‘The Runaway Horses’, a tale of war, destiny and family

Joyce Kotzé’s powerful historical novel ‘The Runaway Horses’ immediately flings its readers back into 17th century South Africa and Victorian England, unravelling a story of allegiance, misfortune and most importantly, love.

The story begins when two sets of cousins, Boer and Brit, meet for the first time in Transvaal and instantly seek dominance over each other’s cultures, but eventually learn to adapt and take on new perspectives.

The cousins guide one another through a series of mishaps and politically inspired events leading up to the Anglo-Boer War of 1899 – 1902, allowing the reader to reminisce about what it is like to be a child again and discover their own individuality.

Kotzé’s ability to accurately describe the setting amazes and her characters are astonishingly raw and relatable. Take Martin de Winter, one of the main characters, who displays a strong sense of patriotism and grows up to become a young gifted general but his love for a British woman haunts his better judgement.

Not to forget the vulnerable James Henderson, Martin’s British cousin, who matures into a fine cavalry officer under the watchful eyes of his blatant, aristocratic father. Because of his love for his newfound Boer family, James faces the bitter battle between family and honour.

The 648-page novel may target history buffs, but the plot could capture the hearts of those who would like to go back to the pre-technological Africa, which is almost a rarity these days, especially concerning Namibia.

“This book has always been inside me, but I only started writing before I turned 50. I tried to make the story impartial and wanted to concentrate on the Namibian soil,” Kotzé said.

“Every generation has a war. HIV-AIDS, drugs, poverty… this is the modern-day war of the youth. I think they can relate to this because I feel that they should not lose their individualities.”

The author grew up in Namibia, studied in Cape Town and currently lives there with her husband and children.

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