Our Man in Mbabane
A Novel Based on a True Story
by Karl, K.E.
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Pub Date Dec 05 2022 | Archive Date Aug 05 2023
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Description
A government job. Raucous parties and love affairs. Gunrunning at the weekends. What could go wrong?
The Mission Impossible assignment from Nelson Mandela's organization was straightforward: Frank George was to go to Swaziland, get a job, and smuggle weapons into South Africa for the fight against apartheid.
Based on a true story, Our Man in Mbabane follows Frank's gunrunning exploits supporting the African National Congress in the late 1970s. In between harrowing escapades, he banters with friends and has two turbulent romances, all while learning of the daily indignities and horrors of apartheid.
This historical espionage thriller will have you on the edge of your seat one moment and laughing the next as Frank shifts between ANC missions, romantic affairs, and boisterous social outings.
Advance Praise
"The dialogue and characterization both are sharp, and Karl’s smooth, unfussy prose keeps the story flowing smoothly as he illuminates a fresh milieu, avoiding the stereotypes or ginned-up suspense that often compromise stories of white Americans in Africa. Lovers of romance and spy novels with a real-world edge will enjoy this story, which is as light in its telling as it is weighty in its concerns."—Booklife
Available Editions
| ISBN | 9798987014110 |
| PRICE | $8.49 (USD) |
| PAGES | 323 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Storm D, Reviewer
As someone born and raised in South Africa, much of the setting and descriptions in the book felt familiar - it felt like reading a book written by an uncle or family friend. It was clear that the author has spent a lot of time in the areas described, and the descriptions were detailed and placed the reader in the middle of a world filled with beer, braais, and beautiful scenery.
Apartheid was before my time, and so is something I have only learned about through anecdotes and through school. Knowing that the book is based on the personal experiences of the author made it all the more interesting to read about. I have no idea what aspects of the story are fictionalised, but it all felt believable and well researched, if not experienced.
I enjoyed the mixture of commentary on his social life, and his contribution to the ANC's efforts. For me personally, the writing style and detailed backstories of the characters worked well and added a layer of context to the plot - an ex-pat seemingly enjoying a normal life is actually a political dissident. With that said however, I do feel to be categorised as a thriller, there could have been more detail about how his political views came to be and how they came to change, and about the tasks he completed on behalf of the ANC.
I would also have loved to see more about his trip at the end of the book - it felt like a sneak peek at something incredibly interesting.
Overall, I enjoyed the concept, the writing style and the level of detail behind the characters and everyday life during Apartheid. I feel like there was room for more detail in a few areas, but generally enjoyed the book. I didn't find myself desperate to read the next chapter at any point, but I also didn't find myself putting the kindle down too often. Pacing was mostly decent, with a slightly rushed feeling towards the end.
3.5 stars, rounded to 4.
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