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My Brother-but-One
An Epic saga exploring the violence and traditions of rural Africa. Scott Decker and Zol Ndhlovu are partners in a private game ranch in Zimbabwe. They have a friendship borne from Africa — a brotherhood that endures the generation gap — and crosses the colour barrier. Australian Ashley Twine is a thirty-something dynamic achiever and a confident businesswoman. When a gender mix-up secures her a position on a volunteer program in the Hwange National Park, Ashley gets a chance to take stock of her life and reassess her situation. But the chauvinistic Scott — who runs the operation — is adamant she isn’t cut out for the job. After Ashley witnesses firsthand the devastation left behind by poachers, Scott finds himself torn between wanting to protect Ashley or forcing her to leave Africa for her own safety…and his sanity. But after working so closely together, Ashely and Scot can no longer deny their feelings…or be apart. However, nothing can prepare Ashley for being ambushed and held captive by the psychopathic Rodney — an old enemy of Zol’s — from a war fought years ago. And now that their world has been threatened, circumstances take hold of their lives and begin to shape and change them forever. Set against a magnificent backdrop of Africa across the decades, this epic saga explores the traditions and violence between the white and black families of rural Africa. ‘You can smell the dust of Africa, feel her pain, and marvel at her incredible beauty in this sprawling tale.’ — TONY PARK, author of The Delta and Ivory .
392 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2013
66 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
About the author
T.M. Clark
15 books85 followersT.M. Clark
Zimbabwean-born T.M. Clark combines her passion for storytelling, different cultures and wildlife with her love for the wild in her multicultural books. Writing for adults and children, she has been nominated for a Queensland Literary Award and is a Children’s Book Council Notable. When not killing her fans and hiding their bodies (all in the name of literature), Tina Marie coordinates the CYA Conference (www.cyaconference.com), providing professional development for new and established writers and illustrators, and is the co-presenter at Writers as Sea (www.WritersAtSea.com.au). She loves mentoring emerging writers, eating chocolate biscuits and collecting books for creating libraries in Papua New Guinea.
Visit T.M. Clark at tmclark.com.au
Her books include My Brother-But-One, nominated for a Queensland Literary People’s Choice Award in 2014. Shooting Butterflies, Tears of A Cheetah, Child of Africa, Nature of the Lion and Cry of the Firebird. Her children’s picture books include Slowly! Slowly!, which is a 2018 CBCA Notable Book, and Quickly! Quickly! which are companion books to Child Of Africa.
Her new novel, Song of the Starlings is out now.
Zimbabwean-born T.M. Clark combines her passion for storytelling, different cultures and wildlife with her love for the wild in her multicultural books. Writing for adults and children, she has been nominated for a Queensland Literary Award and is a Children’s Book Council Notable. When not killing her fans and hiding their bodies (all in the name of literature), Tina Marie coordinates the CYA Conference (www.cyaconference.com), providing professional development for new and established writers and illustrators, and is the co-presenter at Writers as Sea (www.WritersAtSea.com.au). She loves mentoring emerging writers, eating chocolate biscuits and collecting books for creating libraries in Papua New Guinea.
Visit T.M. Clark at tmclark.com.au
Her books include My Brother-But-One, nominated for a Queensland Literary People’s Choice Award in 2014. Shooting Butterflies, Tears of A Cheetah, Child of Africa, Nature of the Lion and Cry of the Firebird. Her children’s picture books include Slowly! Slowly!, which is a 2018 CBCA Notable Book, and Quickly! Quickly! which are companion books to Child Of Africa.
Her new novel, Song of the Starlings is out now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 16, 2022
This is the sweeping saga of a young Australian engineer, Ashley Twine, who travelled to Zimbabwe to work as a volunteer on an anti-poaching project and fell in love with Scott Decker, owner of a private game reserve. It is the story of their love for one another and their extended family of colleagues and loyal workers who share their love of the land, the African bush and the animals that live in it.
The tale is set against the background of the problems that besieged Zimbabwe and contributed to its current difficulties in feeding its population, such as the violent seizing of land successfully farmed by often generations of white Africans for the resettlement of black Africans as well as the insidious poaching of ivory that is becoming ever more aggressive. The author's first hand experience of living in Zimbabwe can clearly be seen in her vivid descriptions and feeling for the land and its people. It is sometimes sad, sometimes violent but ultimately a tale of survival and revival.
The tale is set against the background of the problems that besieged Zimbabwe and contributed to its current difficulties in feeding its population, such as the violent seizing of land successfully farmed by often generations of white Africans for the resettlement of black Africans as well as the insidious poaching of ivory that is becoming ever more aggressive. The author's first hand experience of living in Zimbabwe can clearly be seen in her vivid descriptions and feeling for the land and its people. It is sometimes sad, sometimes violent but ultimately a tale of survival and revival.
December 26, 2016
When Scott Decker arrived at the local airport to pick up his latest volunteer, he was shocked when Kevin, his pilot, escorted a woman from the plane. Ashley Twine was an engineer from Brisbane, Australia and had well and truly qualified for the position Scott needed filled. But he couldn’t cater for a woman at Delmonica, his game ranch in Zimbabwe. He gave her one week to prove her worth though, and installed her in his own home instead of the special rooms which were for the volunteers.
