Thursday, 27 December 2012
A Great Book based in 1970's Southern Rhodesia
A young african woman is raped on October 15th 1971 and subsequently dies. Years later her daughter tries to find out what happened to her however, a club of English men thwart her efforts as they conceal the identity of the rapist and hide an even deeper, dark secret.
A disappointing truth is set in 1970's Rhodesia and in London and New York from 1990 to 2008.
A Disappointing Truth on Amazon
Saturday, 12 December 2009
Zimbabwe Publishing House Assessment Report Of ' A Disappointing Truth'
Assessment Report for “A Disappointing Truth: The Tragic Story of Sarah Witt”
Author: Sarudzai Mubvakure
Assessor: Tsitsi Gwatiringa
a) The Story
Sarah Witt is a young coloured girl who, after the death of her parents, moves to New York to study music. Before completing her studies, she is raped by her music college mentor. Years later, she discovers a shocking connection between her dead parents and the rapist – the connection is too close for comfort and forces her to find out more. The revelation of who her rapist is leads to the disappointing truth concerning who her real father is and the source of all the wealth that surrounds her. This book is about how the lies and dreaded family secrets finally come out in the open.
b) Genre
Prose – the novel is fiction in English
c) Title
The title is compatible with what is in the text. Sarah experiences one tragedy after another – her parents die; she is raped; her husband is murdered – but the tragedies lead her closer and closer to the disappointing truth of who she really is.
d) Plot
The storyline was excellently done, It has a linear plot punctuated by flashbacks. Sarudzai takes the reader back and forth as she narrates what happened in the past, leaving it for a while to talk about the present before giving another flashback and vice versa. The events of the story are arranged in a way that the reader is kept in suspense right from the very first page to the last – a very excellent piece of art! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
e) Setting
a modern setting based in England and New York as well as a pre-independence setting in Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia).
f) Themes
The author entwined a number of themes, which include love, rape, the history of Zimbabwe, federal corruption, friendships, the demise of lies, deceit and family secrets, religion, entrepreneurship. Readers are encouraged to follow their dreams and advised that money cannot buy everything. But the greatest theme is that of truth …it always has a way of coming out!
g) Language
A very good command of English is evident throughout the text. Where Shona words have been used, an explanation comes forthwith. The language is generally simple and easy to follow but there are instances with wrong punctuations and spellings, for example “could’nt” instead of “couldn’t”; “breaks” instead of “brakes”. There is one incident where the assessor feels there was a mix up of names – page 314 should read Connie and not Charity.
h) Atmosphere
The atmosphere is mostly tense but varies with the situation being presented.
i) Tropes
Generally tropes have been used and they are evident throughout the text.
j) Diction
Sarudzai’s choice of words is easy to follow and understand.
k) Characterisation
Generally, characters are adequately developed to strike some meaningful identity. One can actually visualize characters such as Sarah, Uncle Peter and Tindo as the story progresses.
l) Target Audience
This novel is suitable for all levels of adult readership. As a set book, it is suitable for ‘O’ and ‘A’ level students as well as college level students.
m) Dialogue
There are very good exchanges evident in the text with descriptive expositions that allow readers to see the actions of the characters.
n) Ending
The ending is somewhat conclusive but still leaves the reader in suspense. As much as Sarah Witt has found out about her true identity and the past, one cant help but wonder if any dirty secret is still hidden somewhere…in Africa perhaps!
o) Recommendation
There is need for some copy editing to clean up the few punctuation errors. It is a thick volume but undoubtedly an excellent piece of art. The text can be streamlined by reducing the font size as well as reducing some information on certain chapters that do not necessarily affect the plot and themes under discussion, foe example, the details of Sarah’s lectures can be removed, what is important is to know what she was studying at the college. This novel was well thought out and would be of great relevance to Zimbabwean girls and boys. Literature lovers will fall in love with this text. I recommend it be considered for licensing to be published in Zimbabwe.
Thursday, 2 July 2009
A Disappointing Truth - Available at Tesco !!
Now available from Tesco at http://www.tesco.com/
Sarah Witt is a young mixed race girl born in 1972 to a black Zimbabwean house cleaner and a white English colonialist. The death of her parents leads her to New York City where tragedy strikes again - She is raped by her music college mentor, Jentzen Smithe. Years later she discovers a shocking connection between her dead parents and the rapist. This connection is too close for comfort. The revelation of who Jentzen is could lead to the disappointing truth concerning who her real father is. However, an old family friend is determined to stop this truth from being revealed.
