Seeds of Anger

This sequel to Ridge of Gold is a complex and intricate story that delves into the political and economic problems of South Africa during the latter years of the 19th century. It follows the financial fortunes of the powerful Gardiner and Penlynne families, American and British mining pioneers who now find themselves at deepening political odds with the Boer government. Leonard Penlynne resolves to form an alliance with Cecil Rhodes, arm a militia and invade the South African republic. The rebellion is quashed, with disastrous results for the Gardiners and Penlynnes; Leonard Penlynne eventually stands trial for treason. An array of strong and convincing charactersGerman arms dealers, Turkish diplomats, Russian entrepreneurs, British Lords and Scottish doctorsassume substantial roles, and there are several subplots involving clandestine romances. The story is at times so tumultuous that the author leaves characters in limbo, picking them up later in unexpected places. This is, however, a detailed, knowledgeable and engrossing work of historical fiction. (June)