Amazon Kindle offers a relatively low cost and (essential for old goats like me) simple to do option to publish one’s own work.
All these titles are available for download to your pc or phone using the free Kindle app.
Fixing the hole
This collection of blogs comments on the political, moral, and social turbulence since the mid‑2010s, with a recurring theme of Western societies drifting toward authoritarianism and right‑wing populism.
A broad, reflective analysis of contemporary socio-political, economic, and cultural issues from a conservative and somewhat sceptical viewpoint, spanning topics such as consumerism, political leadership, identity politics, global conflicts, and societal values.
It interweaves historical references, personal opinions, and current events to critique modern Western democracies, governance, and cultural trends.
The tone is reflective, sardonic, and often sharply critical of political hypocrisy, media virtue‑signalling, and the erosion of democratic ideals.
There is a mix of intellectual cynicism and dark humour, using historical parallels and vivid metaphors to highlight the absurdities of modern politics.
An Aardvark in Australia
A memoir of movement, memory, humour, and belonging
An Aardvark in Australia is a collection of autobiographical stories, reflections, and vignettes written over many years.
It traces a life that begins in colonial Swaziland, moves through Rhodesia/Zimbabwe and South Africa, and eventually settles in New Zealand then Australia.
The book blends nostalgia, humour, cultural commentary, and gentle philosophy
Skimming the surface:some short stories … and a few poems
Some lighthearted responses to titles suggested by friends.
It’s a mixed bag of pulp fiction, children’s stories, tales set in the future and tales based on reminiscences of early days in Africa.
Light and easy reading with some tongue in cheek
JUST SOME BLOOD
An eye-witness account of life and death on the gold mines during and after the South African liberation struggle.
Gold was the biggest revenue earner in South Africa – it became a powerful weapon in the campaign to win freedom.
Those who failed to support the directives of activists were eradicated: the others submitted … or died.
Management flailed: fettered by apartheid barriers, they were ill-equipped to cope with the unshackling of a repressed workforce.
Perhaps a slightly different viewpoint, maybe overly critical in the bright light of retrospect?
Nduna – A Swazi Boyhood
After a childhood in a small rural mountain kingdom, filled with friendly people, we were tossed about by the winds of change that wafted through Africa.
The son of a District Commissioner, I grew up with Swazis and spoke siSwati before I spoke English. I am known by my Swazi name in the family and amongst Swazis.
These are some memories of the people, places and dogs in the innocent adventures which filled my early life.
My education was at St Marks – a traditional colonial public school type of school which was a great experience for many – a bit rough for others.
Abandoned by the Crown and rejected by the Swazis, most of us scattered over Southern Africa, somewhat baffled and resentful, but never forgetting the innocent joys of our childhood and the beauty of Swaziland.
ROUGH JUSTICE – Reminiscences of a Rhodesian Magistrate
Rhodesia in the 1970’s was an adventure and wildlife paradise for young men. The Ministry of Justice offered me the opportunity to serve as a magistrate like my father in Swaziland and his grandfather in the Transkei.
These are stories of court work and my life during the bush war.
Wartime generated an energetic social life, risk taking and carefree attitudes in the attempted suppression of anxieties bred by the dangers all around.
I was not reticent and joined in with vigour, while trying to observe a number of laws I applied in court. But there were some bawdy songs, rugby, a lot of beer and a brawl or two.
The Purcells of Swaziland
A Family genealogy.
This was the first book I wrote for our family reunion in Swaziland in 2013.
It is a history of the background and family of a colonial administrator in Africa towards the end of the imperial era.
There is a huge number of fascinating stories in our family history in Africa.
Amateur genealogy is absorbing. This is an example of how one can depict family genealogy for future generations.
sillysocksonfriday 