Jennifer McVeigh

The Fever Tree by Jennifer McVeigh is a novel of historical fiction that is set in South Africa during the 1880s. It is the story of Frances Irvine who, after growing up in a life of privilege, finds herself destitute after the death of her father. She accepts an offer of marriage to a young doctor who she has never particularly cared for. She soon finds herself emigrating to Africa to join him.

On board ship headed for Cape Town, she meets and falls in love with William Westwood but although he declares his love for her, he walks away due to the urging of his wealthy cousin. Her new husband, Dr. Edwin Matthews, is a seemingly cold and unemotional man whose passion seems to be reserved for fighting the epidemic of smallpox that officials in Kimberly are covering up in order not to disturb the flow of diamonds. Frances is ill-prepared for her new life and makes many mistakes, the biggest by far is under-estimating her husband and thinking that William Westwood would be a better match for her.

I was totally absorbed by The Fever Tree finding it compelling, interesting and evocative. The African setting is brought to life vividly and the story of love, betrayal and loss was believable and touching. The descriptions of the smallpox epidemic and the greed of the diamond merchants is brought to life with such powerful images that I found it hard to believe that this is a debut novel. I look forward to reading more from this author.… (més)

Leopard at the Door by Jennifer McVeigh is an excellent historical fiction novel set in the 1950’s in Kenya when it was still under British Rule. The story of Rachel who lost her mother at a young age and returns from England to Kenya is loaded with detail melodrama. After the death of her mother, her father remained in Kenya so the novel documents their reunion after a six year separation. Rachel witnesses the changes in Kenya. A fast paced easy read that leaves the reader is invested in the emotional guts of the characters.… (més)