David Farrell's Blog
July 28, 2025
Launch - My African Rose
🪶✨ 𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝘆 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲
At its heart, this book isn’t just about a bar in a small South African town. It’s about what happens when love is tested by a world in transition. 💔
🌍 1995. The Springboks have won the Rugby World Cup. Nelson Mandela is president. The country is changing, but not fast enough.
💥 In Cobblers Bar and Grill, tensions flare. Fists fly. Prejudices don’t vanish overnight.
❤️ And in the middle of it all are Rose and Rorke, fighting not only to keep their business afloat—but their relationship, too.
🔥 𝗠𝘆 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲 is about:
▪️ Love vs. violence
▪️ Dreams vs. reality
▪️ Hope vs. history
What happens when the world outside starts to fracture the world you’re building inside?
📚 If you’ve ever believed in love surviving through chaos, this book is for you.
💬 𝗤𝗢𝗧𝗗... what’s one book that made you feel something real?
My African Rose
At its heart, this book isn’t just about a bar in a small South African town. It’s about what happens when love is tested by a world in transition. 💔
🌍 1995. The Springboks have won the Rugby World Cup. Nelson Mandela is president. The country is changing, but not fast enough.
💥 In Cobblers Bar and Grill, tensions flare. Fists fly. Prejudices don’t vanish overnight.
❤️ And in the middle of it all are Rose and Rorke, fighting not only to keep their business afloat—but their relationship, too.
🔥 𝗠𝘆 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲 is about:
▪️ Love vs. violence
▪️ Dreams vs. reality
▪️ Hope vs. history
What happens when the world outside starts to fracture the world you’re building inside?
📚 If you’ve ever believed in love surviving through chaos, this book is for you.
💬 𝗤𝗢𝗧𝗗... what’s one book that made you feel something real?
My African Rose
May 23, 2025
Cover Reveal
Rose convinces Rorke to leave their corporate jobs and invest in the local tavern, Cobblers Bar and Grill.
But their dream is far from peaceful.
⚠️ Escalating violence
Fights sparked by race, gender, and prejudice
❤️🔥 A couple trying to hold it together
🌍 A country in transition
𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘙𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘙𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘦’𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘣𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘮? 𝘖𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘰𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮?
📚 𝗠𝘆 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲 is a story of love, resilience, and survival in a nation at a crossroads.
👇 What do you think of the cover? Let us know below!
Repost Kingsley Publishers
But their dream is far from peaceful.
⚠️ Escalating violence
Fights sparked by race, gender, and prejudice
❤️🔥 A couple trying to hold it together
🌍 A country in transition
𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘙𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘙𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘦’𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘣𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘮? 𝘖𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘰𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮?
📚 𝗠𝘆 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲 is a story of love, resilience, and survival in a nation at a crossroads.
👇 What do you think of the cover? Let us know below!
Repost Kingsley Publishers
April 12, 2025
Review by the amazing Mrs Moa
A story of the realities and challenges faced when moving to a new country.
In seeking a safer environment to raise his family, Rorke and Rose make the heartbreaking decision to leave their extended family and beloved motherland, Africa and migrate to New Zealand.
An extraordinary tale of heartbreak and resilience in navigating migration legal battles, cultural differences, facing racism and prejudice yet the triumph and joy in found family and the feeling of freedom and community.
While this story is fiction, it reads in the beautiful style of a memoir as I believe David has drawn on his own personal experiences.
Where The Birds Don't Fly
In seeking a safer environment to raise his family, Rorke and Rose make the heartbreaking decision to leave their extended family and beloved motherland, Africa and migrate to New Zealand.
An extraordinary tale of heartbreak and resilience in navigating migration legal battles, cultural differences, facing racism and prejudice yet the triumph and joy in found family and the feeling of freedom and community.
While this story is fiction, it reads in the beautiful style of a memoir as I believe David has drawn on his own personal experiences.
Where The Birds Don't Fly
March 1, 2025
The Wilde Collection
With my wife and daughter away on a 3 week trip and me staying behind, I thought I’d spend the time writing.