ISBN: 978-1906210960
Paperback : 736 pages
Friday, 8 May 2009
A Disappointing Truth - What is the Colour of Love?
Rudo Mwari is a young, beautiful, teenage girl. She is a young, African girl that has secured employment to work as the house girl of the white Englishman, Mr George Witt, who has come to live in Rhodesia.
Rudo and George live in Rhodesia however, they live on either side of the racial divide. This is a wall that separates the black people and the white people. It is a wall that separates the colour of their skin. However, the laws of segregation are broken on every level in Georges home as he agonises between the opposing forces of desiring what is forbidden and the fear of getting caught.
Rudo has no idea that the association with her white boss will one day result in the birth of a daughter, Sarah. It is an association painted in the shades of love but also an assosciation that may cause a spiral of events that will hurt all those around them, including Sarah. In 'A Disappointing Truth', find out the colour of George's love for Rudo.
A Disappointing Truth - The Doorway to forgiveness & restoration !
Sarah Witt, in the midst of her tragic life, comes face to face with Jesus Christ. However, an unexpected clash with the Pastor of the church and the betrayal from her peers will change her life forever. She makes the tragic decision to walk away from the church – walk away from the faith altogether. Hurt and confused, she devotes her life to find out about her parents who passed away. The disappointing truth that surfaces is startling and any hope of repair to her life seems useless. In Sarudzai Mubvakure’s debut novel, ‘A Disappointing Truth’, find out how Sarah lost her faith in order to find it. Can Sarah find the sacred door that leads from religion to a true relationship with God?
'Unless a seed falls down into the ground and dies, it abides alone'.
A Disappointing Truth - New List Price
Now Avaliable for £11.00 at http://www.eruditor.com/
Sarah Witt is a young mixed race girl born in 1972 to a black Zimbabwean house cleaner and a white English colonialist. The death of her parents leads her to New York City where tragedy strikes again - She is raped by her music college mentor, Jentzen Smithe. Years later she discovers a shocking connection between her dead parents and the rapist. This connection is too close for comfort. The revelation of who Jentzen is could lead to the disappointing truth concerning who her real father is. However, an old family friend is determined to stop this truth from being revealed.
ISBN: 978-1906210960
Paperback : 736 pages
Wednesday, 18 March 2009
Sarudzayi Chifamba-Barnes on "A Disappointing Truth" !!
Renowned author and respected, Independent Publisher and Founder of Lion Press Limited, Sarudzayi Chifamba- Barnes, posted the following review at Amazon.co.uk
"This is a very good book written by a Zimbabwean woman, who, as a woman, has elevated the social ladder of women writers in African literature that is currently dominated by men. She is not writing about the ordinary social issues like most Zimbabwean authors do, such as the wife-cheating and wife beating themes, political and socio-economic hardships. Hers is a compelling to read, romance-cum-adventure book blended with the history of Zimbabwe. Sarudzai has indeed transformed the literature of Zimbabwe and is certainly a writer to look out for. Her book makes a good present to buy for someone who loves reading, and certainly someone who is not lazy to read. Once you start reading it, you don't want to put it down. But it's voluminous (more than 700 pages) so it's a good weekend book,when one is relaxed. Even the cover, too, is smashing.It does not give away what is to follow in the story. It's classic. "
"This is a very good book written by a Zimbabwean woman, who, as a woman, has elevated the social ladder of women writers in African literature that is currently dominated by men. She is not writing about the ordinary social issues like most Zimbabwean authors do, such as the wife-cheating and wife beating themes, political and socio-economic hardships. Hers is a compelling to read, romance-cum-adventure book blended with the history of Zimbabwe. Sarudzai has indeed transformed the literature of Zimbabwe and is certainly a writer to look out for. Her book makes a good present to buy for someone who loves reading, and certainly someone who is not lazy to read. Once you start reading it, you don't want to put it down. But it's voluminous (more than 700 pages) so it's a good weekend book,when one is relaxed. Even the cover, too, is smashing.It does not give away what is to follow in the story. It's classic. "
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
Esther Chikurunhe on A Disappointing Truth !!!
