Fire Portrait: The page-turning novel of love and loss

Frances McDonald moves to a remote South African hamlet, where she is regarded with suspicion. She seeks an outlet by learning the local language, teaching art, and exhibiting her paintings. When war threatens, she meets a former love and is propelled on a journey to London and beyond.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 19 August 2021
Publisher: Allison & Busby

I have taken risks throughout my life, some of which have been physical and others more daring and challenging. When Frances McDonald relocates to a remote South African hamlet in the shadow of the Hex River Mountains, she is met with suspicion by the locals. She finds an outlet for herself by studying the local language, teaching art, and showcasing her paintings of the breathtaking veld landscape. However, the specter of war looms over the country and the town, threatening to divide both and thwart Frances's hard-fought acceptance.

While her husband departs to fight for the Allies, Frances has the opportunity to reconnect with a former love. The joy of that unexpected reunion is tempered by a day that will forever alter her course. Emerging from the smoke and ash of a devastating fire, she embarks on a journey that will take her from the arid veld to the bright lights of London and beyond.

Throughout her journey, Frances faces numerous obstacles and challenges. She must navigate the complexities of a foreign culture, confront her past demons, and overcome the physical and emotional toll of her experiences. But she also discovers strength and resilience in the face of adversity, and her journey ultimately leads her to a place of self-discovery and fulfillment.

In conclusion, my life has been filled with risks, both physical and emotional. But through it all, I have learned to embrace the unknown, to push myself beyond my limits, and to find joy and purpose in the journey. Frances McDonald's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the ability to overcome adversity, and her journey reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of light and hope.

Weight: 424g
Dimension: 187 x 385 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780749026691