AustLit

A new century, and a time of celebration, for family, marriages and children, and a necessity to expand the business.

'It is also a time for sadness, suffering and loss; Mother Africa does not change her rules for anyone.

'When all is against the Langbourne brothers, a higher loyalty must prevail.'  (Publication summary)

'It is 1898 in Bulawayo, Rhodesia, and the Langbourne brothers' business is maturing, and so are the boys.

'Morris decides the time is right for them to expand the business into Europe and he leaves his younger siblings to grow the African operation while he returns to his homeland in Ireland.

'Two younger brothers join the company and the family work long and hard days. Business thrives, and they begin to see rewards. For the first time, a romance develops, and international plans are set in motion.

'But, Africa works in her mysterious ways; good plans are always put to the test, and this is no exception for the Langbourne brothers.

'Based on a true story.'  (Publication summary)

'1894 - 1897. After losing almost everything in the Matabele rebellion, the brothers begin to rebuild their devastated business. With Morris' sharp brain, and David's limitless energy, they begin in earnest, taking massive risks. But no one could have seen plague, drought, disease and war on the horizon.

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'However, these are the Langbourne brothers, and they will not be beaten!' (Publication summary)

'The remarkable story of the Langbourne brothers is picked up in 1893. Morris, just 17, makes the bold and risky decision to head north, deeper into Africa. Morris and his younger brother David thus embark on a new adventure - to set up business as traders. After walking through the African bush for three months with six wagons laden with goods, and hardly a track to guide them, Morris and David stop in the settlement of KoBulawayo and build their first warehouse out of wooden poles and mud. Realising a radical change in plan is needed, Morris devises a new business strategy that propels them towards success. A political impasse rapidly develops between the European Administration, and the ruthless King Lobengula's massive Ndebele army. A brief and savage war erupts between the two powers; the brother's business is unavoidably affected, and David is hunted by the Ndebele army when he tries to rescue a friend. Undaunted, but wiser to the perils of Africa, Morris sets his mind to recover their pride, their reputation, and business. Based on a true story and actual events.' (Publication summary)

'Set in 1891, Langbourne tells the story of two young Polish Jewish brothers who set sail for Africa from Ireland to seek a better life. Morris and David arrive in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, and quickly put their business plan into action. Based on a true story and actual events.' (Publication summary)