Medical professional, avid reader and devoted mother, Esther Chikurunhe, has given her take on the experiences she has had with 'A Disappointing Truth - the novel. Esther's wonderful review can be seen below and has also been posted on reader and writers website, www.shelfari.com
"A DISAPPOINTING TRUTH" - No other title would befit this beautifully written book, a very engaging and fast paced story that tell the tragic events in Sarah's life. A book that you find it extremely hard to put down even it is well past your bed time, you just have to know what happens next. This is one of the books that l regretted having finished reading, though the last two chapters l read with a tear in my eye, but then l asked myself, "...tears of joy? or what? l desperately wanted Sarah to know the truth, but then the truth hurts. However, the last person who she had in her life, was the person who had opened another page in her life that she did not know, a page in her life that made it possible for Sarah to forgive, forget and move on. Joseph. Charity's conversation with Sarah on pages 306-307 had an impact on Sarah's life, even though she drifted away for a while, those words were like an arrow to her heart and she remembered them, as shown by the way she forgave them all despite of all that she went through, and it was because of Joseph that Sarah had walked through the doors of that building in Finchley.
Well done Saru.
I would urge you all to read this marvellous read!!!!”
"A DISAPPOINTING TRUTH" - No other title would befit this beautifully written book, a very engaging and fast paced story that tell the tragic events in Sarah's life. A book that you find it extremely hard to put down even it is well past your bed time, you just have to know what happens next. This is one of the books that l regretted having finished reading, though the last two chapters l read with a tear in my eye, but then l asked myself, "...tears of joy? or what? l desperately wanted Sarah to know the truth, but then the truth hurts. However, the last person who she had in her life, was the person who had opened another page in her life that she did not know, a page in her life that made it possible for Sarah to forgive, forget and move on. Joseph. Charity's conversation with Sarah on pages 306-307 had an impact on Sarah's life, even though she drifted away for a while, those words were like an arrow to her heart and she remembered them, as shown by the way she forgave them all despite of all that she went through, and it was because of Joseph that Sarah had walked through the doors of that building in Finchley.
Well done Saru.
I would urge you all to read this marvellous read!!!!”
Tuesday, 25 November 2008
Cheryl Wright on 'A Disappointing Truth' !!!!!!
Renowned Freelance Writer Cheryl Wright has described the protagonist, Sarah Witt, of A Disappointing Truth, as a woman who 'Survives Life's Tragedies with faith and love intact.' Read Cheryl's Article and her review of A Disappointing Truth at http://cherylwrightwrites.blogspot.com/2008/08/promoting-disappointing-truth-tragic.html
Friday, 24 October 2008
Emmanuel Sigauke on 'A Disappointing Truth' !!!
The renowned, prolific writer and poet Emmanuel Sigauke has hailed Sarudzai Mubvakure as the 'New Name in Zimbabwean literature' !. His feature of 'A Disappointing Truth' can be found on his blogsite http://vasigauke.blogspot.com/2008/10/new-name-in-zimbabwean-literature.htmlSigauke recently published his collection of poems called 'Forever Let Me Go', featuring the favourite poem, "The Teacher & the Curtain" and many more. Emmanuel Sigauke has been compared to the likes of Zimbabwean writers such as Dambudzo Marechera, Chenjerai Hove and Charles Mungoshi.
Forever Let Me Go is available at http://www.amazon.com/Forever-Let-Me-Emmanuel-Sigauke/dp/160563364X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1227629005&sr=8-1
Saturday, 20 September 2008
'A Disappointing Truth' Available for Rent in Zimbabwe !!!
'A Disappointing Truth' - The Tragic Story of Sarah Witt is NOW AVAILABLE FOR RENT in Harare, Zimbabwe.Please contact Tsitsi Mubvakure at tsitsi46@yahoo.com OR careerhr@mweb.co.zw Call on cell 0912314126 or landline 486188
For ALL those in Zimbabwe, once you read the novel, the author Sarudzai Mubvakure would love to hear from you. Either visit her blogsite and leave a message or email her @ adisappointingtruth@googlemail.com
'A Disappointing Truth' is also featured on the popular Zimbawean readers blog www.zimbablog.com
The Author would like to CONGRATULATE Zimbabwe on the establishement of a new goverment and New Prime Minister. The Author sees a positive bright future for this new nation. The old has passed away and things can only get better !!!
Published by Grosvenor House Publishing
Sunday, 7 September 2008
LOVE IGNORES THE FAULTS !!
The theme of the novel "A Disappointing Truth - The Tragic Story of Sarah Witt" is about love. It's about a love that ignores faults. It's about a love that is unconditional. It's about a love that burns bridges and brings about reconciliation.
The life of the protagonist Sarah Witt is a series of one tragic twist after another, laced in a series of lies told by people who were closest to her - people that she loved. In this story you will take a journey into the depths of pain, discouragement and utter disappointment. However, at the end of your journey you will come face to face with what Sarah did - a light at the end of the tunnel and that light was life and ultimately, love.
