{"product_id":"between-two-rivers-9781739974411","title":"Between Two Rivers","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003eBeattie's novel explores the hidden lives and untold stories of those caught up in the dying years of white rule in Africa, moving from Scotland to Zimbabwe and from colonial privilege to guerrilla war. It is a haunting story of love and war that will linger in the mind. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Paperback \/ softback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 456 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 28 February 2022\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Christabel Press\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“ Beattie explores our humanity in its beauty and brokenness through womens voices. Fictional voices of the marginalised have been inserted in the recorded history of the country,not to create an alternative history but to add to its rich,multi-faceted texture. \u003cbr\u003eJennys tea party was held under the shade of msasa trees, providing dappled shade. The April sunshine filtered through the leaves, touching suntanned arms. The frangipanis were in full bloom, adding a vibrant touch to the scene. \u003cbr\u003eScottish doctor Morag arrives in Salisbury in the 1950s, greeted by this picturesque scene. Jenny is an English wife and mother caught in an increasingly violent marriage, secretly in love with another man. Beatrice, a maid and nanny, will soon join their lives, forming deep bonds of affection over the next twenty years. \u003cbr\u003eHowever, their loyalty to one another will be tested as the façade of white suburban life is shattered by the looming war. Beattie's novel takes us on a journey from the Firth of Clyde in Scotland to pre-independence Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia), traversing the illusory idyll of colonial privilege and the traumas of guerrilla war. \u003cbr\u003eIn this novel, Beattie delves into the hidden lives and untold stories of those caught up in the dying years of white rule in Africa. Rhodesia is sleepwalking towards its devastating civil war, and three women become entangled in this war and in relationships that hold the seeds of tragedy. \u003cbr\u003eWith great sensitivity and insight, Tina Beattie tells a haunting story of love and war that will long linger in the minds of readers. The story is a fascinating weave of black and white characters, capturing the complexities and nuances of their relationships. Despite the disturbing scenes that reflect the realities of those times, Beattie's writing is captivating, drawing the reader into the lives of these characters and their struggles. \u003cbr\u003eBeattie's exploration of humanity in its beauty and brokenness through womens voices is a testament to her talent as a writer. By incorporating fictional voices of the marginalised into the recorded history of the country, she adds to the rich, multi-faceted texture of the narrative. \u003cbr\u003eJennys tea party serves as a symbolic beginning to the unfolding story, setting the stage for the conflicts and tragedies that will unfold over the next twenty years. The msasa trees provide a tranquil backdrop, while the frangipanis add a touch of beauty to the scene. \u003cbr\u003eMorag's arrival in Salisbury introduces a new dimension to the narrative, as she becomes entangled in the lives of Jenny and Beatrice. Her Scottish background and medical expertise bring a unique perspective to the unfolding events. \u003cbr\u003eBeatrice's role as a maid and nanny is initially seen as a means of survival for her and her family, but as the novel progresses, she becomes a source of strength and support for Jenny and the children. Their bond of affection deepens over time, despite the challenges they face. \u003cbr\u003eJenny's marriage is increasingly fraught with tension and violence, and she finds solace in her secret love for another man. Beatrice, aware of Jennys predicament, offers her support and understanding, becoming a confidante and friend. \u003cbr\u003eThe war in Rhodesia escalates, and the lives of these three women are profoundly affected. The brutality of the guerrilla war and the loss of loved ones take a toll on their emotional well-being. However, their loyalty to one another remains unwavering, and they continue to support each other through the darkest times. \u003cbr\u003eBeattie's portrayal of the women's relationships is nuanced and complex. They are bound by affection and loyalty, but their personal struggles and desires also complicate their interactions. The novel explores the themes of love, loyalty, sacrifice, and the complexities of human relationships. \u003cbr\u003eThe setting of pre-independence Zimbabwe adds an additional layer of complexity to the narrative. The country is on the brink of change, and the women's lives are caught up in the political and social upheaval that precedes independence. \u003cbr\u003eThe war becomes a backdrop for their personal struggles, as they navigate the complexities of love, loyalty, and sacrifice in a changing world. Beattie's writing is powerful and evocative, capturing the essence of the women's experiences and the broader historical context. \u003cbr\u003eThe novel's ending is bittersweet, as the women's lives are forever altered by the events of the war. However, their bond of affection remains strong, and they continue to support each other through the challenges that lie ahead. \u003cbr\u003eIn conclusion, Beattie's novel \"Msasa Trees\" is a haunting and captivating exploration of humanity in its beauty and brokenness. Through the voices of women caught up in the dying years of white rule in Africa, Beattie delves into the hidden lives and untold stories of those affected by war and political upheaval. \u003cbr\u003eThe novel's sensitive portrayal of the women's relationships and the broader historical context make it a powerful and evocative read. Beattie's writing is masterful, capturing the essence of the women's experiences and the complexities of their lives. \"Msasa Trees\" is a testament to the resilience and strength of human relationships, even in the face of adversity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 546g\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 321 x 139 x 38 (mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9781739974411\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tina Beattie","offers":[{"title":"Paperback \/ softback","offer_id":44105439805690,"sku":"9781739974411","price":8.04,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/1646323598006_book.jpg?v=1646947135","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/between-two-rivers-9781739974411","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}