Ronald Thackwell

Nyaminyami - The Zambezi River God Ronald Thackwell

The influence and protection of Nyaminyami, the Zambezi River god, is tested when Ron and Rafe, two teenage school friends, embark on an adventure of a lifetime. When Ron's father, a crocodile farmer, fails to return home after a flight from the farm to his home in Harare, the two boys feel compelled to join the search for the missing plane. Ron's year has ended in disappointment, poor performance in the classroom and ridicule from those close to him. He is vulnerable and is burdened by low self-esteem, while Rafe is an achiever, more sure of himself and confident. Ron desperately seeks affirmation from his friends at school, but more particularly a desire to improve his strained relationship with his father. The Kariba Crocodile Farm is situated across an estuary from Chirara Fishing camp, where Lara and her sister are spending time with their parents. This provides a welcome distraction for Ron and an opportunity to forget his past year and develop a new friendship with the girls from across the water. The developing friendship is cut short by the sudden disappearance of Ron's father's plane. The boys venture into the virtual unknown, firstly by boat across the frightening, unpredictable waters of Lake Kariba and then on foot through the wild, rugged terrain of the Matusadona Game Reserve, home to the 'big five'. They are forced to face the wild animals head-on and their own personal fears, some of which are derived from the boys own insecurities. Events become more complicated when Ron and Rafe encounter a couple of rhino poachers. Suddenly their task appears overwhelming. This novel, suitable for young adults, is a fast-moving adventure story based on the authors' own experiences. Ron Thackwell's father did own a crocodile farm on the banks of Lake Kariba and the author spent many school holidays in the rugged bush surrounding the lake and traversing the lake in his father's boat.