The Pilot A Novel of Africa
Jerold Richert
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Is the Unesco World Heritage site of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins built on a foundation of false assumptions? A victim of political expediency, ignorance, or just plain apathy?
For over a century the controversy over the origin of the Zimbabwean civilisation in central Africa has been a thorn in the side of historians. Archaeologists and scientists on both sides have either been ignored or severely taken to task by their contemporaries for ineptitude, ignorance, expediency, racism, romanticism and a dozen other slanderous shortcomings, and we are still no closer to the truth. Perhaps it is just too esoteric a subject to quicken the interest of today’s frenetic society. Or has it simply been covered over and confined to the bottom drawer in some fusty academic vault?
Both The Flamingo Room and The Pilot approach this controversy from different perspectives. The Flamingo Room from the modern era and The Pilot from the historical. Both novels are based on facts but livened by fiction and, of course, both also tell wonderful love stories.
Synopsis
It is 962 BC and the dawn of the golden years for King Solomon who is at the pinnacle of power. He has few enemies other than the exiled Prince Hadad of Edom, whose men harass Solomon's tax inspectors on the silk road and plunder the caravans.
With Phoenician pilots provided by his friend King Hiram of Tyre, Solomon's ships and agents ply the coasts of the Narrow Sea, trading from Egypt to Saba and around the horn of Africa, hugging the treacherous coast as far as Opone and Serapio. Solomon's promise to his father to build a temple in his honour is about to be realised, although he is still unaware that it will be constructed of gold. Then, on a small island across a narrow stretch of sea from Tyre, the son of a local potter stumbles, naked, into the presence of the niece of King Hiram and the course of history is changed.
It is a meeting that sets the participants onto a forbidden path, risking dishonour and death. But other forces are at work that will forge their lives, and the lives of many others at the farthest reaches of the known world...
The Pilot is a page-turning, action-filled epic of sailing and exploration in the intriguing time of the Phoenicians, based on historical facts and archaeological controversy. It will appeal to fans of historical fiction.
Reviews
Jenny Hewitt - Author and editor (UK)
"...Jerry, I do like this book. What makes you such a b***** good writer is your adaptability. Each book that I have read so far is set in a different time and background, and yet each is equally compelling. I'd be hard pushed to answer if anyone asked which was my favourite."
Bookey Peek - author of 'Taste of Honey ' 'All the Way Home' Penguin Books
A thriller in the true sense of the word - the sort of book that demands to be devoured in one sitting, but then leaves you wishing you'd made it last longer. The Flamingo Room is not just another throwaway read, these are real people in totally believable situations. And Jerold Richert is not afraid of the truth, no matter how unpalatable, as evidenced by his skilful and sensitive handling of the horrendous practice of FMG (female genital mutilation). This is contemporary writing at its best. Bring on the next book, please
Reviewer: Ray Franklin Sunshine Coast Sunday
Jerold Richert is the latest of a long line of old African hands who writes with feeling about what he knows best. Happily, though, his passion is equalled by his proficiency. He writes well, and he has a fine tale to tell. The author, who now lives in Buderim, was born in South Africa, but spent his formative years in Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. He became a pilot and served in an elite anti-terrorist unit during the Rhodesia’s so called Bush War. His central character is a pilot and Selous Scouts’ tracker, enmeshed in a deadly contest with guerrilla bands ravaging farms and homesteads along the Mozambique border. Richert’s book is the first in a series of five Africa-based novels, with the next due later this year. Going on his form so far, it should also be worth reading.
Book info
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Genres
Format
Paperback
416 pages pages
Author
Jerold Richert
Publisher
Matador an imprint of Troubador Publishing
Publication date
21st November 2011
Author's Website
ISBN
9781848767539