Zol Ndhlovu and Scott had been friends and partners for a lifetime – their joint ownership of Delmonica was originally born of necessity; they were brothers in every way but blood. The poachers were devastating the elephant herds in the Hwange National Park in their quest for more ivory – the black market was flourishing, but it was shattering to the animal population, and heartbreaking to the anti-poaching units who were doing everything in their power to bring the ring down.
But Scott had no idea there was a bigger danger ahead of them all – when the search for the poachers brought them up against a deranged killer who had been an enemy of Zol’s for more years than he cared to remember, the horror and carnage was yet to come; but it wasn’t far away. What would happen to the lovely, white skinned Ashley in this country where black and white met on a daily basis – some who were friends, many who were not?
My Brother But One by Aussie author T.M. Clark is a beautifully told rendition of rural Africa, long held traditions and a country going through change. This epic journey was filled with every imaginable emotion and tugged at my heartstrings numerous times. Ruggedly beautiful, Africa is a country the author knows well as she herself was born in Zimbabwe. My Brother But One is also this author’s debut novel – I have now read every book she has written and have thoroughly enjoyed them all. Highly recommended.
Zol Ndhlovu and Scott had been friends and partners for a lifetime – their joint ownership of Delmonica was originally born of necessity; they were brothers in every way but blood. The poachers were devastating the elephant herds in the Hwange National Park in their quest for more ivory – the black market was flourishing, but it was shattering to the animal population, and heartbreaking to the anti-poaching units who were doing everything in their power to bring the ring down.
But Scott had no idea there was a bigger danger ahead of them all – when the search for the poachers brought them up against a deranged killer who had been an enemy of Zol’s for more years than he cared to remember, the horror and carnage was yet to come; but it wasn’t far away. What would happen to the lovely, white skinned Ashley in this country where black and white met on a daily basis – some who were friends, many who were not?
My Brother But One by Aussie author T.M. Clark is a beautifully told rendition of rural Africa, long held traditions and a country going through change. This epic journey was filled with every imaginable emotion and tugged at my heartstrings numerous times. Ruggedly beautiful, Africa is a country the author knows well as she herself was born in Zimbabwe. My Brother But One is also this author’s debut novel – I have now read every book she has written and have thoroughly enjoyed them all. Highly recommended.
January 28, 2014
T.M. Clark brings Africa to life in this tale of love, war and brotherhood. This book has it all in terms of romance, suspense, mystery, adventure and intrigue. Even if you've never been to Africa, you will see, feel and smell the plains around you as T.M. Clark breathes magic into this story.
It's been a very long time since I've read a book where I can 'hear' the characters speaking. In My Brother But One, I could hear Scott's Zimbabwean accent versus Ashley's Australian one.This says a lot for T.M. Clark's talent as an author. An author who has the skill to bring a voice to a character is one who will go far in the publishing world.
Be prepared to be transported into a world of violence, poachers, trials and challenges because Scott and Ashley's story is not an easy read. It will have you on the edge of your seat, riding a rollercoaster of emotions. I smiled, laughed and shivered through this story until I cried at the end.
Thanks to a Goodreads giveaway and T.M. Clark for this delightfully different book.
It's been a very long time since I've read a book where I can 'hear' the characters speaking. In My Brother But One, I could hear Scott's Zimbabwean accent versus Ashley's Australian one.This says a lot for T.M. Clark's talent as an author. An author who has the skill to bring a voice to a character is one who will go far in the publishing world.
Be prepared to be transported into a world of violence, poachers, trials and challenges because Scott and Ashley's story is not an easy read. It will have you on the edge of your seat, riding a rollercoaster of emotions. I smiled, laughed and shivered through this story until I cried at the end.
Thanks to a Goodreads giveaway and T.M. Clark for this delightfully different book.
May 18, 2014
From debut author T.M. Clark comes this sweeping narrative about love, family, loss, courage and survival entwined within the harsh reality that many Zimbabweans have known.
In the opening pages of My Brother-But-One, Tina takes us back to 1941 - the birth of Moswena’s “white son” (or Albino), Isipho Rodney Nube, and their subsequent banishment from the tribe’s kraal.
Forward to 1966 and Zol Ndhlovu, a 10 year old black boy has just been rescued by the Swahili-speaking white farmer, Charlie.
Fast-forward to 1995 and we are introduced to Scott and Ashley.
Burnt out and restless after a relationship failure, Australian born and bred, Ashley Twine, has volunteered to work on Scott Decker’s pump restoration program, for four weeks. Unfortunately, her arrival is met with a somewhat grave unacceptance when she gets off the plane and Scott realises that his new volunteer is female!
Delmonica, which borders Hwange National Reserve, is and always has been the first love of Scott’s life. With Zimbabwe currently in an economic downturn due to its political state, trouble brewing because of the redistribution of land under the Land Requisition Act and the added pressure of running an anti-poaching unit within the reserve, Scott has got his work cut out for him and doesn’t need the additional burden of keeping an unknowing foreign white female safe from all the dangers that surround them.
He and Ashley butt heads over whether she will remain and, while her obstinate nature mistakes his concern for male chauvinism, he soon resigns himself to the fact that there’s more to this girl than meets the eye and her determination to stay is made clear.
As Scott and Ashley begin to work side-by-side, their friendship slowly strengthens and blossoms into something far more than either of them could ever have anticipated. But, this is not where the story ends because as the dangers lurking in the African bush come home to roost, worlds will collide and the true meaning of “my brother-but-one” will finally emerge.