I didn’t write a single word.
I’m okay with that because being an author is more than putting sentences together.
My learning and inspiration came from Zelda, our rescue, who joined us a couple of years ago.
I watched her demeanour spiral once the family left. She moped about the house, seldom going outdoors. Even the highlight of her day, a walk, was a subdued affair. In the evenings on my return from work and after being fed, she lay beside me as I flicked through the tv channels. Without luck or interest in anything.
With little more than a few days before their arrival, I noticed she has perked up. Doing zoomies and playing with her neglected toys strewn across the garden. There is a glint in her eye and her mischievousness has returned.
Her sudden change in behavior both pleased and puzzled me; then, the reason struck me.
Her attitude shifted around the same time my partner and I spoke about their flight home. Zelda was there watching me chat and responded to my reaction and lift in spirits.
A reminder of just how impactful our actions are on those around us that come back tenfold.
Zelda, your lesson on others mirroring ourselves, however hard to swallow, is appreciated.
My creativity and words have reappeared.
#thewildecollectionWhere The Birds Don't Fly
I didn’t write a single word.
I’m okay with that because being an author is more than putting sentences together.
My learning and inspiration came from Zelda, our rescue, who joined us a couple of years ago.
I watched her demeanour spiral once the family left. She moped about the house, seldom going outdoors. Even the highlight of her day, a walk, was a subdued affair. In the evenings on my return from work and after being fed, she lay beside me as I flicked through the tv channels. Without luck or interest in anything.
With little more than a few days before their arrival, I noticed she has perked up. Doing zoomies and playing with her neglected toys strewn across the garden. There is a glint in her eye and her mischievousness has returned.
Her sudden change in behavior both pleased and puzzled me; then, the reason struck me.
Her attitude shifted around the same time my partner and I spoke about their flight home. Zelda was there watching me chat and responded to my reaction and lift in spirits.
A reminder of just how impactful our actions are on those around us that come back tenfold.
Zelda, your lesson on others mirroring ourselves, however hard to swallow, is appreciated.
My creativity and words have reappeared.
#thewildecollectionWhere The Birds Don't Fly
December 13, 2024
Editor Lesley Marshall
Since completing his Advanced Diploma in Applied Writing through NorthTec, David has been busy completing a trilogy of fascinating memoirs.
The first two catalogued Rorke Wilde’s early life in Africa, and then the move to New Zealand.
The latest one fills in those missing years in the middle - his final years in Africa, with the joy of Mandela’s release and presidency, and deterioration of the economy after he stepped down, and the agonising decision about whether to stay or go. Staying would support a country Rorke loved but put his family at risk of a narrowing future; going was scary when it wasn’t even clear where they would choose. And it felt like a betrayal of his beloved Africa. For a Kiwi like me who marched in the 1981 Springbok Tour protests these memoirs have offered a new perspective on the recent history of South Africa. Enlightening and endlessly interesting.
Lesley Marshall
Member Storylines, NZ Society of Authors, NZ Association of Manuscript Assessors, Institute of Professional Editors; Tutor Applied Writing NorthTec; NZ coordinator International PENWhere The Birds Don't Fly
The first two catalogued Rorke Wilde’s early life in Africa, and then the move to New Zealand.
The latest one fills in those missing years in the middle - his final years in Africa, with the joy of Mandela’s release and presidency, and deterioration of the economy after he stepped down, and the agonising decision about whether to stay or go. Staying would support a country Rorke loved but put his family at risk of a narrowing future; going was scary when it wasn’t even clear where they would choose. And it felt like a betrayal of his beloved Africa. For a Kiwi like me who marched in the 1981 Springbok Tour protests these memoirs have offered a new perspective on the recent history of South Africa. Enlightening and endlessly interesting.
