AustLit

'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)