This is the first time I have read a novel with the breathtaking wilderness and grassy plains of Zimbabwe serving as a backdrop. One often hears about the destruction of Zimbabwe and its farmers, but this is possibly the only work of fiction I have read which, through the eyes of Tina’s characters, brings into close perspective the brutality that its inhabitants (both human and wildlife) have had to endure.
Pre-2000, Zimbabwe was known as the breadbasket of Africa with maize farming yielding more than 1.5 million tons annually, wheat production standing at about 309,000 tons and tobacco production, at 265,000 tons, all of which accounted for almost a third of its total foreign currency earnings and tourism one of the fastest growing economic sectors.
When the Land Requisition Act was implemented, nobody anticipated the social, political and economic crises that were about to come crashing down and the civil unrest that ensued with a sharp increase in the illegal harvesting of wildlife in Hwange National Park, one of Africa’s finest havens. The lucrative black-market demand for ivory saw many African Savanna Elephants being brought to their knees in the most horrific manner possible with the full extent of the turmoil making life incredibly difficult for most Zimbabweans, and a large proportion fleeing with just the clothes on their backs.
Although somewhat improved and the protection of the majestic African Elephant having become a high profile conservation cause with an anti-poaching task force now deployed on the ground, neither the political nor conservation issues have totally disappeared and, against all odds, the people that remain continue to try and make a difference.
There were, of course, moments in the novel that I found tough to read because of the violent and sometimes persecutory nature of the scenes but, in saying that, while one particular scene had me shedding crocodile tears and another wanting to hit out at the perpetrator, it is quite apparent that Tina has not used these gratuitously, thereby giving us a story about real people, real animals and real lives.
In her own words from an interview held with author Maggie Christensen in December 2013, “I still haven’t found peace within myself for the destruction of so many lives devastated by the land redistribution program in Zimbabwe. But I have found peace in writing about characters whose futures I can make better in my own fictional place and time”.
As I journeyed on with her well-paced narrative, a fight between good and evil began to emerge with most of her characters being put through the wringer in their battle to keep their home and stay alive. On the subject of characters, whilst there are a number to whom we are introduced, the reader can in no way confuse one with another, as they are all brought to life through their own distinct voices thus making them fascinatingly human and typically “African”. This is made all the more familiar by a great mix of both South African/Zimbabwean slang and local dialect and, for our Aussie counterparts, the brilliant glossary at the end goes a long way in assisting those who are in unfamiliar territory.
At the end of the day, Tina has captured the essence of life in the midst of Africa’s ancient heartbeat, culminating in a thoroughly absorbing novel with her vivid descriptions shaping the land and the people as she gets the political and personal dynamics just right.
This is a moving debut and an impassioned testimony to a country whose inhabitants are just as colourful as its magnificent landscapes.
I don't hesitate to recommend this as a great read.
In the opening pages of My Brother-But-One, Tina takes us back to 1941 - the birth of Moswena’s “white son” (or Albino), Isipho Rodney Nube, and their subsequent banishment from the tribe’s kraal.
Forward to 1966 and Zol Ndhlovu, a 10 year old black boy has just been rescued by the Swahili-speaking white farmer, Charlie.
Fast-forward to 1995 and we are introduced to Scott and Ashley.
Burnt out and restless after a relationship failure, Australian born and bred, Ashley Twine, has volunteered to work on Scott Decker’s pump restoration program, for four weeks. Unfortunately, her arrival is met with a somewhat grave unacceptance when she gets off the plane and Scott realises that his new volunteer is female!
Delmonica, which borders Hwange National Reserve, is and always has been the first love of Scott’s life. With Zimbabwe currently in an economic downturn due to its political state, trouble brewing because of the redistribution of land under the Land Requisition Act and the added pressure of running an anti-poaching unit within the reserve, Scott has got his work cut out for him and doesn’t need the additional burden of keeping an unknowing foreign white female safe from all the dangers that surround them.
He and Ashley butt heads over whether she will remain and, while her obstinate nature mistakes his concern for male chauvinism, he soon resigns himself to the fact that there’s more to this girl than meets the eye and her determination to stay is made clear.
As Scott and Ashley begin to work side-by-side, their friendship slowly strengthens and blossoms into something far more than either of them could ever have anticipated. But, this is not where the story ends because as the dangers lurking in the African bush come home to roost, worlds will collide and the true meaning of “my brother-but-one” will finally emerge.
This is the first time I have read a novel with the breathtaking wilderness and grassy plains of Zimbabwe serving as a backdrop. One often hears about the destruction of Zimbabwe and its farmers, but this is possibly the only work of fiction I have read which, through the eyes of Tina’s characters, brings into close perspective the brutality that its inhabitants (both human and wildlife) have had to endure.
Pre-2000, Zimbabwe was known as the breadbasket of Africa with maize farming yielding more than 1.5 million tons annually, wheat production standing at about 309,000 tons and tobacco production, at 265,000 tons, all of which accounted for almost a third of its total foreign currency earnings and tourism one of the fastest growing economic sectors.
