Africa is clear. The period covered by the novel (1887 to 1901) includes the second Boer War as well as the increasing tension between the black and white populations. There are many different characters in this novel, introduced by Mr Rimmer in order to cover the many different strands to the saga. This requires attentive reading in order to follow the story. Unfortunately, the typographical errors exposed by attentive reading kept jerking me out of the story (‘a breach [breech] birth’, ‘too [two] small hands’ and ‘except [accept] your offer’ spring immediately to mind). Proofreading would eradicate these relatively minor (but for me, at least, irritating) errors.

I enjoyed this story, particularly the parts set in Africa dealing with the causes of the Boer War and the consequences for the characters. I understand that Mr Rimmer intends publishing more novels in the Brigandshaw Chronicles, and I will certainly be keen to read them. I would like to know more about the lives of many of these characters.

‘No one has ever tamed Africa and maybe no one ever will.’

Note: I was offered, and accepted, a copy of this novel for review purposes.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

[Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A detailed account of the British occupation of Southern Africa and the resulting decimation of native populations, culminating in the Boer War. Rimmer manages to be even handed and sympathetic in his approach. He is factually accurate and the story is well researched. Characters are well developed and the plot moves along at an engrossing rate.

[Jan Norris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction, late 19th century, Southern Africa, Boer War with the British

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this 1st in a series. Very educational on the founding of South Africa by the British and the Boer war. Learnt heaps and also really enjoyed the story. I'm onto the next in series. It's a shame you can only acquire them from Amazon Kindle. They would go down a treat in the Public Library in Auckland.

[Andrea Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

I !oved this book and found it hard to put down. The author skilfully draws the lives of the different characters together and we become involved in their lives
His use of language managed to evoke the sounds and smells ofAfrica
The historical research is superb and taught me a lot about a part of history of which i had little knowledge

[Barry · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very long drawn out family saga. Some action but mainly talk and posturing. Quite a boring book

[Nae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought very, very hard about how to word this review. I began reading Wilbur Smith's books about South Africa when I was in my 20s. So when I say Peter Rimmer's "Echos from the Past" is very much along those same lines I hope that Mr. Rimmer takes that for the very big compliment it really is, but then, Mr. Rimmer quickly and clearly takes this incredibly jam-packed book in its very own, compelling and tantalizing direction, with a nod and wave to Wilbur Smith as it barrels right on past with its own singular voice. The history of South Africa is rich in so many ways, all that lend themselves to exciting reading and this author has truly, truly done that history justice. Along with this book (that came to me by way of a Goodreads book give away) came a lovely note from Mr. Rimmer stating that his other 2 novels were on sale from Amazon. I hope he is reading this when I say that I bought both of those books today and in these days of shrinking income I don't do that very much, so that is a really big deal. I look forward to reading more of the South Africa he obviously knows well and loves deeply.

Then too, I do hope he reads this as, the medical transcriptionist that I am cannot help but say there are some, roughly 12, misplaced words that need to be edited, not mispelled, just in the wrong place sort of thing, and while they don't really detract from the reading he might wish to correct in the next printing and I would be happy to send him the list of pages and words, after all that is what MTs do, we help those physician's thoughts make sense in the printed record :)

This makes the second author, Anthony Whitt was the first one, and now Peter Rimmer, that I would probably never have known of if it was not for Goodreads. My reading is much richer for having encountered them both :)

[Cathrine "Capi" · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy historical fiction, and learning about countries and people in our vast timeline. With that said, I found this book very difficult to get into and to persist with. I stopped after about 100 pages the first time I picked it up, then restarted again, wanting to learn more of the Boer war and time frame after reading another book from a similar time period. I found the conversations very "stuffy"...for lack of a better word...but then remembering books and movies which take place in the same time period, the conversations did seem pretty much in keeping with British aristocracy -- off on tangents that were confusing and irrelevant. I also found many places where the sentence structure was confusing, requiring a second reading to clarify, resulting, no doubt, from the author being an Englishman who spent time in Africa. There were sections I highlighted which prove that we really have not learned anything from our errors of the past.....There are many books in this series, and I don't think I will be reading further. I read this book through Kindle Unlimited.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Years ago I loved reading James Michener's books. My only complaint about them was that after I had grown to love a family or a character, suddenly their story ended and the narrative jumped ahead a 100 years to totally new people. For his books, this was necessary as they covered entire civilizations. Since this series of novels (I think there are 12 of them) is all about family, I knew that wouldn't happen in the same way. The problem with the book for me was that I never feel in love with the characters. The story is interesting and I learned a lot about South Africa during the Boer Wars but the characters just never stole my heart. My emotions were not moved by the tragedies or the triumphs. This is a good book but not a great one....although I do think I will try the next in the series to see if it speaks more to my heart.

