Book description
The Karoo is a vast semi-desert region that extends across parts of the
Western and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa. This environmentally
important area is the largest ecosystem in the country and is abundant
in wildlife, vegetation, and ancient history. The Plains of Camdeboo is
a celebration of this remarkable landscape. At first encounter the Karoo
may seem arid, desolate and unforgiving, but to those who know it, it is
a land of secret beauty and infinite variety. For generations author Eve
Palmer's family have lived on the Karoo farm of Cranemere, situated on
the Plains of Camdeboo. This family have battled for decades against
this harsh desert; they have had to adapt to it, learning to fear,
respect, and ultimately love it. First published in 1966, The Plains of
Camdeboo has become a classic in South African literature. Here is a
book that is not autobiography, not history, not botanical study, but
all of these and more, blending into a uniquely vivid and personal
account of life in the Karoo. The animals, the insects, the wealth of
fossils, the countless flowers that spring miraculously to life after
rain - all are woven into this rich and engaging story.
