There’s a touch of Kipling in this book. The real Kipling, not Disney. It is a fascinating but long tale told through the eyes of Rorke Wilde. I have known people born and brought up in Africa, who endured the brutality of colonial English boarding schools. In their early years, these first generation white Africans were cared for by local black help, learning local languages and customs. As the globe changed, their families were forced to move away, many to England, but the African born generation didn’t identify with Britishness: they identified with African lands and dreamt of African sunrises. When, as adults, they tried to return to countries changed from white to black rule, they found themselves outcasts – the offspring of an oppressive white rule.

This, then, is the tale of The Chameleon: a very real history for many white people born into a dying community who grew up to become refugees, with British passports. They didn’t hanker after colonialism. Far from it. As children, they saw the unfairness with which the local population was treated, and wanted to side with the local families who had shown them kindness. David Farrell mentions how Mandela tried to sort the problem with ‘a rainbow country’, but in the final analysis, human beings are tribal, and such hurdles are high.
A very interesting book, putting across a point of view that is rarely expressed. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4751120188?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

Now this is what I call an award winning masterpiece of literary fiction!

This book is so well written that I could feel and sense the characters as if they were real people. There was depth to who Rorke and Themba are, the journey they embark on and how it shaped their future.

Their friendship was portrayed so honestly and deeply, with a gentle approach to the tough subject matters of Diversity, Inclusion, and Discrimination.

I loved how difficult issues were addressed, like poverty and racial tension. This story is a phenomenal demonstration of the opportunities that generational wealth can bring compared to someone who is living hand to mouth, waiting for a government who is ‘for the people’ to uplift them.

The narrative was written with grace and eloquence. One I have not forgotten since reading it. As a citizen of the ‘New South Africa, Rainbow Nation’, I hear Themba and Rorke’s stories every day and feel like both narratives were so beautifully written in this book.

If you’re looking for a story with depth, that will pull at your heart and imprint your thoughts, then this book is highly recommended!

Your first celestial orbit nears its end

I pray the passage is joyous

Each dawn I follow the moon to bid you farewell

The winter fog thickens whilst my heart weakens

Ignore an old man’s tears from below

Heed not his selfish despair

He cannot grasp your leaving

The pain too great

His love so deep

Fly high, my Buddy

Interview with North Tec Tertiary Education Institution

Recent NorthTec graduate David Farrell will celebrate the long-awaited publishing of his historical fiction novel ‘The Chameleon’ on the 24th of June 2022, coinciding with Matariki Day.

The book focuses on the fictional coming of age of Rhodesian born, Rorke Wilde in 1970’s South Africa. However, the trials, tribulations, and turmoil experienced by the character mirror real experiences of people throughout history. 

“It is a fictional biography that challenges the norms of history; of apartheid, colonialism, heartbreak, love, and compassion.” David Farrell, author and recent Northtec graduate, advises. “Many, if not all of us, have experienced the good and bad in the worldwide diaspora because of politics, greed, and opportunity.”

David started the novel as a manuscript for his studies at NorthTec, the New Zealand Certificate in Advanced Applied Writing. He already had the ideas for his book prior to enrolling and realised he needed to improve his skills to bring the ideas to fruition.

“I realised I couldn’t take my fictional work any further without some meaningful help,” says David. “After talking to Zana Bell [a Northtec tutor], my mind was made up. I had found a Level Seven course in Creative Writing run by successful writers and professional tutors. To top it all, it was right here in Aotearoa New Zealand.”

‘The Chameleon’ focuses on a topic close to David’s heart. Born in Africa, the author lived under the discriminatory regimes described in his novel. This includes the shift from minority apartheid and colonial oppression to a majority rule dictatorship.

“The story portrays a time in history most believe they know about and understand. It does not take sides, nor apportions blame, but shares the experience of individuals caught up in the events,” says David. “We hear and see so much disinformation today on social media and the likes. It is the same way with people who write books, all have bias or an agenda. My hope for The Chameleon is that the reader will see something they can use.”

David is driven firstly by his impulse to write, something he has been doing since a teen. Many authors use writing as a way of understanding or analysing people, events or society and David is no different.

“I think my main goal was to readdress imbalances. I find the process of writing cathartic.”

“The story starts in Zimbabwe but then moves onto South Africa, Ireland, England, and New Zealand. All are societies touched by colonialism. Highlighting that intolerance and immigration are still evident on so many socio-economic levels,” explains David. “There is a vast diaspora of immigrants around the world in search of opportunity. I have lived on three continents and could be a citizen of four countries; but I am proudest of my Kiwi status. Aotearoa, New Zealand is my home.”

David has a long history of work as a writer and author, having published poetry in several anthologies, written short stories for Drum and Sun Magazine in South Africa, and work as a columnist in both New Zealand and Australia.

