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Kill Mandela (The Mandela Trilogy #1)

John Mountford

Start date: January 1, 2014

Finish date: February 2, 2014

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Why we're reading this: Written by a member of the group; to be reviewed by the group.
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What Members Thought

Dec 11, 2013 Lisa rated it really liked it

Shelves: south-african, mishmash-lisa

This debut novel from John Mountford is set in Apartheid South Africa, just before Nelson Mandela's release from prison. The story follows a CCB agent tasked with Madiba's assassination and the attempts of others to thwart him.
John describes the Cape Town setting with breath taking accuracy and gives us the points of views of several characters to enable us to get a clear picture of this time in our history. Each character is beautifully sculpted and filled with psychological complexity making t ...more

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Jan 21, 2014 Sarah rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

A Stunning Debut of Historical, Political, and Relational Significance

With “Kill Mandela,” John Mountford offers a spectacular debut novel, the first in “The Mandela Trilogy.” The novel chronicles both a dark and a promising time in South Africa’s history, when apartheid was coming to an end and Nelson Mandela’s days of imprisonment were likewise concluding. However, “Kill Mandela” travels far beyond the political struggle, encompassing the lives of black and white South Africans and their conco A Stunning Debut of Historical, Political, and Relational Significance

With “Kill Mandela,” John Mountford offers a spectacular debut novel, the first in “The Mandela Trilogy.” The novel chronicles both a dark and a promising time in South Africa’s history, when apartheid was coming to an end and Nelson Mandela’s days of imprisonment were likewise concluding. However, “Kill Mandela” travels far beyond the political struggle, encompassing the lives of black and white South Africans and their concomitant exertions. Mountford breathes incredible life and identity into both sides of the struggle, from Civil Cooperation Bureau members to those of the African National Congress, brilliantly portraying the thoughts and motivations of each and how their fight for dominance spilled over into the lives of their families and communities. Members of the black, white, and colored race are represented, and the main characters range from teenagers to adults.

“Kill Mandela” opens on two white South African men of relative privilege who have led very different lives. Jan Kruger suffered a brutal loss as a young man, one that transformed him and ignited a need for revenge, while Jack Jarrard immigrated to South Africa to seek a purpose greater than himself. When they find themselves sharing company, they begin a dangerous dance that can only have one victor. Meanwhile, teenager York Jarrard begins to discover the world that lies beyond his own white neighborhood as he dabbles in love and strikes up an unlikely friendship. However, all are being drawn inexorably together in a stunning showdown that will determine the course of the country.

Mountford has done a phenomenal job with this remarkable first novel. He seamlessly blends politics, history, and human relations to create a startling and beautiful thriller. The result is an eye-opening account of a crucial period in not only South Africa but the world as well. His characters are well-drawn and genuine, with raw emotions and both strengths and frailties. “Kill Mandela” is engaging and thought-provoking, arousing the reader’s emotions while also informing. Aimed at more experienced readers, this novel could be read by mature young adults; it does contain some language and violent situations, as well as hints of sexuality, but these are all contextual and reasonable. With the necessary background information and historical references interwoven into the thread of the narrative, Mountford’s pragmatic approach makes “Kill Mandela” accessible to those who are from or have some knowledge of South Africa as well as those (such as myself) who do not. Being that “Kill Mandela” is the beginning of a trilogy, the novel has some conclusion but certainly leaves the door open for speculation and for the sequel. The coincidental timing with Nelson Mandela’s passing makes this novel a sterling testament to one of the most important figures of the twentieth century and his enduring legacy. ...more

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Nov 26, 2013 Diane Brown rated it it was amazing

Kill Mandela is the first work to come from Cape Town based, John Mountford. Set in the months leading up to Mandela's release; a plot emerges as part of the CCB to kill Mandela who is seen as a communist and terrorist, and a threat to the way of life that white South Africa had become accustomed to; and to the entitlement they seem to have of South Africa.

It is well plotted and well written. It's major value for me was in giving insight into military intelligence unit (CCB); English & Afrikaans Kill Mandela is the first work to come from Cape Town based, John Mountford. Set in the months leading up to Mandela's release; a plot emerges as part of the CCB to kill Mandela who is seen as a communist and terrorist, and a threat to the way of life that white South Africa had become accustomed to; and to the entitlement they seem to have of South Africa.

It is well plotted and well written. It's major value for me was in giving insight into military intelligence unit (CCB); English & Afrikaans speaking white South Africans perspectives of the country, and their perspectives of the black population. It also elaborates the lifestyle of white South Africa during apartheid quite well - specifically rugby - there are some elaborate and well written scenes on this sport. The book is strongest for me when it speaks from this perspective

Kill Mandela also explores and provides insight into personal relationships between father and son; wife and husband and between friends and throughout book, the dynamics of these are explored and tested. Themes of revenge, racism, prejudice, loyalty, betrayal and justice are prominent.

