The Vastness of Africa

My Editor has SPOKEN – at last! In her opinion, the beauty of BREATH OF AFRICA is in the wonderful descriptions of Africa, and she feels the main character is Africa itself…

That was exactly in my soul as I wrote the book – oh frabjous day!

Breath of Africa

A view over Menengai Crater. This was one of my ideas for a book cover. But Crooked Cat chose a better one! They have produced fabulous covers for the books they have published so far.

Here’s a little excerpt to wet the appetites before you head off to buy the book HERE.

Their favourite place was the rim of Mt. Menengai, the volcano overlooking Nakuru town; smaller than Ngorongoro, it had its own dramatic character. They stood on the jutting promontory and looked over the dense scrub in the crater depths, interspersed with black mounds of glistening lava, a dark, forbidding country.

“It’s the third largest crater in the world,” Brian told her. “I read that somewhere.”

Caroline gazed beyond, at the vastness of Africa, which rolled through patterned farmlands, across hills and plains into the hazy distance. As evening fell, grey clouds crept along the crater depths and swirled up the cliffs, snatching at them with wispy fingers, as the wind caught and tossed the vapours into nothingness among the trees.
They walked towards the car, but a sudden movement in the long grass near the forest distracted them. Brian turned off the track, parting the stalks in front of him.

“Careful of snakes!” Caroline warned.

She followed, treading in his footsteps. As they approached the thrashing, it increased, and she saw the soft brown hide of a female impala, its eyes wide with fright. One leg was caught in a loop of wire.

“It’s a trap, but the wire hasn’t tightened too much. I’ll see if I can free her.”

Brian caught hold of the leg and the animal stilled. She seemed to know they were trying to help. He struggled with the wire, and eased it over the hoof. He let go. The doe stood there for a second, then moved her leg and took a small step. She bounded away and the grass closed behind her. It was as if it had never happened.

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9 Responses to The Vastness of Africa

  1. Sounds wonderful, Jane, I can’t wait to read it 🙂

  2. Jean Warner says:

    Me, too; I will read this book! Makes me lonesome for Meru, Maua, Nakuru, etc. 🙂

  3. Kris says:

    Jane, this looks terrific. So glad to have found your website and your book.
    Kris

  4. elina says:

    Jane — Whenever I read you, I feel am back in Africa swooning over every little thing — animals, landscape, people … And your editor is right — Africa is the main character. Love it, love it, love it.

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  6. aj vosse says:

    Africa… only in Africa!!

  7. roederer says:

    It sounds authentic and interesting, I’ll get this book !

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