It is March 1939. Across the parched South African landscape move the tiny figures of a ten-year-old white boy, Paul, and his aged Zulu companion, Luther.
They are trying to walk 800 burning miles to Paul's aunt, his last living relative.
On their epic journey they encounter many extraordinary and sometimes frightening characters - Reinhardt, the German who once sailed before the mast; Pottie, the lonely, half-demented tramp; Mrs Hoffman, a grotesque, who keeps Paul like a play-thing in her decaying mansion.
These experiences are mirrored for Paul by later ones at school - alternately cruel and funny - in such a way that they interact with each other to give a strangely hypnotic, child's-eye view of South African society.
The Young Masters is an evocative, tightly-written novel. It is another great step forward for Alan Scholefield whose previous books have already established him, in the words of the The New York Times, as "A master storyteller".
Praise for Alan Scholefield... /h2>
Alan Scholefield, 39, was born and educated in South Africa. After leaving university he travelled widely in Europe, Africa and America. He visits Africa periodically for research but has made his home in England. He is married to the Australian writer Anthea Goddard and they have three daughters. His short stories and four previous novels have been published in Britain and America and translated into several languages.
They are trying to walk 800 burning miles to Paul's aunt, his last living relative.
On their epic journey they encounter many extraordinary and sometimes frightening characters - Reinhardt, the German who once sailed before the mast; Pottie, the lonely, half-demented tramp; Mrs Hoffman, a grotesque, who keeps Paul like a play-thing in her decaying mansion.
These experiences are mirrored for Paul by later ones at school - alternately cruel and funny - in such a way that they interact with each other to give a strangely hypnotic, child's-eye view of South African society.
The Young Masters is an evocative, tightly-written novel. It is another great step forward for Alan Scholefield whose previous books have already established him, in the words of the The New York Times, as "A master storyteller".
Praise for Alan Scholefield... /h2>
'The strength of the book derives from its fast-moving narrative and its psychological insights... Mr Scholefield has done well to recreate so imaginatively the brutal beginnings of modern South African history.'- The Times Literary Supplement
'The author's attention to historical detail and local detail would have done a Hornblower novel proud, and some of his descriptions of the African scene are lyrically beautiful.'- The Daily Mail
'An enthralling new book... The most splendid and profoundly enjoyable adventure of the year... The details are strikingly authentic... His account of the Zulus and their country is coloured by poetry and deep affection.'- The Sunday Express
'A book of tremendous action, played by men as savage as the animals they hunt against a background that looks, sounds and even smells of the real stuff.'- Evening News
'An admirable adventure writer.'- The Observer
'Alan Scholefield has written a stirring and moving novel of the struggle faced by British settlers in the Albany district of South Africa in 1820.'- Manchester Evening News
About the author...
Alan Scholefield, 39, was born and educated in South Africa. After leaving university he travelled widely in Europe, Africa and America. He visits Africa periodically for research but has made his home in England. He is married to the Australian writer Anthea Goddard and they have three daughters. His short stories and four previous novels have been published in Britain and America and translated into several languages.
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