The Rhodesian

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27950

Title

The Rhodesian

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in Southern Rhodesia, this novel follows Major Peter Carew, a stoic policeman haunted by past heartbreak, as he navigates duty and personal longing. When he meets the spirited Meryl Pym, old wounds reopen and new possibilities emerge. Blending romance, colonial adventure, and humor, the story explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love against the backdrop of ancient ruins and the wild African landscape.

Summary up to 500 words

In Gertrude Page's *The Rhodesian*, Major Peter Carew, a British South Africa Police officer stationed near the ancient Zimbabwe ruins, lives a life of quiet solitude defined by a profound personal tragedy. Fifteen years prior, he was forced into exile from England due to a family dispute involving a royal love interest, leaving him to serve in the colonies while mourning a lost future. His existence is marked by a rigid self-imposed isolation, haunted by memories of a royal hand that once clasped his and a promise of renewal that never materialized. This solitude is disrupted by the arrival of Meryl Pym, the wealthy daughter of a millionaire, accompanied by her brother and her spirited friend, Diana. The trio arrives ostensibly to investigate local legends of gold hidden within temple corpses, though Meryl is initially dismissive of the ruins themselves. Despite her initial skepticism, Meryl is drawn to Carew's quiet strength and shared sense of duty. As they explore the historic site, a bond of sympathy forms between them, bridging the gap between the pennless policeman and the heiress. Complications arise from Meryl's impending marriage to William van Hert and the interference of Diana, who orchestrates a series of events to bring Carew and Meryl together. Diana, recognizing the mutual affection, takes decisive action to resolve the tangled social and romantic obstacles. She even proposes a humorous solution where she steps in as a substitute bride to untangle the knot. Simultaneously, Carew's social standing undergoes a significant transformation; he inherits a title upon the death of the Marquis of Toxeter, removing the primary barrier to his union with Meryl. The narrative balances serious reflections on the sacrifices of empire-builders and the loneliness of those far from home with lighthearted moments involving local folklore, humorous troopers, and the eccentricities of colonial life. The story culminates in a resolution where Carew and Meryl overcome their differences and societal hurdles. They find a path forward that honors both his dedication to Rhodesia and his heart's desire, allowing them to unite without abandoning their respective lives and duties. The novel concludes with a celebration of love prevailing over circumstance, leaving the characters ready to face the future together.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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data/epubs/pg27950.epub

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Categories

• Fiction
• Zimbabwe