WIN: Author takes readers on historical journey

ELWYN Bonhomme, a retired school principal and author, is hoping to share a deeper understanding of the struggle history in the country, through his latest book, While The Land Burns. Bonhomme, 76, of Treasure Beach, said the 308-page historical-fiction book, which was recently published by Micromega Publishers, is based on the life of two brothers that are unknown to each other, Angus and Dan Manning, who have opposing ideologies.

“The book tells the story of brothers, Angus, who is a coloured anti-apartheid activist that was arrested, abducted, detained and brutally interrogated. While his older brother, Dan, who is living as a white and is a senior member of the special branch, is tasked with the investigation, arrest and detention of anti-apartheid activists,” he said. Bonhomme said the book is composed of four parts and has 56 chapters.

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“It is somewhat of a timeline. In part one, you are told the story of the Manning family, where the parents are of different races, and how their lives change when the Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Act of 1968 is passed.
“The second part tells Dan’s story following his call up for military training as a white citizen, his indoctrination and rise to the special branch, and in the third part, you will read about Angus’ movement against apartheid, his arrest and brutal interrogation. In the last part, there is a climatic collision as the brothers come face to face,” he said.

Bonhomme said he began penning the book in 2021 and completed it in October 2022. “I researched historical material and gleaned anecdotes from a few people with personal experiences. My goal through the book is to get readers to appreciate the sacrifices made by unknown people for our freedom,” he said.

Bonhomme, who has written three other books, Chasing of the Wind, Did you tell Them? and People of the Shadows, said he was currently working on another historical-fiction book.

“However, it is still in the drafting stage and not yet titled.” Bonhomme said the book will be officially launched later this month. However, it can be purchased via www.madeindurban.co.za or from Bonhomme. He can be contacted on 082 464 0132.

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