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From Under A Mango Tree
“This story based on actual events is authentic, powerful, achingly beautiful and sad, and often brutal. The landscape is vast, which Alan Fagan paints with care and emotion. His compassion and respect for the indigenous people is evident as is his deep love for his dog, Spike. This book is a must-read.”
In 1901, 14-year-old Cornelius Engelbrecht and his coloured friend trekked on a wagon train from Lydenburg, South Africa, to Gatooma, Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). The events of that journey were thrilling, sometimes horrifying. His memories are vivid and he shares them with his son, Jan, under the family’s large mango tree.
While growing up Jan forms a deep and lasting friendship with Runako, whose father Wilson works on the small farm where he teaches both boys bush lore. They enjoy many adventures together and Jan is drawn increasingly to his life’s purpose, which is to protect animals from poachers and villagers from rogue animals, while Runako moves towards the liberation of Rhodesia. Jan and his legendary dog, Spike, along with his faithful companion, Humpy, accompany him on expeditions throughout the Zambezi Valley that are both exciting and often life-threatening.
In 1901, 14-year-old Cornelius Engelbrecht and his coloured friend trekked on a wagon train from Lydenburg, South Africa, to Gatooma, Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). The events of that journey were thrilling, sometimes horrifying. His memories are vivid and he shares them with his son, Jan, under the family’s large mango tree.
While growing up Jan forms a deep and lasting friendship with Runako, whose father Wilson works on the small farm where he teaches both boys bush lore. They enjoy many adventures together and Jan is drawn increasingly to his life’s purpose, which is to protect animals from poachers and villagers from rogue animals, while Runako moves towards the liberation of Rhodesia. Jan and his legendary dog, Spike, along with his faithful companion, Humpy, accompany him on expeditions throughout the Zambezi Valley that are both exciting and often life-threatening.
- GenresAfrica
506 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2021
206 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 10, 2022
If Africa is in your heart, you will love this book
A beautifully written book of a life growing up in Africa. Covering 2 generations, the second part is set at the time of the building of Kariba Dam.This book is a wonderful account of a man and his dog and their adventures. Highly recommend it if your heart belongs to Africa.
A beautifully written book of a life growing up in Africa. Covering 2 generations, the second part is set at the time of the building of Kariba Dam.This book is a wonderful account of a man and his dog and their adventures. Highly recommend it if your heart belongs to Africa.
November 2, 2021
FROM UNDER THE MANGO TREE by Alan Fagan
Retelling true events in this absorbing novel Alan Fagan, brings to life the harsh days of trekking with wagons and oxen, through to the era of harnessing the turbulent Zambezi River into the massive Kariba Dam in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). With great empathy and understanding of the culture and community life of the intervening years, history is told by Jan as he grows from childhood experiencing the hardships and joys of life, death, love and loyalty.
Central to this tale, taken from the ‘library of memories’ which had been passed down to the author, is the love and companionship Jan’s dogs, Tonko, Shaka and Spike.
Written with compassion, evocative descriptions of the countryside and authentic characterisations, ‘From Under a Mango Tree’ is an enthralling, honest, exciting, and often very emotional historical novel.
Published by Quickfox Publishing ISBN 9 7806 2094 717 6
Retelling true events in this absorbing novel Alan Fagan, brings to life the harsh days of trekking with wagons and oxen, through to the era of harnessing the turbulent Zambezi River into the massive Kariba Dam in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). With great empathy and understanding of the culture and community life of the intervening years, history is told by Jan as he grows from childhood experiencing the hardships and joys of life, death, love and loyalty.
Central to this tale, taken from the ‘library of memories’ which had been passed down to the author, is the love and companionship Jan’s dogs, Tonko, Shaka and Spike.
Written with compassion, evocative descriptions of the countryside and authentic characterisations, ‘From Under a Mango Tree’ is an enthralling, honest, exciting, and often very emotional historical novel.
Published by Quickfox Publishing ISBN 9 7806 2094 717 6
December 24, 2022
A very emotional read
I was also born in Gatooma in 1959 in Southern Rhodesia as it was then known and my family also spent some time in Zambia. before migrating to Perth Western Australia in 1983 at the young age of 23 with my then husband. Rhodesia was a very special place indeed. The book was a fantastic but heart wrenching. What wonderful people Jan and all his cronies and dear animals were. So heart warming the enduring friendships they all shared. But inevitably this all turned sour and a beautiful Country ruined by greed and violence, sending us to live all over the World. I love Australia but will always remain in my heart a proud Rhodesian.
I was also born in Gatooma in 1959 in Southern Rhodesia as it was then known and my family also spent some time in Zambia. before migrating to Perth Western Australia in 1983 at the young age of 23 with my then husband. Rhodesia was a very special place indeed. The book was a fantastic but heart wrenching. What wonderful people Jan and all his cronies and dear animals were. So heart warming the enduring friendships they all shared. But inevitably this all turned sour and a beautiful Country ruined by greed and violence, sending us to live all over the World. I love Australia but will always remain in my heart a proud Rhodesian.