His further learning at NorthTec helped bring his newest project to fulfilment. “The diploma broadened my horizons. It gave me a wider perspective by exposing me to different genres and writers, all of whom have the same goal. A clarity between fiction, non-fiction, and business writing.”

David is not taking the time to sit back and enjoy his hard work; he has plenty more projects on the cards to keep him busy.

“I have four manuscripts on the go. Two are historical fiction novels and relate to The Chameleon, one is a non-fiction book on leadership, and the last is an inspirational fiction on autism.”

David’s book ‘The Chameleon’ will be available in paperback and eBook initially on Amazon worldwide then further outlets after that.

Amazon Australia/NZ  http://mybook.to/TheChameleon
Amazon  https://amazon.com/author/davidmfarrell

https://www.northtec.ac.nz/news/2022/exploring-history-through-fiction

“

We have an exciting book releasing later this year that will warm your heart and challenge your soul. Author 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗱 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗹’𝘀 book cover, soon to be revealed. Don’t miss this epic Historical Fiction novel!”

We are thrilled to announce the signing of Historical Fiction Author 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗹

Welcome to the 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺.

We look forward to sharing more information on his latest book soon!!

I’m so excited to sign up with Kingsley Publishers.

Snuck into a bookstore today amidst the melee of Christmas shoppers.

Straight to the Kiwi section of authors, some whom I follow, others I don’t.

I want to change that.

Besides the array of covers, genres and subjects, I was hit by a sense a commonality, of pain, frustration, long hours, joy and contentment.

My heart filled with pride, my eyes with tears.

To each my respect and the hope, we all find what it is we seek.

Our solidarity as important today as it has been in the past.

Thank you all for sharing your work and thoughts with me 2021.

Though the family is apart

All I do is visit my heart

There I know I can find

You all, in my mind

Xmas is no exception

As I sense your anticipation

Pride and tears swell

Praying that all is well

A time to be glad

My love, Your Dad

My name is Rorke Wilde.
Most call me Rory.
This is my memoir.
Of a time as I saw it.

I have found my home.
I live without trepidation.
I lie my head in calmness.
I am eternally indebted to this gracious nation.
May my family never undervalue that which New Zealand enriches us with.
Thank you, Land of the Long White Cloud, people of the oceans, my Aotearoa.
E hoa ma, ina te ora o te tangata. (My friends, this is the essence of life).

Rest in Peace, Themba (man of hope) Dube (Zebra — healer and mixer of colour).
My friend.
My mentor.
My guardian spirit.
You lived up to your name.
Everything I think, say, or do is because of our friendship.
May your last days on earth have been all you wished.
I know you roam the valleys and hills of Phelamanga (Heaven).

Our Afrika, we so cherished.
I miss you every day and you continue to show up in my moments of fragility and joy.
I imprint your legacy on Inyanga (the full moon), so we will travel together forever.
In solitude, I still talk with you, and for that, I am always grateful.
Size sibonane njalo (until we meet again).
Kumele ngihambe khathesi. (I must go now).
Stay well. My father. My world.
Asimbonanga (I have not seen him).

Aotearoa New Zealand Prime Minister

2020 was the first time I voted for Labour, and I see no reason to change my vote for the next one.
I am not a political beast nor am I interested in politicians or their parties and believe that’s how it should be for folk.

I have had the privilege of voting in four different countries on three continents.

In the early 1980s, it was the ex-colonial Ian Smith versus what was to become the tyrant of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe.
There was hope for all who had endured a bitter civil war and crippling international sanctions.

1987 I experienced the upheavals of Britain between the powerful unions led by Neil Kinnock, which brought Margaret Thatcher’s landslide victory of a third term in office.
I was part of a majority and remember being in awe of Freddie Mercury, manipulating a crowd of 72 000 with ease at Wembley. The mass hysteria startled the rural boy within.

I returned to Africa for another chance, this time in South Africa’s general election between Nelson Mandela and F W de Klerk.
1995 I found myself in Ellis Park stadium at the final of the Rugby World Cup where the Springboks played the All Blacks. I shall never forget a throng of 65 000 of every creed and race chanting ‘Madiba’ when Mandela strolled onto the field wearing the number 6 jersey.

I am not a loyal voter, but am swayed by leaders who show emotional intelligence, integrity and are in touch with reality.
Life is about perspective.

Listen not to the whine of opposition motivated by pale Boomers or the bleat of isolated narcissists of side-line politics.
Take no notice of the gutter press who tarnish the sacrosanctity of journalism and reject the aspersions of social media in its quest for power.
Covid is not the only pandemic to wreak havoc on our planet. Yet I don’t recall the same rhetoric and division I hear today. Future generations will look back in dismay and disbelief. The shame is ours.

Know that the team of five million are with you in your efforts to protect our land whilst embracing diversity.
I am a humble man of little sway.
All I can do is offer you, my support.
My heartfelt thanks for what you have achieved and what you are going through for us all.

Kia ora.

Hamba kahle.