Review Blog

Apr 12 2012

Stones for my father by Trilby Kent

Alma Books, 2012. ISBN 9781846881749.
(Age: 12+) Recommended. Stones for my father takes place during the Anglo-Boer War (October 1899-May 1902), in South Africa. The war was fought between the British and the Boer people of South Africa (otherwise known as Afrikaners). During this war, the British destroyed many of the homes of Boer families, and the homeless people would then be relocated to concentration camps.
The protagonist is Corlie Roux, a young Boer girl with no father and two brothers. Corlie's mother loves her sons as much as she dislikes Corlie, and when they are sent to the concentration camp at Kroonstad, they all struggle to survive. Corlie will have to depend on a faraway soldier from Canada and inner strength she never knew she had . . .
Stones for my father is an interesting glimpse into the world of the Anglo-Boer War, and the people who were involved in it. It's a neat slice of history that may be little known to some people, but this book is a perfect starting place. It covers all the facts in an easy-to-read, but still well written way. The characters are realistic and the world of the South African wilderness is beautifully described.
Some authors struggle with having a particular 'voice' when writing historic novels like this, as they find it difficult to write convincingly in the manner, style or setting of that time. But fortunately in this case, the cultures, lives and voices of the Boer people are very believable.
Stones for my father is an excellent historic novel set during the Anglo-Boer War that is sure to delight history fans and entertain others.
I recommend this book.
Rebecca Adams