Period novel set in Simon’s Town in the 1800’s makes for pleasing reading. (Review by Caroline Smart)Heirs of Wind and Water is the title of the first novel written by ex-Durbanite Susan Court (writing under her maiden name of Sexton).
On a visit to Simon’s Town - its official title but it’s often referred to as Simonstown – in 1990, Sue Court had the pleasure of visiting Admiralty House and the stirrings of a story prompted her to explore a further scenario. The Simon’s Town setting allows her scope to describe the beautiful surroundings and coastline. The sea plays an important role – obviously, as it is the naval base but it forms the backdrop to a intriguing story. Charlotte Lacey, a beautiful young woman, finds herself forced into an early maturity as she grapples with many complications that come into her privileged and previously well-ordered life.
The story is a timeless one – love, trust, clandestine relationships and betrayal while there are second chances for some.
It starts off in London in 1814 as widower Admiral Edward Lacey faces the tempestuous insistence of his spirited only child Charlotte, that she refuses to marry the man he has in mind for her. He wryly notes that this is the result of encouraging her to be of independent-thinking!
The upshot of the impasse is that he agrees that Charlotte accompanies him on his posting to the Cape Colony where he is to assume his duties as Commander-in Chief of the Royal Navy in the Cape of Good Hope. The war is still raging and while Napoleon Bonaparte may very well be exiled on Elba, this island is too close to the Cape for comfort.
A year later, Charlotte watches with eager anticipation as the Royal Navy sails into Simon’s Bay. On board the Argonaut is her handsome cousin John – the embodiment of her idea of a dashing hero. But is Lieutenant John du Rand all she believes him to be?
There are secrets in this story of self-discovery - some impacting tragically, especially for a couple who come up against the colour bar. There is much interesting historical content and while the author mainly blends this skilfully into the story, it often becomes too academic and nudges out the plot. However, she does the surrounding landscape justice and her descriptions allow the reader to feel part of the settings.
Susan Sexton was educated at Northlands Girls’ High School and graduated with a BA from the then University of Natal where she subsequently lectured. She has published a number of academic works, particularly on English Language under the name of Susan Court. She now lives on the Isle of Wight.
Heirs of Wind and Water is published by Authors Online – more information at http://www.authorsonline.co.uk/book/967/Heirs_of_Wind_and_Water/info/
The book retails at R130 ISBN-13 (Paperback editions): 9780755206247 - Caroline Smart
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