Utterly heartbreaking

⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑  You Will Be Safe Here covers the Boer War and life in South Africa many years after. Ground not frequently tread in novels. The story of Sarah Van Der Watt, a young farmer's wife during the war, was the most heart-wrenching of the book. Heart-wrenching and yet beautiful, too. The way she described her day-to-day life on the farm was touching, sweet and rich with emotive power. Her existence turns on its head as she is uprooted, with her young son, and moved to Bloemfontein Concentration Camp. For her own safety, the British say. From there her world becomes dark and sad with caring for Fredy her only priority. It felt as if we lived with Sarah for quite a while then suddenly we are taken away to follow the story of Rayna, more than 70 years later. It was rather jarring but just go with it. It all becomes clear as the various stories interweave with each other.

I don't want to discuss the specifics of the story beyond what I've said as I would hate to spill some intricate piece of the puzzle. There is much, here, to fill your heart with empathy and create a strong bond between the characters and the reader. Such a lovely painful book is one that is both difficult to read and impossible to put down. South Africa is such a wondrous place. I knew it had a turbulent past but to see it through the eyes of these characters makes it real and tangible to those of us who live our lives far away both in time and distance.

This life-affirming book is perfect for book clubs and those looking to see into the events of our history. You Will Be Safe Here will open your eyes and touch your soul.