Vultures in the Wind

by Peter Rimmer

In a peaceful African coastal village, two boys are born on the same day. Their idyllic, brief childhood together is short lived ending in hardship and heartbreak.

Finding themselves alone in the world, both boys struggle to self-educate. Against the odds, Matthew Gray builds a global business empire and Luke Mbeki travels to England, in self-imposed exile, entangling himself in the anti-apartheid movement.

With their paths crossing intermittently, it is only when Nelson Mandela is released from prison that Luke returns home continuing his fight for freedom alongside his comrades. Matt’s all-consuming business life continues but betrayal strikes. Leaving everything behind, he escapes to another world – an artist colony.

This incredibly powerful and moving story tells how each man struggles to survive in a country deep in the throes of violent change, with friendship and families being torn apart. Matt and Luke's friendship is unimaginably tested so how does it survive in such terrifying and perilous times?

Genres: Africa, Fiction

Paperback

First published June 10, 2014

About the author

Peter Rimmer was born in London, England, and grew up in the south of the city where he went to Cranleigh School. After the Second World War and at aged 18, Peter joined the Royal Air Force, reaching the rank of Pilot Officer before he was 19. Then at the end of his National Service and with the optimism of youth, he sailed for Africa with his older brother to grow tobacco in what was then Rhodesia, and the odyssey of his life began.

The years went by and Peter found himself in Johannesburg founding an insurance brokering company. Over 2% of the companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange were clients of Rimmer Associates. He opened companies in the United States of America, Australia and Hong Kong and travelled extensively between the branches.

His passion had always been writing books, which he started at a very early age, though running a business was a driving force too and a common thread throughout his books. By the 1990’s, he had written several novels about Africa and England, and his breakthrough came with Cry of the Fish Eagle published by HarperCollins, Zimbabwe. It was a bestseller, which was followed up with the release of Vultures in the Wind. However, during this time, Zimbabwe was going through its struggles and the books did not get their just international recognition.

Having lived a reclusive life on his beloved smallholding in Knysna, South Africa, for over 25 years, Peter passed away in July 2018. He has left an enormous legacy of unpublished work for his family to release over the coming years, and not only them but also his readers from around the world will sorely miss him. Peter Rimmer was 81 years old.

To learn more about Peter, and to get a free starter library of novels, visit his website at www.peterrimmer.com, or find him on Facebook.com/PeterRimmerAuthor, follow him on Twitter @htcrimmer.com, and on BookBub: www.bookbub.com/authors/peter-rimmer

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good book. Whilst this is a long book, it is full of South Africa's history, and the trauma of it all. Big business weaves its way throughout; there are stunning descriptions of Africa and its animals; and there is such a mix of love and hatred. Its about the poor and rich, its fast paced, with heaps of complex and interesting characters. Peter Rimmer has written an extremely well balanced story with consideration for all political beliefs.

Vultures in the Wind has certainly made me think about South Africa and all its problems long after I had finished reading it. Highly recommended.

[Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this book a 5 star rating for Rimmer’s handling of the historical accuracy. For writing skills and technique I would rate 4 stars. His narrative gives a balanced view of The Apartheid era in South Africa as well as the collapse and take over. I would have liked it even better if he had put MORE emphasis on the fact that there was a political transition without a blood bath, the ONLY such in Africa. His even handed criticism of the Boers, Britain, the Portuguese, English speaking South Africans, churches, the world press, big business, communism and Russia as well as The United States was well done. It would have been even better if he could have drawn attention to how the world ganged up on South Africa with vocal criticism and sanctions, but after the “Peace and Reconciliation” transition, South Africa was promptly dropped and forgotten. At a time when the new country most needed support economically, politically and financially, the world turned its back and promptly looked for another whipping boy. A good read.

[Nigel Bentley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed Vultures in the Wind, with its wide cast of characters; and a storyline that followed several decades ~ through the lifetimes for the two principal characters.
It brought an overview of the Anti-Apartheid Movement and the politics of the time that surrounded that within the world as a whole ... and its effect on the isolation of South Africa. The insights granted by Peter Rimmer in this work were of great interest ~ however, the book was one that I found I stalled with about 60% of the way in.
It took an effort of will to return to the developments ... but in the long term it was worth it.

[john temple · Rating 3 out of 5]

Endearing and horrifying

The story is complex with many characters, a lot of whom carry horrible personal traits,.There is for me personally too much financial detail from the insurance world, but the descriptions of second bag and it's surrounds are wonderful as are the descriptions of the African bush and this saves the tale. The descriptions of "the colony" just made me jealous what a fantastic place!!

[Micaylah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular!

This author is brilliant, and much under-rated. Peter's ability to capture your attn from start to finish is stunning. I have skipped meals reading Mr Zimmers books!

If you haven't read this author fully, I suggest you do. You really are missing something!

[THE REV KENNETH ANDERSON · Rating 5 out of 5]

The person left out of the story

There is one man that rises above all other South Africans and that is Archbishop Desmond Tutu, whose funeral has jus t taken place. Peter Rimmer's account is rendered incomplete by this omission .

[Mrs A. J. Turbfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sirply enlightening

I found ll.of this story quite riveting.

A
Although the typos distracted a little. Quite a journey,but very exciting and poignant.
Beautifully.written as always. As is expected from this first class author.

[Roger Wooding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Africa in the raw

A truly powerful novel of two men caught up in the violent formation of modern day Africa.
Told with powerful simplicity and pulling no punches describing the violence and corruption involved.

[Lisa White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good historical fiction

I have enjoyed reading the books by Peter Rimmer and have developed an understanding of apartheid and the struggle for freedom in Africa.

[Karin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A difficult book to read from a white South African's perspective