The Afrikaner's Decline - Gestein, Friedrich
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Set in the early 1930s, "The Ledger of Loss" follows Jan de Wet, a farmer turned clerk, as he navigates the economic ruin of South Africa's Great Depression. After losing his farm to drought, Jan moves to Pretoria's slums, where he uncovers corruption at Volksbank, leading to its collapse and community unrest. His journey is marked by flashbacks to his family's struggles, starting with his grandfather's compensation for slaves in 1833, and his father's battles with disease and war, all chronicled in a tattered ledger. Jan, supported by his wife Elsabe's fierce loyalty and their son Pieter's…mehr

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Produktbeschreibung
Set in the early 1930s, "The Ledger of Loss" follows Jan de Wet, a farmer turned clerk, as he navigates the economic ruin of South Africa's Great Depression. After losing his farm to drought, Jan moves to Pretoria's slums, where he uncovers corruption at Volksbank, leading to its collapse and community unrest. His journey is marked by flashbacks to his family's struggles, starting with his grandfather's compensation for slaves in 1833, and his father's battles with disease and war, all chronicled in a tattered ledger. Jan, supported by his wife Elsabe's fierce loyalty and their son Pieter's hopeful eyes, rallies his neighbors to demand schools and jobs, defying the "poor white" stigma. The narrative builds tension as they plant a community garden, symbolizing renewal, while whispers of division threaten their unity, hinting at future segregationist policies. The book delves into resilience and redemption, set against the Carnegie report's revelations about Afrikaner poverty. It explores how loss can forge purpose and community, offering a window into a pivotal time in South African history, with echoes of modern struggles.
Autorenporträt
Early Life and Background Born in Leeds, England, the author grew up with a rich blend of cultural influences. His German mother from Hamburg shared tales of Teutonic resilience, while his English father from Yorkshire instilled a love for storytelling and the natural beauty of the Yorkshire moors. This unique upbringing fostered his lifelong curiosity about human origins and perseverance.Education He pursued history at Glasgow University, where he delved into archives and immersed himself in local culture. His academic focus was on uncovering the raw, unpolished truths of ordinary lives rather than grand historical narratives.Career and Personal Life The author moved to South Africa, drawn by its vibrant yet tumultuous history. There, he met and married Nomsa, a Zulu woman whose strength and warmth became central to his life. Together, they raised four children.Return to Europe In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic prompted his return to Germany, his mother's homeland. Amid global upheaval, he turned to writing as a means of connecting historical struggles with contemporary challenges.Writing Approach His methodology combines meticulous archival research with imaginative storytelling. He frames his work as a "conversation across decades," linking past resilience with present-day struggles.Current Life As of March 2023, he resides in Germany with his wife Nomsa. With their children grown, he continues to write from a quiet study, viewing history as a living mirror that reflects both triumphs and unresolved questions.