KILL MANDELA
What If Nelson Mandela was assasinated on the eve of his release? Kill Mandela is a political thriller that might have been true.
This is a saga of public and private lives, liberation politics, captivity and release, idealism and expedience. John Mountford’s political thriller traces the histories of three families brought together by fate or chance, and their reactions to seismic change.
Cape Town, 1990. The Cold War is over and the apartheid regime in South Africa is locked into endgame with the African National Congress.
Jan Kruger, Jack Jarrard, and Alpheus Khumalo are each haunted by their past lives – terror, trauma, lost heritage, and failed ideals. Will the new generation find a path in the wilderness of deceit, fear, hope and heartache?
The apartheid regime intends to release the most famous prisoner in the world, Nelson Mandela. Rogue agents of the regime seek to stop this. Will the ANC unleash the ethnic bloodbath of Project Vula? Will Mandela bring peace? There are those that will not take this chance: KILL MANDELA!
The Stories behind the Story
The Author's Story
I was one year old when Nelson Mandela was arrested for treason in December 1956; eight when he was imprisoned on Robben Island and thirty-four when he was released.
My British father afforded me a more nuanced view of apartheid and in my later years I read a lot about the struggle for liberation in Africa and, more particularly, my home country, South Africa.
In my reading I came across a failed plot to assassinate Mandela while he was in prison and I wondered at the consequences had it succeeded. I have always written for pleasure, but this was the spark that kick-started my fiction writing aspirations. Kill Mandela was born.
The True Story
This video captures the essence of the amazing story of the life of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. No writer could ever have created a fiction as exhilarating, enlightening or inspiring as this. It is worth the time watching.
The Inspiration For The Story
“During my lifetime I have dedicated my life to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons will live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal for which I hope to live for and to see realised. But, my Lord, if it needs to be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”
What Readers are saying
A Stunning Debut Of Historical, Political And Relational Significance
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.
Litterarum Studiosis
Gripping And Emotional Read
I was not prepared for how this author would silently cast his line, hopelessly hook you and reel you in right up to the very last word. Kill Mandela is for anyone who wants to read something with substance and depth.
Vicki Wilson
So Gripping And Believable – I Thought It Must Be True!
This book made me cry, laugh, had me gripped and made me hopeful all at the same time. It was recommended to me, and I fully recommend it to you.
Cins
You Have To Read This Novel!
What a rollercoaster. The description of ‘page-turner’ has never been more accurate. This novel plays out like a film and is so engrossing I struggled to put it down. I cannot recommend this book highly enough for any South African or indeed anyone curious about this beautiful place I’m lucky enough to call home.
Liz
A Page Turner…. Disappointed When I Finished It!
When I first started reading this book one of the things I immediately liked was the fast pace and short chapters. Each well crafted chapter leaves you wanting more, and as the book goes on there is the impending fear of finishing the book versus the excitment of discovering how the story will end.
Jack Rutter
A Pleasure To Read!
I’m always a bit uncertain about reading a first novel that hasn’t received widespread praise in the media. (I’ve had a couple of dud first reads.) This was a pleasant surprise. I guess the media just haven’t discovered it yet. Intrigue with a fast pace with an intricately woven plot.