Set in Kenya in the 1950s against the fading backdrop of the British Empire, a story of self-discovery, betrayal, and an impossible love from the author of The Fever Tree. After six years in England, Rachel has returned to Kenya and the farm where she spent her childhood, but the beloved home she’d longed for is much changed. Her father’s new companion—a strange, intolerant woman—has taken over … intolerant woman—has taken over the household. The political climate in the country grows more unsettled by the day and is approaching the boiling point. And looming over them all is the threat of the Mau Mau, a secret society intent on uniting the native Kenyans and overthrowing the whites.
As Rachel struggles to find her place in her home and her country, she initiates a covert relationship, one that will demand from her a gross act of betrayal. One man knows her secret, and he has made it clear how she can buy his silence. But she knows something of her own, something she has never told anyone. And her knowledge brings her power.
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I was excited to read this novel as the author’s first novel The Fever Tree was excellent. It started off slow but is an interesting story of a girl returning to Kenya after her mother has passed away and changes occur with her relationship to her father and the new woman in his life. The turmoil of the Mau Mau rebellion influences Africans to overthrow the whites. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
I felt enlightened of the customs and life style in colonial Kenya, but horrified at the way a young woman was discarded (for all practical purposes) by her father. I remember that this was acceptable during those years.
This book paints a rich portrait of life in Kenya before independence, with characters that shed a light on various segments of the population at that time. The story line keeps you wondering what will happen to the main character, right up to the last page.
Beautifully written—the descriptions of Kenya are very evocative. And I learned about a period in history and a place I did not know much about. Highly recommended!
Having experiences with Africa and knowing persons who were themselves involved at the time, I found it extremely informative, and for me it was a page turner.
I am reading this right now and can’t put it down!
Not the best book I’ve read lately but it is interesting . And it has informed me about Kenya and the political climate there in the 1950’s.
I liked it because it was historical fiction and especially I like anything about the colonial era which this was. Covered the Mau Mauuprising in Kenya in a very personal and realistic way
Really interesting story about Kenya, the MauMau uprising, Africa.
Expected to like this book, but just didn’t care for it that much. Found it to be dark, morbid & repetitive with slow-pacing. Some graphic details were disturbing to me. The description of the country & its historical details were very good but the story itself was just okay to me. The ending also felt rushed like the author wasn’t sure how she wanted to end it. It did show British imperialism at its worst however. So a mixed bag for me overall – just an ok book.