Saad bin Jung, the author of the recently published “Matabele Dawn” is a friend, a state of affairs that can sometimes make reviewing a book a rather tricky exercise. Treading the fine line between friendship and truth. That kind of dilemma.
No such dilemma here.
Saad is a well known, shout-it-from-the-rooftops lover of Africa, and the bush, and wildlife, and the great outdoors.
Since we left South Africa nine oh-so-long years ago, there hasn’t been a day when I didn’t pine for the bush, or for the excitement of being on safari. So the wonderful depiction of Africa that is the Matabele half of this book resonated completely. Loved it. Saad’s descriptions bring Africa to vivid life:
In his book, Mr. bin Jung has two narratives, of Africa and India, that are generations apart, yet intertwined.
Both stories are also partly “out of Africa” and “out of India” in that they are stories of children of mixed marriages, and of mixed faiths, of foreigners living and loving and dying in different continents, far from their home. Two men are born, decades apart, into chaos and disorder, into worlds of danger and change, and it is the chronicle of their lives that is “Matabele Dawn.”
Initially, I was a little startled by the very modern speaking voice of some of Mr. bin Jung’s 19th century characters, but then I thought – what is preferable? Modern vernacular or a flood of “forsooths and by gads.”
Enjoy this book for the vividness of the language and story, for the enthusiasm and obvious love for two continents that poor forth.
When Mr. bin Jung launched his book this week in Delhi (where I live) the occasion was exactly as one would have expected. Roars of laughter at the stories told by the chief guests (All 3 of them. Well, why ever not have 3 chief guests if you can?). Not a moment of pompousness. Just laughter and a love for life.
The author’s dedication in my book says it all:
“Here’s hoping you enjoy reading this half as much as I enjoyed writing it.”
Published by Rumour books, “Matabele Dawn” costs Rs599 and you can order it right now, by clicking on the link below :
And here is the link to buy the Kindle version :