The Unravelling
is a gripping historical fiction set in Rhodesia, now named Zimbabwe, during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The novel depicts the military, political, and tribal intrigues that led to the country's collapse as its disenfranchised black population took up arms to break free from Rhodesia's colonial past.
You will meet two young men, Nick and Sipho, who have a deep love for the country of their birth and for its endangered elephant and rhino herds which are facing an existential threat from poaching. During the Rhodesian Bush War, both men had served with distinction with the Rhodesian African Rifles (RAR) and had become stalwart brothers-in-arms.
After being demobilised from the RAR in July 1980, Nick goes to study in the UK where he falls in love with Rachel Dixon, the daughter of a controversial English businessman.
Sipho remains in Zimbabwe. He is a patriot from the Ndebele nation. He loves his tribal heritage but loves his country more. Following the disbandment of the RAR he joins the new Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) and serves it with distinction. However, despite such service he becomes the victim of shameful tribal discrimination by the ZNA hierarchy.
Johannes du Toit, a callous white man and a deserter from the Rhodesian Light Infantry, flees Rhodesia in 1978 when his poaching activities are uncovered. He returns to Zimbabwe in 1981 to continue his nefarious activities.
The four characters meet at Mhuka Ranch in southeast Zimbabwe in 1981, where a lethal encounter leaves three people dead. The truth of what happened on that fateful day remains unknown to the public but will be revealed to the reader.