When the Land Requisition Act was implemented, nobody anticipated the social, political and economic crises that were about to come crashing down and the civil unrest that ensued with a sharp increase in the illegal harvesting of wildlife in Hwange National Park, one of Africa’s finest havens. The lucrative black-market demand for ivory saw many African Savanna Elephants being brought to their knees in the most horrific manner possible with the full extent of the turmoil making life incredibly difficult for most Zimbabweans, and a large proportion fleeing with just the clothes on their backs.
Although somewhat improved and the protection of the majestic African Elephant having become a high profile conservation cause with an anti-poaching task force now deployed on the ground, neither the political nor conservation issues have totally disappeared and, against all odds, the people that remain continue to try and make a difference.
There were, of course, moments in the novel that I found tough to read because of the violent and sometimes persecutory nature of the scenes but, in saying that, while one particular scene had me shedding crocodile tears and another wanting to hit out at the perpetrator, it is quite apparent that Tina has not used these gratuitously, thereby giving us a story about real people, real animals and real lives.
In her own words from an interview held with author Maggie Christensen in December 2013, “I still haven’t found peace within myself for the destruction of so many lives devastated by the land redistribution program in Zimbabwe. But I have found peace in writing about characters whose futures I can make better in my own fictional place and time”.
As I journeyed on with her well-paced narrative, a fight between good and evil began to emerge with most of her characters being put through the wringer in their battle to keep their home and stay alive. On the subject of characters, whilst there are a number to whom we are introduced, the reader can in no way confuse one with another, as they are all brought to life through their own distinct voices thus making them fascinatingly human and typically “African”. This is made all the more familiar by a great mix of both South African/Zimbabwean slang and local dialect and, for our Aussie counterparts, the brilliant glossary at the end goes a long way in assisting those who are in unfamiliar territory.
At the end of the day, Tina has captured the essence of life in the midst of Africa’s ancient heartbeat, culminating in a thoroughly absorbing novel with her vivid descriptions shaping the land and the people as she gets the political and personal dynamics just right.
This is a moving debut and an impassioned testimony to a country whose inhabitants are just as colourful as its magnificent landscapes.
I don't hesitate to recommend this as a great read.
January 9, 2014
Africa is one of those places I haven’t read very much about, so my knowledge is somewhat lacking. Before reading My Brother-But-One by T.M. Clark, I had only a hazy idea of events in Zimbabwe from school days. The lessons at school didn’t even begin to touch on both the harrowing events for the farmers nor the beauty of the country and the people – I had to wait for T.M. Clark to teach me that – and boy, was it worth it.
The story opens with Ashley inadvertently being sent to volunteer on Scott Decker’s ranch, Delmonica, in Zimbabwe. Scott didn’t want a girl (they’re far too troublesome, but somebody thought Ashley’s was a boy’s name and now he has a female engineer off the plane from Australia. An engineer is of use to him, but a girl? No way. This is not a safe place for a girl. Ashley is stubborn and instantly takes dislike to what she thinks is Scott’s sexist, overbearing ways. She’ll fight him on every front, not knowing the dangers that Africa can hide. As Scott says, ‘in Africa, there’s some things worse than death’.
As Scott and Ashley trade barbs, Ashley begins to realise that he has her best interests at heart and Scott finds out he has a unique woman on his hands. It’s not long before sparks of a romantic nature start to fly.
Now you would think that was the end of the story, wouldn’t you? Oh no. Clark breaks the die here and tells us what happens after Scott and Ashley get together. Unfortunately, it’s not the happy ever after that the reader would hope for. I found this to be where the novel really shone, as Scott and Ashley face a number of trials together – fire, family and the albino who is intent on revenge on Ashley. There’s a lot of powerful emotions and conflict here, which will have you on the edge of your seat reading and reading. Just as Ashley jumps one hurdle, there’s another…and another. Life wasn’t meant to be easy but Ashley has it bloody difficult!
I admire T.M. Clark for not being afraid to put her characters through the wringer – Ashley’s not charmed and some of the things that happen would test any person to their limits. She’s also not afraid of character sacrifice either and manages to spring it on the reader unexpectedly (in one part, my jaw dropped so low I thought it had become unhinged). The character sacrifice, while incredibly sad, does move the plot along into previously unthought-of of territory, showing the depths of Ashley’s strength. Her strength isn’t just within – a recurring theme in My Brother-But-One is family and its importance. Not just blood family, but friends so close they’re like family. This is where the title My Brother-But-One – the ‘but-one’ are the relations of close friends. For example, Scott is brother-but-one with Zol – Scott’s father rescued Zol as a boy and he feels his job is protecting Scott and also Ashley.
Zol has a lot of work to do when it comes to protection – Delmonica has an anti-poaching team to stop poachers in the reserves nearby. Everyone at Delmonica is passionate about anti-poaching, but it’s a bloodthirsty job as the poachers don’t stop at anything. Smashing a poaching ring involving high ranking members of the government has ramifications that mean Ashley needs to protect herself with firearms if needed. It’s an incredible contrast to life in Australia but Clark writes with such a passion for Africa that you can’t help falling in love with the setting and the people. There’s also a comprehensive glossary at the back to describe the various local terms used. I think it’s one of the best glossaries I’ve ever had in a book – every word I looked up was there.
As for characters, I thought Ashley was a believable heroine – she’s not too gorgeous and has just enough stubbornness to be interesting with being infuriating. Scott I warmed to more gradually (some of his initial remarks read as rather sexist to me), but his actions in regard to his people and anti-poaching redeemed him more than enough in my eyes. Zol is a fantastic brother-but-one and the villain, Rodney, incredibly creepy but with an amusing way of speaking!
