"Zululand is the compelling second installment following Griqueland, where readers were first introduced to a deeply human story set against the backdrop of colonial Africa. This time, the spotlight shifts to two powerful new characters whose lives collide in the most unexpected way.

We meet Chemsford, a British military officer hardened by duty and loss. After the death of his wife three years ago, he has buried himself in service—first helping conquer India, and now stationed in the unforgiving heat of Africa.

Then comes Nkosazane, a fiercely intelligent and resilient African princess. Once nearly sold into slavery by the Soepenberg, she speaks her native tongue, French, and English with striking fluency. Her strength and presence quickly capture Chemsford’s attention, setting the stage for a story rich in tension, culture, and forbidden connection.

What unfolds is a powerful tale of identity, resilience, and the bonds that form despite the brutal complexities of war and colonization.

There’s so much more to be discovered, but I’ll stop here—Zululand is a story best experienced page by page.
Happy reading!"

"Wow—this book completely blew me away.

Griqualand is one of those rare historical fiction novels that grips you from the first page and doesn’t let go. It’s raw, emotional, and unapologetically honest in its portrayal of 19th-century South Africa. I’ll admit I went in not knowing much about Griqualand East or the Griqua people, but Oliver Strong brings this overlooked corner of history to life with stunning detail.

The story revolves around Bastijn Klein Soepenberg, a white Boer farmer who is honestly one of the most complex and infuriating characters I’ve ever read. His brutality, especially toward the enslaved people on his farm, is horrifying, but the pain and desperation he carries over his wife Hannah’s illness is also deeply human. It's uncomfortable—but in the best way. The author doesn’t sugarcoat anything, and that’s what makes it so powerful.

But it’s not just Soepenberg's story. Characters like Arnou, a proud San woman forced into servitude, absolutely stole my heart. Her strength and quiet defiance lingered with me long after I finished reading. The book doesn’t shy away from the horrors of colonialism, racial hierarchies, or the political tensions of the time—but somehow, it still finds space to explore love, grief, resilience, and the impossible choices people had to make.

Strong’s writing is rich, vivid, and immersive. He weaves in languages, cultural details, even food like bobotie and bunny chow, creating a world that feels heartbreakingly real. It’s the kind of book that teaches you without ever feeling like a history lesson.

This was not an easy read—emotionally speaking—but it was absolutely worth it. If you love thought-provoking, character-driven historical fiction that doesn't flinch from the ugly parts of history, Griqualand is a must-read.

Highly recommend—this is going to stay with me for a long time."

"Ik heb lang getwijfeld of ik dit boek 3 of 4 sterren zou geven. Het verhaal over het team van de Athena en Ilam vind ik prachtig, inspirerend en ontzettend leuk. Echter wordt er door de auteur vaak heel diep op technische processen e.d. ingegaan wat voor mij echt onnodig is en zelfs het tempo en leesplezier naar beneden halen. Toch heb ik besloten om dit verhaal 4 sterren te geven, puur omdat het echt een mooi verhaal is wat er in dit boek verstopt zit."