Rivers of Darkness

by Ronald Hardy

Arriving in Mozambique in 1973 to battle a terrifying disease causing blindness, Dr. Harry Lynd and his band of medical missionaries, which includes a former nun now in love with him, are torn between medical ethics and the instinct to survive

Genres: Fiction

393 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1979

Reviews

[Sue Perry]

I read this book decades ago. I don't remember it well enough to write a coherent review - and yet I still think about it, and the powerful emotions it generated. I'm not finding this buy-able on-line. Next time I get to a library, this is top on my list to re-read.

[Paula Galvan]

Praise for Ronald Hardy's ability to create fascinating characters and an incredible story to bring this history to life.

The late 1960s and early 1970s were turbulent times for Portuguese-controlled Mozambique in Southern Africa. Luke Magellan is heir to Companhia Montanaro, a sprawling company producing wine and harvesting cashews in the region. The story centers around Luke's vow to avenge Marie-Amelia Rodrigues, an orphaned girl assaulted during a clash between the Portuguese Army and the Frelimo—African Revolutionists. The author follows Luke's fall from his wealthy, privileged life to a half-starved, tormented prisoner in Machava, being questioned by the PIDI (Portuguese Secret Police) due to his quest.

During the country's struggle for independence, Dr. Harry Lynd, a medical specialist in tropical diseases, leads the search for the Black Fly—a carrier of Onchocerciasis—a condition that causes blindness. The bravery of these dedicated doctors and researchers who live in jungles and work tirelessly to stop crippling diseases from overtaking humanity is skillfully depicted in contrast to the fascists and their armies, insistent on keeping the natives under their control by any means. This book clearly defines the arrogance of men who think they can control anything in this world. I found this book interesting and informative.

[Mick]

Really good book. I learned a lot about colonial Mozambique and about how they gained their independence from their colonial masters.

This book has many different plot lines and interesting characters and stories. I highly recommend this book because of its scope and its setting.

I wish I would have read this book before I went to Mozambique.

[Jeffrey]

Hardy has created an interesting variety of people whose fascinating stories unfold during the last days of Portuguese colonialism in Mozambique,.