Don’t dismiss this book as a romance. This is an adventure/action suspense with a little romance thrown in – the real love is that shown for Africa.
Thank you to Harlequin Australia for the ARC.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
The story opens with Ashley inadvertently being sent to volunteer on Scott Decker’s ranch, Delmonica, in Zimbabwe. Scott didn’t want a girl (they’re far too troublesome, but somebody thought Ashley’s was a boy’s name and now he has a female engineer off the plane from Australia. An engineer is of use to him, but a girl? No way. This is not a safe place for a girl. Ashley is stubborn and instantly takes dislike to what she thinks is Scott’s sexist, overbearing ways. She’ll fight him on every front, not knowing the dangers that Africa can hide. As Scott says, ‘in Africa, there’s some things worse than death’.
As Scott and Ashley trade barbs, Ashley begins to realise that he has her best interests at heart and Scott finds out he has a unique woman on his hands. It’s not long before sparks of a romantic nature start to fly.
Now you would think that was the end of the story, wouldn’t you? Oh no. Clark breaks the die here and tells us what happens after Scott and Ashley get together. Unfortunately, it’s not the happy ever after that the reader would hope for. I found this to be where the novel really shone, as Scott and Ashley face a number of trials together – fire, family and the albino who is intent on revenge on Ashley. There’s a lot of powerful emotions and conflict here, which will have you on the edge of your seat reading and reading. Just as Ashley jumps one hurdle, there’s another…and another. Life wasn’t meant to be easy but Ashley has it bloody difficult!
I admire T.M. Clark for not being afraid to put her characters through the wringer – Ashley’s not charmed and some of the things that happen would test any person to their limits. She’s also not afraid of character sacrifice either and manages to spring it on the reader unexpectedly (in one part, my jaw dropped so low I thought it had become unhinged). The character sacrifice, while incredibly sad, does move the plot along into previously unthought-of of territory, showing the depths of Ashley’s strength. Her strength isn’t just within – a recurring theme in My Brother-But-One is family and its importance. Not just blood family, but friends so close they’re like family. This is where the title My Brother-But-One – the ‘but-one’ are the relations of close friends. For example, Scott is brother-but-one with Zol – Scott’s father rescued Zol as a boy and he feels his job is protecting Scott and also Ashley.
Zol has a lot of work to do when it comes to protection – Delmonica has an anti-poaching team to stop poachers in the reserves nearby. Everyone at Delmonica is passionate about anti-poaching, but it’s a bloodthirsty job as the poachers don’t stop at anything. Smashing a poaching ring involving high ranking members of the government has ramifications that mean Ashley needs to protect herself with firearms if needed. It’s an incredible contrast to life in Australia but Clark writes with such a passion for Africa that you can’t help falling in love with the setting and the people. There’s also a comprehensive glossary at the back to describe the various local terms used. I think it’s one of the best glossaries I’ve ever had in a book – every word I looked up was there.
As for characters, I thought Ashley was a believable heroine – she’s not too gorgeous and has just enough stubbornness to be interesting with being infuriating. Scott I warmed to more gradually (some of his initial remarks read as rather sexist to me), but his actions in regard to his people and anti-poaching redeemed him more than enough in my eyes. Zol is a fantastic brother-but-one and the villain, Rodney, incredibly creepy but with an amusing way of speaking!
Don’t dismiss this book as a romance. This is an adventure/action suspense with a little romance thrown in – the real love is that shown for Africa.
Thank you to Harlequin Australia for the ARC.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
December 14, 2013
My Brother-But-One is a beautifully told story about hardships and violence in Africa, when Zimbabwe was going through civil unrest. But it's not about the country's unrest, it's about a family's struggles within the political climate - and their struggles are not only political but personal too. It's about poaching, killing, working to save the land and the wildlife, about volunteer programs, love and family.
A strange mix of themes but it makes a terrifically powerful, if not always comfortable, read.
TM Clark has done a brilliant job in weaving a fascinating tale. I dare you not to fall in love with the characters. I dare you not to fall in love with Africa.
I found this is a fascinating story, well-written, well-told and difficult to put down. It was certainly worth waiting all this time to read in full!
A strange mix of themes but it makes a terrifically powerful, if not always comfortable, read.
TM Clark has done a brilliant job in weaving a fascinating tale. I dare you not to fall in love with the characters. I dare you not to fall in love with Africa.
I found this is a fascinating story, well-written, well-told and difficult to put down. It was certainly worth waiting all this time to read in full!
July 29, 2019
Seldom does a work of fiction capture the intricate, tangled and highly charged relationships that play themselves out in Southern Africa where the land and people are impacted by ancient, predatory and also transformational forces. My-Brother-But-One is such a story. As a romantic thriller it delivers an edge-of-the seat experience, but it's in the power dynamics between the characters and the hard-won coming-into-selfhood of the protagonist Ashley, that this story really finds its place. A compelling and worthy read.
March 18, 2018
Loved this book. Cried my eyes out. I've never been to Africa, but I feel now that I've felt its dirt under my feet and know a little bit more about its rich culture.