September 7, 2025
What a beautifully written book! The descriptions put me right there. I could see the African bush, hear the sounds and smell the unique African air. Well told history and how so called educated people totally ignored the incredible knowledge of locals and just how pompous people can be or one hand and how easily deceived and greedy others have been and still are not caring for their land but selling out to the highest bidder. Every character was given the prominence they deserved. So sad the story ended.
August 7, 2023
Having been born in Rhodesia & growing up in the bush, I could relate & visualise the story. It brought back happy memories. I spent a lot of time around Kariba & simply think Mana Pools is one of the best places on earth. I loved this story & could not put down my Kindle. In parts very emotional. I loved the bonding he had for Spike & Shady & his adopted wild cat. I think for all Zimbabweans/Rhodesians a must-read book. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
August 16, 2023
From Under a Mango Tree
Wonderful life story of a young man growing up in Rhodesia, including ‘man’s best friends’, the dogs that walked beside him as he rescues animals, gets rid of poachers, honors the native indigenous people & watches his country change over his lifetime.
Great read.
Wonderful life story of a young man growing up in Rhodesia, including ‘man’s best friends’, the dogs that walked beside him as he rescues animals, gets rid of poachers, honors the native indigenous people & watches his country change over his lifetime.
Great read.
April 16, 2024
A Book Worth a reading
What a fantastic story - of love and friendship - between a man and his dog - but so much more; of Africa - a place I had the privilege to have visited once for three glorious weeks - and now a place i m thankful to know more about because of this book. A book worth reading - it won’t disappoint.
What a fantastic story - of love and friendship - between a man and his dog - but so much more; of Africa - a place I had the privilege to have visited once for three glorious weeks - and now a place i m thankful to know more about because of this book. A book worth reading - it won’t disappoint.
March 1, 2022
This book was so beautifully written and revived so many wonderful childhood memories - from sitting under our own Mango tree to the beautiful rivers to the wonderful people who lived in that era .A few tears were shed along the way .
I loved every minute of it
I loved every minute of it
May 30, 2022
Memorable book
A book that helps you understand what life in Africa was like, in parts may still be, what living and working in the bush, catching poachers was like for the main character. Beautiful descriptions of nature and a compelling read.
A book that helps you understand what life in Africa was like, in parts may still be, what living and working in the bush, catching poachers was like for the main character. Beautiful descriptions of nature and a compelling read.
July 2, 2022
Beautiful, moving wonderful
Absolutely spellbinding story.
As a South African who was compelled to leave, I completely identify with the love one has for your country.
I highly recommend this book.
Absolutely spellbinding story.
As a South African who was compelled to leave, I completely identify with the love one has for your country.
I highly recommend this book.
February 27, 2024
This was a beautiful read. I was drawn to all the characters and felt I wish I could have known them personally. I could relate to the people’s customs living in South Africa which is also currently going through some similar political instability.
May 5, 2024
Based on a true story, Fagan brings to life the story of Jan Engelbrecht, pioneer and bush lover in Rhodesia. Full of wonderful characters and animals, some of the history of the country is revealed. The creation of the Kariba Dam and the subsequent rescuing of animals was fascinating.
October 18, 2024
Probably the best story I've ever read. Commentary about politicians, animals, morals. It starts in South Africa, follows a primitive journey to Rhodesia, life in the bush, rescuing animals from the floods caused by erection of Kariba dam. I cried when his dog died.
January 30, 2022
Emotional, a well written novel , could not put it down but some very sad pieces brought tears to my eyes.
April 6, 2022
A great read.
A brilliant book. I really felt so drawn in and captivated by the whole story. It’s a must for everyone who was brought up in Africa.
A brilliant book. I really felt so drawn in and captivated by the whole story. It’s a must for everyone who was brought up in Africa.
July 1, 2022
Excellent stort
LOVED THIS STORY FROM BEGINNING TO THE END. you grow to live the dogs and main characters. I highly recommend this story.
LOVED THIS STORY FROM BEGINNING TO THE END. you grow to live the dogs and main characters. I highly recommend this story.
July 29, 2022
A beautiful book
Such a heart felt story that could be repeated by many ...so many tears for Africa so much sadness amid beauty.
Such a heart felt story that could be repeated by many ...so many tears for Africa so much sadness amid beauty.
December 11, 2022
great read
Beautifully written story of a land that comes alive in the sharing of a life that few have experienced, well done.
Beautifully written story of a land that comes alive in the sharing of a life that few have experienced, well done.
January 22, 2023
I could feel the heat from the suns rays and the dust under my feet
What a beautifully written book, I was so wrapped up in the story that I could smell Africa in every page.
What a beautifully written book, I was so wrapped up in the story that I could smell Africa in every page.
February 2, 2023
I loved this book. As I finished it, tears were flowing. The author writes with an amazing sense of place, making Africa so real.
October 18, 2024
A very good read
Loved this book from start to finish, although hard to read at times. Many memories conjured up within these pages.
Loved this book from start to finish, although hard to read at times. Many memories conjured up within these pages.
April 22, 2025
Africa
I am a South African now living in the UK. Africa is in my blood and will always be home.
I am a South African now living in the UK. Africa is in my blood and will always be home.
June 19, 2022
Enjoyed the book very much. It was fascinating and informative. Based on a true story and made me feel he is an intriguing man. I recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews