A Shortcut to Africa

Orphaned Sally Ann lives in the Msawi Nature Reserve with her grandfather, happy, settled and on the verge of adulthood. The unexpected arrival of Willem Van Cleef however starts a chain of events that no one could have foreseen. Willem is bewitched by Sally Ann's youthful beauty, but she immediately dislikes him. Jealous of her close relationship with Blondi, her grandfather's deputy, Willem struggles to forge the relationship with her that he so desires. Meanwhile Blondi, aware of Willem's interest, realises his platonic love for Sally Ann has grown into something much deeper. He is desperate not to lose her to another man. Set in the fictitious Msawi Nature Reserve, the story explores its rich wildlife and the stunning archaeological find at Lizard Rock as well as the unique customs and deep spirituality of the gentle Msawi tribe. When the youngsters have the chance to take part in one of their ancient ceremonies however, they find that they have a much greater role to play than they could have expected as their personalities are tested in the build up to the finale.