[Lucinda Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

The blurb on Amazon says it’s for fans of the Courtney Series, the Kingsbridge novels and the Clifton Chronicles – so I knew it was also for me. Set in Rhodesia during the First War of Liberation it follows the fortunes of a family of early settlers, their infighting and their battles to survive. Adventure, excitement and historical set in the continent I miss, I was thrilled to find a new author on my favourite subject. Sadly, his author page has been updated and now tells us he passed away last July in his early 80’s. He has left several unpublished manuscripts and I shall be looking out for those as soon as I have read all his other books.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this first book in the Brigenshaw family saga. The writing reminded me a little of Jeffery Archer in regard to the flow of the story. I like this easy flow. Apart from the Poisonwood Bible this is the first book I’ve read set in Africa although I’m familiar with the Boer War through Breaker Morant. I thought the characters were well drawn and the dialogue well written. I listened to this novel on Audible and the narration was excellent

[Nancy G. Murdoch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, not great

I enjoyed reading Wilber Smith's chronicles about Africa, and hoped this would be a worthy comparison. Sadly, it fell a bit short for me. There were a few characters that just added confusion and did nothing to propel the story. I will probably try the second in the series to see if its worth my time.

[Shaunie · Rating 2 out of 5]

We read this for bookclub and it wasn't our favourite. Too much family drama without a whole lot being solved or done. A little action but it just felt in general long and drawn out. Characters were okay. I think it's part of a series so the other books might be more action packed but this one wasn't for us.

[Lena · Rating 2 out of 5]

hard for me to get into the story. big words and back in the late 1800s language, and England just all come together making it hard for me to get into. the pages I read it skipped some story. so I'll find something else.

[Linda Davidson · Rating 1 out of 5]

After reading for half the book, I just couldn’t read another page. Boring, long drawn-out - just couldn’t get into this one. I rarely stop a book, but just couldn’t do this one.

[Janice Badkin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Good basic story, horrible writing.

[Mr C · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nowhere near as good as wilber Smith, the story was just a history lesson about the boer war, it moved along in fits and starts. I won't bother to read the rest of the series, very disappointing.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rated 3.11
A detailed account of the British occupation of Southern Africa and the resulting decimation of native populations, culminating in the Boer War. Rimmer manages to be even handed and sympathetic in his approach. He is factually accurate and the story is well researched. Characters are well developed. I was excited to find this series of 16 books. I can't get past the first one. I learned a lot about South Africa but at such a slow rate. Not for me.

Brigandshaw loves his childhood sweetheart and his country. But before he can marry, his cruel father banishes him and his broken heart to the British South African colonies. With the beauty of the backcountry and the goodwill of local Afrikaner Tinus, Seb builds a new life despite the threat of another Boer War on the horizon.

Ignoring the tensions threatening their land, Seb and Tinus grow close, determined to create a life on a farm with their two families. But as hostilities open between the Boers and the British, war places the devoted friends on opposite sides.

Can Seb and Tinus’s friendship survive the brutal conflict, or are they destined to fight to the death for their countries?

Echoes from the Past is the first book in the gripping Brigandshaw Chronicles historical fiction series capturing the beautiful untouched wilderness of Southern Africa. If you like friendships battling against all odds, rich settings, and history-come-to-life, then you’ll love Peter Rimmer’s captivating saga.

[sandra l DICKSON · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHAT has happened to Africa!

From London to Growing up in Africa and immigrating to United States, Peter’s book brought back so many memories, it been fourty years That I’ve been away. But Africa is still in me, in my heart mind and soul; Thank you Peter for your work, your book is so accurate, Africa could have been a rainbow country, if only the white Boers and Englishman were not as stubborn and selfish, as to, contain and possess a land that is meant to be free, for all, black, white and all races. I loved Africa, the coloured people were amazing and colorful, the blacks were hard workers and it took love and compassion to get their acceptance, the Indians were merchants, who made Pennie’s into pounds, I had a lot of friend In all races and remember them deep in my heart with great fondness. You’ll love Peter’s book if you’ve ever been to South Africa, Rhodesia, Lesotho and surrounding countries which I did. You’ll enjoy the early days of the settlements, which later became wealthy countries. Today they have returned to their roots but with terrible consequences, as mankind’s is selfish, without compassion and love, regardless of race!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is set in English South Africa where several entities have an interest in the land. English troops were there to maintain law and order and to make a little money on the side. The Boers were there to practice their religion without persecution and to make a little money on the side. The English were there to settle and farm the land and make a little money on the side. The Irish man was there to write a book. Nothing much was written about the Zulus. The Boer Wars in the early nineteen hundreds put the divergent groups at odds. Many of the characters were real, but the fictitious characters carried the story of the haves and have nots and so many sins that I lost count. I had trouble keeping up with the many characters. When Ezekiel and Jeremiah were introduced I checked to see if I was this book or the Bible. Too many throw away characters doing things not germane to the plot hindered the flow of the book. The book needed a little editing. Otherwise, the author had good writing mechanics.