At the end of the book I am left pondering the question of exceptionalism (which is enhanced) versus the realities of structural oppression of colonialism and apartheid and restorative justice.

Understandably, given the perspective of the book; perspectives of black people under oppression and their deep issues, feelings, frustrations and choices are less developed. What is a noble way to fight against oppression in your land? Negotiate or fight are underlying themes, with the book promoting negotiation, peace and forgiveness, as the better way.

I rate this book 5 star because it is a new kind of work in South Africa, because it is well written and because it is evident that much time was given to develop the plot especially around CCB operations; even though I do not "feel" the characterisation of the oppressed and do not agree with views of what constitutes 'noble' or 'moral' or 'just' under an oppressive and illicit regime of apartheid.
...more

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Nov 26, 2013 Sarah rated it it was amazing

With “Kill Mandela,” John Mountford offers a spectacular debut novel, the first in “The Mandela Trilogy.” The novel chronicles both a dark and a promising time in South Africa’s history, when apartheid was coming to an end and Nelson Mandela’s days of imprisonment were likewise concluding. However, “Kill Mandela” travels far beyond the political struggle, encompassing the lives of black and white South Africans and their concomitant exertions. Mountford breathes incredible life and identity into With “Kill Mandela,” John Mountford offers a spectacular debut novel, the first in “The Mandela Trilogy.” The novel chronicles both a dark and a promising time in South Africa’s history, when apartheid was coming to an end and Nelson Mandela’s days of imprisonment were likewise concluding. However, “Kill Mandela” travels far beyond the political struggle, encompassing the lives of black and white South Africans and their concomitant exertions. Mountford breathes incredible life and identity into both sides of the struggle, from Civil Cooperation Bureau members to those of the African National Congress, brilliantly portraying the thoughts and motivations of each and how their fight for dominance spilled over into the lives of their families and communities. Members of the black, white, and colored race are represented, and the main characters range from teenagers to adults.

“Kill Mandela” opens on two white South African men of relative privilege who have led very different lives. Jan Kruger suffered a brutal loss as a young man, one that transformed him and ignited a need for revenge, while Jack Jarrard immigrated to South Africa to seek a purpose greater than himself. When they find themselves sharing company, they begin a dangerous dance that can only have one victor. Meanwhile, teenager York Jarrard begins to discover the world that lies beyond his own white neighborhood as he dabbles in love and strikes up an unlikely friendship. However, all are being drawn inexorably together in a stunning showdown that will determine the course of the country.

Mountford has done a phenomenal job with this remarkable first novel. He seamlessly blends politics, history, and human relations to create a startling and beautiful thriller. The result is an eye-opening account of a crucial period in not only South Africa but the world as well. His characters are well-drawn and genuine, with raw emotions and both strengths and frailties. “Kill Mandela” is engaging and thought-provoking, arousing the reader’s emotions while also informing. Aimed at more experienced readers, this novel could be read by mature young adults; it does contain some language and violent situations, as well as hints of sexuality, but these are all contextual and reasonable. With the necessary background information and historical references interwoven into the thread of the narrative, Mountford’s pragmatic approach makes “Kill Mandela” accessible to those who are from or have some knowledge of South Africa as well as those (such as myself) who do not. Being that “Kill Mandela” is the beginning of a trilogy, the novel has some conclusion but certainly leaves the door open for speculation and for the sequel. The coincidental timing with Nelson Mandela’s passing makes this novel a sterling testament to one of the most important figures of the twentieth century and his enduring legacy.
...more

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Jan 07, 2014 Adrienne Woods rated it it was amazing

I’ve read this book as part of our group Discussion on Goodreads.
I have to tell you, I don’t like politics and didn’t think that I would enjoy this book as much as I did.

Mr. Mountford done one hell of a job writing this novel. It covers more or less what happened twenty years back when Nelson Mandela was released from prison. I was only 14 at that time and was a really scary time in my life. We didn’t know what was going to happen with the new South Africa and will we be able to adapt to everyth ...more

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Nov 30, 2013 Irene rated it it was amazing

Shelves: my-africa

This is the first book in a trilogy. It is set in South Africa at a very historic time, just prior to and including the release of Nelson Mandela from prison. Right from the very beginning you are drawn in to the story and as you progress you become attached to the various characters. In addition the author takes you on a journey around Cape Town and with him you climb Table Mountain which is a World Heritage Site. It is my opinion that each character has a voice and a story to tell and the auth ...more

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