Book description
The stories and legends of the Bushmen were told to Conrad when he
was twelve years old. He was on a hunting trip with his father, Jack
Hartmann, a brutal but confused man who 'gave' Conrad an old Bushman
to teach him the ways of the land. Bastiaan taught him not only about
the beasts and plants and soil, but inculcated in Conrad a philosophy
that would remain with him throughout his life.
But at home Conrad learns a different set of rules as he and Beeky,
the young sister he adores, huddle together listening to the sound of
his mother being beaten and told she is trash. Jack Hartmann, a
senator and man of power in the community, hates his wife and daughter
as much as he loves his son and Conrad's mother impresses on him that
he must always protect and guard his little sister.
As they achieve maturity, Conrad appears to conform to the vision
his father has for him. He joins the army, fighting on the Namibian
borders - a savage and hideous conflict. But Beeky defies her father
and the establishment, goes her own way, yearning for a new South
Africa, a new life, tenderness and kindness in place of hatred and derision.
The story of their fulfilment, tragedy, and the return of hope is
the story of an ancient land fighting towards redemption.
Pamela Jooste was born in Cape Town, where she still lives. She is
the author of four critically acclaimed novels: Frieda and Min, Like
Water in Wild Places, People Like Ourselves and Dance with a Poor Man's
Daughter, her first novel, which won the Commonwealth Best First Book
Award for the African Region; the Samlam Literary Award, and the Book
Data South African Booksellers' Choice Award.
