A True Story of SA Concerned with the extent to which the ANC is ignoring the role of Afrikaners in
building our nation, author Cuan Elgin has recalled their role in the form of a novel.
Bulala, A True Story of South Africa might often resort to plain narrative, but the plot certainly gels with the history I was taught at school and occurred thereafter. Elgin is unashamedly one-sided, but he has aimed for accuracy and pulls no punches. I applaud what he has done to make sure the Afrikaners’ contribution is neither forgotten nor misrepresented. A very interesting read – especially for history lovers.
 Review by: Tony Hull

This book is in stark contrast to those that have gone before it.  For the first time South Africa’s history is depicted as it really was—shorn of politically correct evaluations and comment. With real people, incidents and events it tells the real and brutal story of the taming of a harsh, yet beautiful land. The blood and the battles, the dust and the sounds and smells all paint a most vivid picture. Anyone who reads this book cannot fail to understand more of the real dynamics of Africa: its cruelty, harshness, and unforgiving nature is stripped bare in Bulala . . . Read it and think again.” --David Taylor, New Zealand

"A joy to read.” Mark Ellwood, Canada
 “A terrifically entertaining story.” Greg Marlin, UK
“A must-read... the war scenes are intense.” Wilfried H., Belgium
“A unique presentation of South African history.” Les Dwight, South Africa

This is a truly compelling account of the history of South Africa, right from the beginning up until the end. Highly entertaining and hard to put down, the book contains fascinating information, not always popularly know.
The content has been well researched and, as the sub-title suggests, endeavours to give a true and comprehensive account of South African history. Without trying to be politically correct, the author says it as it is, or rather was. As is the case with any historical account the contents inevitably also reflect the author's personal convictions, subjective interpretation of certain events and his personal views of certain aspects of history and politics.
What makes the book truly remarkable is the fact that it was researched and written by an English-speaking South African of Scottish - Irish descent. He not only leans towards the case for the Boer or white Afrikaner but in fact conveys a passion for them and their history. In view of the biased history we find in bookshops today, this book oddly enough has a freshness about it, while simultaneously also being somewhat archaic. The story woven into the factual account, is innovative and quite gripping and enjoyable.
In view of the fact that South African children today are almost denied their history, this book can fulfill a valuable role. The book almost instills a certain pride in our history, reflected without the influence of political agendas incorporated into it.
This book can in my opinion be very successfully translated into Afrikaans. ~Maria Taljaard~

 

I have just recently finished this book and I thought it was absolutely brilliant!!! At times Jim had me in absolute stitches and at others he had me going through an entire gambit of emotions all within pages of each other.
For many former Rhodesians those last years during the 'plunder' must have been the darkest of their lives, but each and every one of these families picked themselves up, dusted themselves off and got on with their lives. They would not be beaten or cowed, and none more so than Jim Barker and his family.
Throughout the book Jims tenacity and determination to persevere shine through. Both his and Judys' bravery in defending their country, home and family throughout their various ordeals is without question and the honesty and integrity of this upstanding family is beyond reproach.
I have the utmost respect for both Jim and Judy and of course their family. The fact that they are still in Zim is a tribute to their courage and the love they hold for 'Paradise Plundered'.
Review by: Steven Webb - author of Ops Medic: A National Servicemans Border War and Paramedics: Lights and Sirens.