Thank you, Mr. Rimmer, for a good read.

[Jill Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning about Africa in the late 1800s to early 1900s in this first installment of this family saga. The descriptions of the land and bush and what it was like to live in South Africa was very interesting and I knew nothing of the second Boer War, and what an education it was. This first book is mainly about James & Seb Brigandshaw and the friendship Seb and Martinus “Tinus” Oosthuizen developed over the years while hunting elephants, being ship owners and then living with their families on the same compound in Rhodesia. When the war breaks out, it puts Seb and Tinus on opposite sides of the war; Seb with the British and Tinus with the Dutch Afrikaans. This is an entire part of history I never learned about in school. I enjoyed the story, but the writing sometimes was confusing and laborious at times. There were times when I forced myself to keep reading in hopes it would get better and I think it did in the latter quarter. I will likely read Chronicles 2 & 3 since I bought the first three together, but with a break to read something else in between.

[Cecilia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love chronicles and this is the first of many in this set. I found myself paging back and forth to remind myself who's who and how the characters are related; and having to re-read dialogue to to make sense of the content and point as it wasn't always clear who was speaking.

I put this down to scene-setting and character introductions, this being the first of a saga. Discovering that there is a list of characters at the end of each book made a difference.
The story is adventurous with enlightening insights into the history and geography of Africa, and an array of interesting well-presented characters.
Despite my challenges, I started on the next book, 'Elephant Walk', which I am reading with greater ease, and reading eagerly. I look forward to reading more of late Peter Rimmer's books, of which there are MANY. He even has a fan-club.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those family saga series. I liked it. It's (usually) not particuallary gripping, but it holds my interest well enough to keep reading. I got books 1-3 for free, so we'll see.
The reason I didn't give it 5 stars is there were just so many characters, I sometimes got confused. You were bounced back and forth amongst the different locals and characters a lot. Perhaps it will be easier as I go on in the series?
I was worried there wouldn't be an "end" because it is a 13 book series, but I felt the 1st book anyway had a proper ending, so it would be alright if you didn't go on. It didn't leave you hanging.

[Edina Rutland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply loved this book. I am so glad I decided to give it a go. I am normally weary of a long series, and it was advertised on my Facebook feed that also made me a bit suspicious. But it is a great story with lots of powerful insights not only into Africa during the time of the Second Boer War, but the human nature in general. While there were several characters on multiple story lines, they all added something to the overall story, and their lives interconnected. It was a great way to learn about the history of Africa; the various tribes, the Boers, and the British Empire. All are shown through the lens of characters from all walks of life. I highly recommend it.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like historical fiction this book is amazingly great

One of the best historical fiction books I have read in a long time . I had started J.M.'s Africa (one of the very few I had not read) book first then 1/4 way through tried this book by Rimmer and could not go back to Africa by J.M. The characters come alive. The vivid descriptions take you there without droning on to take up pages. There are some editing problems but not enough to be bothersome. The only con is I could not put it down and keep it down. Getting ready for the next book in this series, right now.

[James Lurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good historical novel covering England late in the Victorian era and the Boer War. The characters are compelling and the interaction of the three principal character groups (British, Dutch (the Boers), and the native Africans) in the lead-up to and during the war is very interesting. My only problem with this book was the inevitable skipping around in the sub-plots was less that clear; I often said "OK, who is the author talking about now?" Despite that small criticism, I will definitely read the subsequent volumes.

[Neil Basnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was quite a saga! I did predominantly enjoy it and found the wide range of characters absorbing. If anything, there were too many characters and too many stories going on at the same time. With all the constant moving from one story to another, I was at times confused as I had forgotten where the characters had been previously. It would have been easier to keep continuity rather than constantly dodging around. Having said that, I found the story interesting as well as an insight into Southern African history. I will move on to Book 2..... Elephant Walk.

[John J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed it. A well-written and balanced account of the exploitation and destruction of the African land, resources and culture; however, not the shaming finger-wagging of us who sit in moral judgment. Instead, the boots-on-the-ground actions of those most affected tell the story in a sympathetic, if chaotic manner.
Had a little problem following some of the discussions as it was a murky exchange at times.

[Penney · Rating 3 out of 5]

High Regards for the author

The author is renowned and should be read and his books studied.

Beyond the storyline, I learned volumes about the history and culture of colonial rule in Africa and the early white settlers that stole immense swaths of land from the African tribes in this region.

No matter where Native Peoples are found in the world, Westerners come to "kill, steal, and destroy."