January 8, 2015
the description of Africa was absolutely beautiful. i read through the entire thing before i saw the word glossary at the back! but i got the gist of the words after a while with the way they were referred to.
the romance between scott and ashley didn't work for me. it seemed to catch on too early and get too intense too quickly. i'm not sure if a week is too short a time to be blissfully in love and want to consider another unknown country your home but maybe i'm just not that type of romantic.
the traditions of Africa were wrote about so well and easily understandable and the choice of antagonist was well picked and ties into the superstitions of the people. the friendship and brotherhood between everyone was so beautiful to read. Even though Africans didn't really show public emotion you could see it in the writing.
Definitely recommended if you like the Africa setting.
the romance between scott and ashley didn't work for me. it seemed to catch on too early and get too intense too quickly. i'm not sure if a week is too short a time to be blissfully in love and want to consider another unknown country your home but maybe i'm just not that type of romantic.
the traditions of Africa were wrote about so well and easily understandable and the choice of antagonist was well picked and ties into the superstitions of the people. the friendship and brotherhood between everyone was so beautiful to read. Even though Africans didn't really show public emotion you could see it in the writing.
Definitely recommended if you like the Africa setting.
August 28, 2014
Having only read my first Tony Parks book last month, this was very reminiscent of his style.
It was set in Zimbabwe and Zambia, and there was poaching, and there were anti-poaching units. There was a love story with a rocky beginning. It was nail-biting at times, and there was sadness, and I mostly enjoyed it while I was reading it. There were some typos which was a shame, and distracted me a little as I was reading. It certainly wasn't great literature (which is often rather dry and tedious!), but it was definitely a fun read and I loved the references to African culture. I look forward to seeing more of T.M. Clark's work in the future.
It was set in Zimbabwe and Zambia, and there was poaching, and there were anti-poaching units. There was a love story with a rocky beginning. It was nail-biting at times, and there was sadness, and I mostly enjoyed it while I was reading it. There were some typos which was a shame, and distracted me a little as I was reading. It certainly wasn't great literature (which is often rather dry and tedious!), but it was definitely a fun read and I loved the references to African culture. I look forward to seeing more of T.M. Clark's work in the future.
September 6, 2014
I think it is one of the best description of African wildlife that I have come across. Plot is very engrossing full of twists and turns. I am not sure whether I will get a chance to visit Africa but after reading this one I think I already know a lot about African national parks, anti poaching units and bush life.
October 29, 2014
An incredibly moving and passionate story with it all, love, power, strength, courage, romance, danger and determination. Clark had me hooked from the beginning and carried me along to the fascinating end. Her details of Africa and people that live there, made if feel as though I was there, the smell, the sounds the magnificent tableau. Recommended? Absolutely.
December 16, 2015
I had high hopes for this book and started out well, but very quickly became rather ho-hum. Predictable and with two lead characters that were soppy and increasingly annoying, I lost interest. I hate abandoning books, but life's too short.
May 18, 2014
Interesting twists in the plot made it less predictable. Very readable, and struggled to put it down once I found the time to start.
April 15, 2015
I have no words for the event that occurred throughout this book are so heart wrenching. If you are about to read this book, be prepared.
April 6, 2020
This was my fourth of TM Clark’s books and I devoured it in a day. As with all her novels, the love for Africa and its people, the strong characters and the conservation theme keep you invested from the first page to the last. I’m about to start my fifth of her books and can’t wait to experience the wild ride again.
August 25, 2014
This is a book that transports a reader to another world - one far less comfortable than that which I, at least, live in!
Set in primarily in Zimbabwe, the book falls into two distinct parts. The first half is a romance between an Australian female engineer and the white African farmer upon whose farm she has volunteered to work. Whilst working as a volunteer, poachers descend upon the wildlife (primarily elephants) on the nearby Hwange National Park and Ashley, the heroine, is caught up in the danger and excitement. While such a brush with brutal poachers would have had me fleeing back to Australia never to set foot in Africa again, the heroine falls in love with both Zimbabwe and Scott, the white farmer.
The second half of the book concerns their life five years on from the poaching incident which brought them together. Scott and Ashley are forced off their farm (as were so many white farmers in this period) and migrate with all their black workers to Zambia to start again, but disaster in the form of a poacher-with-a-grudge follows them.
What I truly loved about this book was the immersion-experience in southern African life it offered, including: the superstitious treatment of African albinos, anti-poaching measures, the importance of waterpumps to wildlife balance, black African traditions concerning funerals/death and kinship, and the sounds various African animals make! I could go on and on. At least half of the book was so action-packed it was un-put-down-able, while the other half was slower but filled with engrossing detail.
I had a few grumbles, none of which were serious enough not to award this book five stars. For one, the publisher provided some very patchy editing. There were innumerable typos throughout. I was grumpy on the author's behalf! Just occasionally, I had reservations about emotions portrayed. For example, would Ashley have recovered so quickly from witnessing the massacre of the herd of elephants? She is happily lounging by the pool and thinking thoughts of love less than 24hrs later. I'm sure I would still have been in shock.
However, this is a book which will stay in my memory for a long, long time and for all the right reasons. It was hard-hitting and felt extremely real. The scene on the final page was just beautiful. I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in recent history in southern Africa.