Published by Grosvenor House Publishing.
Wednesday, 2 July 2008
IP Book Review - Melissa Levine !!!!!
Fiction
A Disappointing Truth: The Tragic Story of Sarah Witt
Sarudzai Mubvakure
Grosvenor House Publishing Limited
2008
ISBN: 978-1-906210-96-0
Soft cover
718 pages
“Love ignores the faults. And that’s why no matter what, our love is forever.”
In Sarudzai Mubvakure’s debut novel, A Disappointing Truth: The Tragic Life of Sarah Witt, the lead character so frequently encounters catastrophic events that forgiveness does not seem to have a place in her life. But it is the choice to forgive that ultimately leads the young, bi-racial woman to unconditional love and true happiness. Mubvakure’s story unfolds in London, New York, Zimbabwe and ends in Scotland were Sarah accepts the limitations of those who have caused her harm and makes the decision to move forward in her life.
In the fall of 1971, a young woman is violently raped in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). Her assault will greatly impact the lives of several people, including Farai, the young boy who witnesses the crime and a group of English entrepreneurs who have set up businesses in Rhodesia to make their fortunes. The members of the “English Boys Club” become deeply involved in the plight of this young woman whose attack results in the birth of a daughter.
The opening scene of the book is Sarah Witt’s wedding. From there, the author unfolds the details of Sarah’s life starting with her matriculation at a notable arts college in New York City. Sarah was raised by her father George Witt and her paternal grandmother. She was told that her mother, a black Rhodesian, died when Sarah was two-years-old. Her father passes before she journeys to America to attend school. As an Art History and Music major, Sarah makes friends who will remain loyal to her throughout ordeals that occur as she finishes school (sexual assault by her mentor) and during her early adult life (separation from her church and the murder of her first husband in front of her). As Sarah’s own multi-layered story escalates, the details of the secretive English Boys Club slowly unravel as her Uncle Peter and the group’s head man, Algeron Fairbanks, find it increasingly difficult to hold on to the secrets of their shared past. When Sarah decides to seek out information about her mother, the truth that surfaces is startling.
The author displays a strong command of plot and characterization. Sarah and those closest to her are fully formed personalities who become easily familiar as they appear throughout this 700 plus page tome. The protagonist is presented as a beautiful, intelligent, dynamic woman who actively serves any community she finds herself a part of. While Sarah works hard and is successful in both music and business, the murky details of her mother’s life plague her. Mubvakure offers the reader vivid descriptions of the global setting in which the story takes place. On occasion, the author does repeat too much of the plot that the reader has already been informed of, possibly because the book is quite long. With the acumen shown in this book, Mubvakure is sure to grow into the type of writer who trusts her readers’ memories and thus offers just enough information to spark recollection.
As Sarah is slowly enlightened about her parent’s past and the consequences of her own conception, the author infuses the character with a strength that enables the young woman to accept the string of lies that she has believed all of her life and to transform into a person with the maturity required to choose forgiveness.
A Disappointing Truth: The Tragic Story of Sarah Witt is overflowing with sadness and tragedy, but the author offers hope throughout the tale. Mubvakure challenges our understanding of what humans can endure and how they can come out improved and drenched in love on the other side.
Melissa Levine
For Independent Professional Book Reviewers
http://www.bookreviewers.org/
A Disappointing Truth: The Tragic Story of Sarah Witt
Sarudzai Mubvakure
Grosvenor House Publishing Limited
2008
ISBN: 978-1-906210-96-0
Soft cover
718 pages
“Love ignores the faults. And that’s why no matter what, our love is forever.”
In Sarudzai Mubvakure’s debut novel, A Disappointing Truth: The Tragic Life of Sarah Witt, the lead character so frequently encounters catastrophic events that forgiveness does not seem to have a place in her life. But it is the choice to forgive that ultimately leads the young, bi-racial woman to unconditional love and true happiness. Mubvakure’s story unfolds in London, New York, Zimbabwe and ends in Scotland were Sarah accepts the limitations of those who have caused her harm and makes the decision to move forward in her life.
In the fall of 1971, a young woman is violently raped in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). Her assault will greatly impact the lives of several people, including Farai, the young boy who witnesses the crime and a group of English entrepreneurs who have set up businesses in Rhodesia to make their fortunes. The members of the “English Boys Club” become deeply involved in the plight of this young woman whose attack results in the birth of a daughter.
