Description
He volunteered to join the war to liberate Namibia of its colonial masters. His intentions were never honourable, driven as they were by boredom and a desire for self-gratification, and he found what he wanted in the lust of killing and in sexual domination.
They called him Kaptein.
Adam Geard returns to Namibia after a two year absence, his desire a peaceful rest in the red dune country of the Kalahari. At the first overnight stop, in the town of Gochas, he hears rumours of young Nama girls being lured into prostitution and perhaps even trafficked as sex slaves.
His investigations and subsequent actions bring him into conflict with Kaptein and his powerful friends in government and the pilice. And it results in great personal tragedy.
Review
They say time flies when you’re having fun.
The same can be said when reading any Peter Cleary novel – in this case his latest (14th) offering: Red Dune Country.
Peter has stuck to his tried and tested formula of combining a riveting story with genuine geographical and historical detail, as well as convincing characters.
In this case the setting is the Kalahari Desert, where a nefarious villain has established an international resort where abducted young girls become prey for perverted rich clients.
The familiar knight in shining armour, Adam Geard – and I do hope you have consumed Peter’s earlier books, as I have – naturally can’t help but get himself involved in what becomes his mission to right this great wrong.
Human trafficking is a daily headline in today’s media offerings, and Peter accurately describes a quite plausible scenario that reflects this social evil.
Of course, with the help of his small but trusted band of close ex-recce friends, the champion of the cause succeeds in his dual mission of rescuing the victims and closing down the operation.
Entanglements with the law, falling foul of politicians and complicated liaisons with the opposite sex, add spice to the intrigue.
Well worth the read, once again.
In my case a single six hour session that took me from the first page to the last, leaving me keen to see what the maestro has planned for his next winner.
I strongly believe Peter’s books would translate very easily from the written word to a formidable TV or movie interpretation.
Here’s hoping.
Dave Savides – Zululand Observer
