Cape of Storms: A Novel

Eight year old Rosalinde lives in an idyllic version of Africa — vervet monkeys in her garden, the lighthouse that illuminates her bedroom window at night, and Mohini, her mystical Hindu maid who is more maternal than her own mother — until a moment in 1982, when she collides with apartheid and her entire belief system is thrown into chaos.

Mainly set on Durban’s breathtaking North Coast, over a period of seventeen years, the story moves between atmospheric locations like the Skeleton Coast, Karoo, Cape Point, and KwaMashu, and hosts an array of vivid characters, including the charismatic Paris and his radical cousin Maleven; Mark, the ex-soldier; and Rosalinde’s predatory, racist Uncle Léon.

While navigating personal injustice, family sagas, romance, and political unrest, Rosalinde’s coming of age parallels the years of apartheid’s climactic end, against an increasingly violent backdrop, and she learns that the human condition of her motherland is far more complex than she ever imagined.

Reviews

“A gripping and unforgettable account of one of humanity’s great failures, told with sensitivity and eloquence from a uniquely powerful perspective.” ~ Self-Publishing Review

“Bowers pulls no punches in the narrative. Her first-hand knowledge lends authenticity to the experiences of the powerful and the powerless in an environment both beautiful and brutal.” ~ J.P. McLean, Author of The Gift Legacy

“A cry against the wind, a fusion of beauty and blood, a fearless look into the heart of darkness.” ~ Galya Varna, We Art Friends Magazine

“I cannot praise this book enough. I would give it more than 5 stars if I could. It moved me in a great way – from utter hopelessness to high triumphs. I cannot recommend it enough. Read it! Read it with an open heart and prepare to be whisked away on a beautiful, terrifying journey.” ~ Laura Maybrooke, Author of Dulcea’s Rebellion Trilogy

“If you think you know Africa because you have watched the news and read the papers, this book may open your eyes.” ~ Book Blogger