Lesley Marshall
Member Storylines, NZ Society of Authors, NZ Association of Manuscript Assessors, Institute of Professional Editors; Tutor Applied Writing NorthTec; NZ coordinator International PENWhere The Birds Don't Fly
November 30, 2024
Review by Tsitsi Mapepa Mutasa
The “Chameleon” is one book that has left me giggling so many times, and with tears flooding my eyes because I felt so many things in my heart.
As we follow Rorke Wilde, a young man on the cusp of adulthood, there is no better place to show the emotions a young man going through adolescence than a boarding high school.
The author has done it well without relying on physical features.
From beginning to end, the story is rich with the languages of Africa and Europe.
Being familiar with some of these languages and the accents of our favorite characters, it was a pleasure reading this novel, but also a reminder of so many things that make us who we are on this Earth.
A setting inhabited by people from all walks of life living in unity is one that is blessed.
But a blessed place is also one that is bound to have conflicts arise from minor and major issues.
People perceive things differently, but diversity reveals the humankind God created, which all deserves to be treated with nothing but kindness and love.
“The Chameleon” is asking for that because the reasons people leave places they call home are heartbreaking.
If we cannot ask ourselves this, then what is our purpose in this world?
As an immigrant, too, like the author, the unforgotten memories, the lives that could have been, and relationships separated are shadows always haunting us, especially when death takes one of us.
The strong bond between Rorke and Themba is very special, one that kept me reading the book.
We form eternal relationships with people we spiritually connect with, yet we yearn to be noticed by those who take advantage of our existence.
The author shows this part of our lives unapologetically.
It hurts, but it is life.
I was pleased to see my favorite characters reuniting in South Africa, but hurt by the way they parted.
If any consolation,
I believe these two will meet again in another world.
As we follow Rorke Wilde, a young man on the cusp of adulthood, there is no better place to show the emotions a young man going through adolescence than a boarding high school.
The author has done it well without relying on physical features.
From beginning to end, the story is rich with the languages of Africa and Europe.
Being familiar with some of these languages and the accents of our favorite characters, it was a pleasure reading this novel, but also a reminder of so many things that make us who we are on this Earth.
A setting inhabited by people from all walks of life living in unity is one that is blessed.
But a blessed place is also one that is bound to have conflicts arise from minor and major issues.
People perceive things differently, but diversity reveals the humankind God created, which all deserves to be treated with nothing but kindness and love.
“The Chameleon” is asking for that because the reasons people leave places they call home are heartbreaking.
If we cannot ask ourselves this, then what is our purpose in this world?
As an immigrant, too, like the author, the unforgotten memories, the lives that could have been, and relationships separated are shadows always haunting us, especially when death takes one of us.
The strong bond between Rorke and Themba is very special, one that kept me reading the book.
We form eternal relationships with people we spiritually connect with, yet we yearn to be noticed by those who take advantage of our existence.
The author shows this part of our lives unapologetically.
It hurts, but it is life.
I was pleased to see my favorite characters reuniting in South Africa, but hurt by the way they parted.
If any consolation,
I believe these two will meet again in another world.
August 8, 2024
Final touches to novel #3
Final touches to novel #3 in The Wilde Collection complete, then off to my editor. Concluding tweaks, then to my publisher. The most challenging aspect is accepting that you’ve given your all.
Book #4 underway and the last novel in the series. (2025)
Book #5 a non-fiction project 5 years in the writing. (2026)
Book #6 running through my mind and playing out in my dreams and nightmares. (2027)
Never-ending 😎
Book #4 underway and the last novel in the series. (2025)
Book #5 a non-fiction project 5 years in the writing. (2026)
Book #6 running through my mind and playing out in my dreams and nightmares. (2027)
Never-ending 😎
July 16, 2024
Life is about balance.
Join Rorke Wilde and his family in a series of biographical literary adventure books. Be captivated as you journey from his youth to adulthood, spanning multiple countries and continents.
Each book could be read independently or as part of the series.