Set in primarily in Zimbabwe, the book falls into two distinct parts. The first half is a romance between an Australian female engineer and the white African farmer upon whose farm she has volunteered to work. Whilst working as a volunteer, poachers descend upon the wildlife (primarily elephants) on the nearby Hwange National Park and Ashley, the heroine, is caught up in the danger and excitement. While such a brush with brutal poachers would have had me fleeing back to Australia never to set foot in Africa again, the heroine falls in love with both Zimbabwe and Scott, the white farmer.
The second half of the book concerns their life five years on from the poaching incident which brought them together. Scott and Ashley are forced off their farm (as were so many white farmers in this period) and migrate with all their black workers to Zambia to start again, but disaster in the form of a poacher-with-a-grudge follows them.
What I truly loved about this book was the immersion-experience in southern African life it offered, including: the superstitious treatment of African albinos, anti-poaching measures, the importance of waterpumps to wildlife balance, black African traditions concerning funerals/death and kinship, and the sounds various African animals make! I could go on and on. At least half of the book was so action-packed it was un-put-down-able, while the other half was slower but filled with engrossing detail.
I had a few grumbles, none of which were serious enough not to award this book five stars. For one, the publisher provided some very patchy editing. There were innumerable typos throughout. I was grumpy on the author's behalf! Just occasionally, I had reservations about emotions portrayed. For example, would Ashley have recovered so quickly from witnessing the massacre of the herd of elephants? She is happily lounging by the pool and thinking thoughts of love less than 24hrs later. I'm sure I would still have been in shock.
However, this is a book which will stay in my memory for a long, long time and for all the right reasons. It was hard-hitting and felt extremely real. The scene on the final page was just beautiful. I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in recent history in southern Africa.
February 6, 2017
This started off very strong - I was admittedly very engrossed for the first half of the book. Unfortunately, after that it descended into a series of repetitive scenes and cliches.
A few of my main gripes are as follows:-
• Didn't evoke any sense of place when describing the (real) african towns. If you're going to write about real places, you have to make readers who have been to those places feel as though they are back walking those same streets. (Tony Park does this very well)
• Not clear on timeline in first part - reference to Ashley being at Delmonica one week, then a few pages later its two weeks, but based on what has been described inbetween its confusing as to how the time has passed. Same with their journey from FA to Sangita.
• Speed of Ashley and Scotts relationship was wholly unrealistic.
• I became increasingly uncomfortable with the idea of the albino being the sole villain, given they are marginalised and even killed for muti in some parts of africa.
• Ashley's reaction to Scott's death was full of cliches, and as a result didn't evoke any feelings in me. Also given the aforementioned whirlwind forced romance I just wasn't particularly invested in these two main characters.
•'Ashley's "moral" struggle to kill a kudu was particular annoying. I don't see how, as a meat eater, her taking the step of killing a wild animal to feed her family went "against her Australian upbringing and beliefs".
My biggest gripe? There were no plot twists! This was a long book (530 pages) for what it was, and in the absence of any interesting twists I'd lost interest by the halfway point. I was hoping Elliott would turn out to be a poacher just so I could (for once) be surprised!
Overall it fell well short of other African adventure novels I'm accustomed to. 2.5/5
A few of my main gripes are as follows:-
• Didn't evoke any sense of place when describing the (real) african towns. If you're going to write about real places, you have to make readers who have been to those places feel as though they are back walking those same streets. (Tony Park does this very well)
• Not clear on timeline in first part - reference to Ashley being at Delmonica one week, then a few pages later its two weeks, but based on what has been described inbetween its confusing as to how the time has passed. Same with their journey from FA to Sangita.
• Speed of Ashley and Scotts relationship was wholly unrealistic.
• I became increasingly uncomfortable with the idea of the albino being the sole villain, given they are marginalised and even killed for muti in some parts of africa.
• Ashley's reaction to Scott's death was full of cliches, and as a result didn't evoke any feelings in me. Also given the aforementioned whirlwind forced romance I just wasn't particularly invested in these two main characters.
•'Ashley's "moral" struggle to kill a kudu was particular annoying. I don't see how, as a meat eater, her taking the step of killing a wild animal to feed her family went "against her Australian upbringing and beliefs".
My biggest gripe? There were no plot twists! This was a long book (530 pages) for what it was, and in the absence of any interesting twists I'd lost interest by the halfway point. I was hoping Elliott would turn out to be a poacher just so I could (for once) be surprised!
Overall it fell well short of other African adventure novels I'm accustomed to. 2.5/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2014
WOW This is a powerful moving love story about strength courage and determination in a harsh enviroment that is beautiful. When Ashley Twine an engineer from Brisbane Australia goes to Africa on a woking holiday at a ranch it is the last thing that owner Scott Decker thought he would ever do welcome a female worker but Ashley shows her strength to him and a journey begins that will have you on the edge of your seat biting your finger nails and grabbing the tissues as together and with a huge family of friends workers they fight for justice for the African animals and people against governments poachers and evil people to make a new life for all.
This is a beautifully written story the characters are so full of life and energy as we get to know them Zol who is Scott's Brother But One will make a place in your heart as he and his family work together with Ashley and Scott I highly recommend this book it is not one to be missed.
This is a beautifully written story the characters are so full of life and energy as we get to know them Zol who is Scott's Brother But One will make a place in your heart as he and his family work together with Ashley and Scott I highly recommend this book it is not one to be missed.
February 25, 2014
T.M.Clark has written a cracking novel.I couldn't put it down.
