Book Review | Lucia Mann | A Veil Of Blood Hangs Over Africa | Bostick Communications

A Veil of Blood Hangs Over Africa: The Birthplace of Slavery

Author: Lucia Mann

Title: A Veil Of Blood Hangs Over Africa: The Birthplace Of Slavery

Genre: Historical, Fiction

Synopsis: The grief of the newly captured slaves was overpowered only by the lecherous brutality of their master. From a humble Tswanas Kraal to an opulent South African estate, you will be held captive by Lucia Mann's interweaving stories of loss, cruelty, courage and hope. You will never forget the characters who bring this tale so vividly to life. 

- Mabali - Who was stolen from the comfort of her ancient homeland and forced to endure decades of agony and ruthlessness.

- Nobuntu - who discovered the purity of love in the filth of a slave estate and who would ultimately give birth to zulu kings. 

- Shiya - The offspring of a white slave child who was forced to suffer the same indignities her mother suffered.

- Nigel and Alan Hallworthy - two cruel and callous men who inherited fortune and bought protection from their evil deeds.

- Brianna - Shiya's modern day heir who struggled to make sense of a history that was slowly eating away at her. 

This multi-generational tale takes one on a journey that starts with an encircling rope net; progresses to a filthy stifling slave ship; and ends at a rich slave estate where unthinkable acts take place. The thorny history of the birthplace of slavery comes to life with unforgettable characters yearning for liberty, meaning and justice. 

Review: This was an excellent read and I just couldn't bring myself to stop reading and put the book down. I am strongly against racism and slavery so it was saddening to read this book. This book outlines the true nature of slavery and how slaves were treated. It was very saddening to read how slaves were treated and that pretty much nobody cared enough to try and help them and that those who did care were disposed of by the rich and it was not investigated. Those who stood up for what was right where killed without there being any consequences. There is a mix of stories throughout this book that all interweave together. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read historical accounts of slavery and the cruelty that slaves had to endure. This is a fictional book but the cruelty shown in this book would have been real for people who were actually slaves. This book is factual in how the slaves were treated and abused by their white masters even though the characters are not real. The white masters thought that they were above the law because they were rich and could afford to pay bribes. There are many issues faced in this book such as interracial marriage(which was illegal), racism(which is still as strong today as it was then) and the apartheid which meant that there was a separation between black and white people. 

I would like to thank Bostick Communications and Lucia Mann for sending me this book for free for review. Bostick Communications is a company that deals with press releases and they send out free books to book reviewers so that the books and authors can gain recognition. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Review | Albina Hume | Miss Fortune

Miss Fortune

Author: Albina Hume

Title: Miss Fortune

Genre: Women, Health/Family/Lifestyle, Conservation

Synopsis: "Who would think that my inability to pronounce the letter R would turn my life upside down and lead me from Ukraine to South Africa?"

Albina Hume is often asked the same question - how did she meet her South African husband John, a property developer and a rhino breeder, who is 36 years her senior? She has always kept her response simple. Until now...

Her childhood fear that no one in Ukraine would want to marry a 'crow' at first resulted in various misfortunes, from failing dreams and relationships to even ending up in a police cell for 51 days, until she finally learned to focus on her dreams, not her fears. Now, Albina and John Hume have dedicated their lives to preventing the South African rhino population from becoming extinct by breeding rhinos for future generations.

In the past six years, they have bred over 500 white rhinos, with Albina emerging as a pro-rhino activist, advocating for an end to the war on trade in rhino horn that has only resulted in illegal trade and killing of rhinos and also people in Africa. Albina calls for legalising trade in horn - a renewable product - to help create harmony between African people and their natural heritage.

Review: This is an excellent read and I found it really easy to get into. This book is about the life of a woman and the good times and the bad. This story is also about the choices she made for her future. I found it hard to stop reading this book and would recommend it to pretty much anyone who loves to settle down and get lost in a book.

Star rating:   5 out of 5

Book Review | Maurice G Miller | The Budapest Experiment

The Budapest Experiment

Author: Maurice G Miller

Title: The Budapest Experiment

Genre: fiction, Thriller

Synopsis: At what price does one sell their soul? ... In 1991 Michael, an adventurous, but struggling American entrepreneur navigates the streets of Budapest looking to make connections in Hungary’s new market economy. While moving around the city, he senses an air of mysticism and lurking evil. A series of dealings and events leads him to a business consulting position with the Russian Mob.  Recruited and seduced by the Organization’s women, money, and power, he becomes entangled in the web of Mob culture. An examination of conscience reveals a spirit ravaged with feelings of guilt and betrayal, a rapidly growing bank account serving as a means to justify his actions. Pondering his future, Michael wonders if he can balance this extreme Budapest lifestyle with his “ordinary” family life back home. After padding his wallet for the past several months, would the Organization let him just walk away? What would you do?

 Review: Excellent book. Easy to settle into and hard to stop reading. Really enjoyed reading this book and I would highly recommend it. This is good for both young and old.

Star Rating: 5 out of 5 stars