Praise for David Farrell
"Now this is what I call an award winning masterpiece of literary fiction!" - Author Taryn Leigh
"A wonderful time capsule of a life lived in a time of enormous historical significance" - Author Naomi Shippen
"The book is incredibly well written with a stunning prose and characters that are so well developed" - Kirsty Reviewer
"David Farrell could have been one of the great 20th-century writers" - Author Martin Svaneborg.
Where The Birds Don't Fly
Each book could be read independently or as part of the series.
Praise for David Farrell
"Now this is what I call an award winning masterpiece of literary fiction!" - Author Taryn Leigh
"A wonderful time capsule of a life lived in a time of enormous historical significance" - Author Naomi Shippen
"The book is incredibly well written with a stunning prose and characters that are so well developed" - Kirsty Reviewer
"David Farrell could have been one of the great 20th-century writers" - Author Martin Svaneborg.
Where The Birds Don't Fly
July 2, 2024
The Wilde Collection
Book 1 – The Chameleon
"I snuck out of the house and joined Themba’s family for supper whenever my parents went out for an evening.
Tonight, was no different. A hearty affair with a three-legged, cast iron potjie brimming with cornmeal and flame-grilled brisket.
Exotic spices, influenced by the spice trade, wafted up from enamel bowls.
We rolled the porridge in our right hands and dipped the food into the thick peri-peri sauce — a seasoning made from ground bird's-eye chillies introduced by early Portuguese settlers.
Idle gossip wound down the meal before Themba’s side splitting belch, accompanied by an appreciative rub of his belly, declared an end to proceedings."
Book 2 - Where The Birds Don’t Fly
"What we experienced has been insignificant compared to our fellow immigrants, especially the downtrodden and dehumanised labelled as illegal or refugee.
Our tale is about removing the tainted silver spoons from our mouths and put them to better use, fortunate never to suffer from poverty or maltreatment.
This story is important to tell so it may draw attention to the persecuted diaspora around the world seeking a place to rest and perhaps, dare they dream, have a positive impact."
"I snuck out of the house and joined Themba’s family for supper whenever my parents went out for an evening.
Tonight, was no different. A hearty affair with a three-legged, cast iron potjie brimming with cornmeal and flame-grilled brisket.
Exotic spices, influenced by the spice trade, wafted up from enamel bowls.
We rolled the porridge in our right hands and dipped the food into the thick peri-peri sauce — a seasoning made from ground bird's-eye chillies introduced by early Portuguese settlers.
Idle gossip wound down the meal before Themba’s side splitting belch, accompanied by an appreciative rub of his belly, declared an end to proceedings."
Book 2 - Where The Birds Don’t Fly
"What we experienced has been insignificant compared to our fellow immigrants, especially the downtrodden and dehumanised labelled as illegal or refugee.
Our tale is about removing the tainted silver spoons from our mouths and put them to better use, fortunate never to suffer from poverty or maltreatment.
This story is important to tell so it may draw attention to the persecuted diaspora around the world seeking a place to rest and perhaps, dare they dream, have a positive impact."
June 13, 2024
What the industry is saying.
"This second book in the series, it is a reassuring read in these troubled times."
"David Farrell is an amazing author that sits in the background but by gosh, he is sharp with his eyes! Very observant!"
"Farrell's characters are richly drawn and utterly compelling, their struggles rendered with empathy and nuance."
"Farrell invites us to embark on an unmatched journey of self-discovery, one that ultimately affirms the unifying power of our shared humanity."
"Farrell is an earnest writer."
Where The Birds Don't Fly - Second book in The Wilde Collection series.
"David Farrell is an amazing author that sits in the background but by gosh, he is sharp with his eyes! Very observant!"
"Farrell's characters are richly drawn and utterly compelling, their struggles rendered with empathy and nuance."
"Farrell invites us to embark on an unmatched journey of self-discovery, one that ultimately affirms the unifying power of our shared humanity."
"Farrell is an earnest writer."
Where The Birds Don't Fly - Second book in The Wilde Collection series.
