Be Silent

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: the 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.

About the Author

Danie Botha was born in Zambia and grew up on Mission stations similar to the ones depicted in the novel. He completed his school education and medical training in South Africa. He lives in Canada.

Interview with the Author

Q – What makes the Be Silent series unique?

A – Several things. It is a mini-series, but the books can be read as stand-alone novels. Be Good (a novella), is the prequel to the novel Be Silent. The third and final book in this series is scheduled for Spring 2017. I wanted to create novels that reflect and paint images of the places and people I grew up with in Africa or came in contact with or read about but never had the opportunity to meet. (Although, keep in mind—the stories are all made up.)

In fiction, I read and enjoy different genres—from literary to contemporary to historical fiction. What best describes this series is, a 20th-century historical action adventure. Be Good and Be Silent are indeed mixtures of many genres, which bring homage to the complex nature of the emancipation of the Southern African region and its peoples, following centuries of colonialization, ethnic conflict, and political turmoil.

Q – Is there any particular order to read the books?

A – No. I first wrote be Silent, although Be Good takes place several years earlier. But you will still enjoy Be Good, even if you first read Be Silent.

Q – Why should readers bother with this mini-series?

A – Readers who enjoy more modern (contemporary) historical fiction, interspersed with immersion into the 1950s and 1960s Southern Africa, spiced with multiculturalism and fast-paced action adventures, will enjoy these “rollercoaster rides.”  

Thank you for reading!

Be Silent Mini-series Categories:

Historical Fiction Series

20th-century Historical Fiction Series

20th-century Historical Action Adventure Mini-series

Historical Action Adventure Novels

Historical Fiction

Action Adventure Novels