Curiosity has consequences…

It can cost you your childhood–if it doesn’t kill you.

For the new African country Zambia, 1964 heralds a joyous and turbulent time: a celebration of its independence from Britain. But for thirteen-year-old Rianna and ten-year-old Lukas and Anthony, life on Madzi Moyo–a tucked-away Mission station–is idyllic. Their biggest concern is remembering to wear a hat against the searing sun and surviving the housemother’s purple cabbage pie.

That changes when the trio stumbles upon two hidden AK-47s and is caught by Mavuto, the guns’ owner, a staunch African nationalist. He abducts them on the spot: afraid they will telltale and jeopardize his private plan to ensure his country’s independence. Over the course of a single night and morning, a race and rescue mission ensues, which, as the hours pass, becomes more violent and out-of-control.

Danie Botha

Buku