Her knowledge of Africa is so in depth it is obvious she must have lived there and it comes across in her writing 100%.
The story itself is fascinating and thoroughly readable. It has everything suspense, emotion, adventure and her descriptions of the country are vivid. Her characterisation is excellent especially of the black Africans. I really felt as if I knew them all. The villain is thoroughly vile and the hero is gorgeous. The heroine feisty and realistic. The story moves along at a pace with something different always on the next page or chapter. The animals are there all the time just like they are in real life, if you've ever been to any of the wildlife reserves in Africa you would know what I mean.
I loved this book.
Her knowledge of Africa is so in depth it is obvious she must have lived there and it comes across in her writing 100%.
The story itself is fascinating and thoroughly readable. It has everything suspense, emotion, adventure and her descriptions of the country are vivid. Her characterisation is excellent especially of the black Africans. I really felt as if I knew them all. The villain is thoroughly vile and the hero is gorgeous. The heroine feisty and realistic. The story moves along at a pace with something different always on the next page or chapter. The animals are there all the time just like they are in real life, if you've ever been to any of the wildlife reserves in Africa you would know what I mean.
I loved this book.
February 10, 2014
This book is an exciting, interesting read. The author's love for Africa shows through in her wonderful understanding of the characters, and her magnificent portrayal of the country and animals.
My only criticism (and it didn't take away much from my enjoyment) is that the love story between the two main characters seems as though it doesn't quite belong in the narrative. I feel that My Brother-But-One - a saga reminiscent of Wilbur Smith, doesn't fit with the romance depicted in the earlier parts of the book. It almost feels as though the romance has been tacked on.
But it didn't take me long to forget that, as I was drawn into the story of courage, brutality and determination.
My only criticism (and it didn't take away much from my enjoyment) is that the love story between the two main characters seems as though it doesn't quite belong in the narrative. I feel that My Brother-But-One - a saga reminiscent of Wilbur Smith, doesn't fit with the romance depicted in the earlier parts of the book. It almost feels as though the romance has been tacked on.
But it didn't take me long to forget that, as I was drawn into the story of courage, brutality and determination.
December 19, 2013
My Brother But One by T.M. Clark.
Ashley, Scott and Zol's characters pull on the heartstrings from start to finish!
The story is so heartbreaking in many spots - with all of the conflicts and challenges that each character faces in a country where upheaval between races is rife, government leadership is questionable and where the word normal just doesn't apply - is beyond comprehension.
The true good and absolute evil battle it out in a showdown that will leave you spinning! This book was one emotional read that started and finished strong.
Ashley, Scott and Zol's characters pull on the heartstrings from start to finish!
The story is so heartbreaking in many spots - with all of the conflicts and challenges that each character faces in a country where upheaval between races is rife, government leadership is questionable and where the word normal just doesn't apply - is beyond comprehension.
The true good and absolute evil battle it out in a showdown that will leave you spinning! This book was one emotional read that started and finished strong.
June 30, 2016
The author's love of Africa is clearly evident throughout this book. I enjoyed this saga, although it was rather graphic and violent in places. Although Scott and Ashley's romance happened far too quickly, as a character I thought Ashley was a believable heroine and grew in strength and maturity throughout the book. However, my favourite character was Zol, the old, native African who worked for Scott, and who showed strength, wisdom and loyalty right up to the last page. Dealing with the importance of family and friends, this would make a good holiday read.
November 4, 2017
I really loved this book! The characters were so great. People who could be counted on by the people they loved who were responsible for those in their care and took that responsibility seriously. I especially loved Ashley such a strong and capable woman a survivor. I also learned so much about the land situation in Zimbabwe. I knew a little because I have an acquaintance who is originally from there. This book really clued me in to the violence and chaos of a government that allows lawlessness to happen. I know I will be reading more books by this author. Highly recommend.
December 27, 2013
A powerful debut novel which evokes the sights and sounds of Africa and the violence never far below the surface. It is a tale of the love between a man and a woman, between black and white and for Africa itself. It provides a valuable insight into the troubles which have beset Africa, in particular the white population there.
July 13, 2014
When heroine Ashley Twine sets out for an African work adventure, reserve game owner, Scott Decker doesn't think she will be able to cut it, but Ashley is tough and falls for the chauvinist Scott. When a psychopathic albino creates devastation on Scott's property, Scott learns just what Ashley is made of.
Very readable book with compelling characters.
Very readable book with compelling characters.
October 25, 2016
An excellent book - so much more than I expected (I'm slightly cynical when I read the words "an epic saga"). Ashley is an incredible character with depth and flaws but ultimately so strong and likeable, and the relationships she builds with other characters are real and believable, as is the story-line. Real challenges and not always happy endings make this story touch your heart.
May 25, 2014
This was a really good book! It described Africa is such a great wat that I felt I could imagine being there! However I think the book went too fast, I feel like this story could have been spread out over 2 books. It seemed to go through too quickly. A good read though
February 11, 2015
This book was amazing, it had me laughing, smiling, frowning and in tears.
I began to feel apart of the book, and definitely couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to start Shooting Butterflies and hopefully another isn't too far away. :)
I began to feel apart of the book, and definitely couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to start Shooting Butterflies and hopefully another isn't too far away. :)
March 15, 2014
I had a rough idea of what went on in Zimbabwe but this book made it much clearer. An exciting read although a lot happened to the main character.
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