The opening scene of the book is Sarah Witt’s wedding. From there, the author unfolds the details of Sarah’s life starting with her matriculation at a notable arts college in New York City. Sarah was raised by her father George Witt and her paternal grandmother. She was told that her mother, a black Rhodesian, died when Sarah was two-years-old. Her father passes before she journeys to America to attend school. As an Art History and Music major, Sarah makes friends who will remain loyal to her throughout ordeals that occur as she finishes school (sexual assault by her mentor) and during her early adult life (separation from her church and the murder of her first husband in front of her). As Sarah’s own multi-layered story escalates, the details of the secretive English Boys Club slowly unravel as her Uncle Peter and the group’s head man, Algeron Fairbanks, find it increasingly difficult to hold on to the secrets of their shared past. When Sarah decides to seek out information about her mother, the truth that surfaces is startling.
The author displays a strong command of plot and characterization. Sarah and those closest to her are fully formed personalities who become easily familiar as they appear throughout this 700 plus page tome. The protagonist is presented as a beautiful, intelligent, dynamic woman who actively serves any community she finds herself a part of. While Sarah works hard and is successful in both music and business, the murky details of her mother’s life plague her. Mubvakure offers the reader vivid descriptions of the global setting in which the story takes place. On occasion, the author does repeat too much of the plot that the reader has already been informed of, possibly because the book is quite long. With the acumen shown in this book, Mubvakure is sure to grow into the type of writer who trusts her readers’ memories and thus offers just enough information to spark recollection.
As Sarah is slowly enlightened about her parent’s past and the consequences of her own conception, the author infuses the character with a strength that enables the young woman to accept the string of lies that she has believed all of her life and to transform into a person with the maturity required to choose forgiveness.
A Disappointing Truth: The Tragic Story of Sarah Witt is overflowing with sadness and tragedy, but the author offers hope throughout the tale. Mubvakure challenges our understanding of what humans can endure and how they can come out improved and drenched in love on the other side.
Melissa Levine
For Independent Professional Book Reviewers
http://www.bookreviewers.org/
Wednesday, 25 June 2008
COMMENTS & REVIEWS !!!
Thanks to those of you who have enjoyed the experience of reading 'A Disappointing Truth'
Please feel free to share and add your comments HERE !!!. Thanks to all those who have emailed the author at adisappointingtruth@googlemail.com or adisappointingtruth@writesoon.com
You could add your comments to the earlier posts on this blog, and start a discussion about areas that you were particularly passionate about. These posts are discussions about certain characters in the novel!!!!
READ the 5 star !! review of 'A Disappointing Truth' by ibkg on Amazon.com !!!!
READ the 4 star !! review of 'A Disappointing Truth' by Jo C on loot.co.za
Please feel free to share and add your comments HERE !!!. Thanks to all those who have emailed the author at adisappointingtruth@googlemail.com or adisappointingtruth@writesoon.com
You could add your comments to the earlier posts on this blog, and start a discussion about areas that you were particularly passionate about. These posts are discussions about certain characters in the novel!!!!
READ the 5 star !! review of 'A Disappointing Truth' by ibkg on Amazon.com !!!!
READ the 4 star !! review of 'A Disappointing Truth' by Jo C on loot.co.za
READ the 4 star !! review by renowned author/freelance writer Cheryl Wright on Amazon.com- Visit Cheryl Wrights blog @ www.cherylwright.blogspot.com
Happy commenting !! - and to those who have not read the book, get your copy for an enjoyable experience.
Published by Grosvenor House Publishing
Monday, 9 June 2008
COVER DESIGN AND BLURB !!!
Sarah Witt is a young mixed race girl born in 1972 to a black Zimbabwean house cleaner and a white English colonialist. The death of her parents leads her to New York City where tragedy strikes again - She is raped by her music college mentor, Jentzen Smithe. Years later she discovers a shocking connection between her dead parents and the rapist. This connection is too close for comfort. The revelation of who Jentzen is could lead to the disappointing truth concerning who her real father is. However, an old family friend is determined to stop this truth from being revealed.
Friday, 23 May 2008
Now Available at Many Online Bookstores !!!!
'A Disappointing Truth' - The Tragic Story of Sarah Witt in addition to Amazon is now also available at the following online bookstores:
www.waterstones.com
www.eruditor.com the LOW COST Book store
www.WHSmith.co.uk
www.bookdepository.co.uk ----RECOMENDED FOR PRICE AND QUICK DELIVERY
There are several other online oulets that are supplying the book. To see the entire list of stockists just put either the TITLE of the book or the name of the author in your google browser and you will be spoilt for choice !!! You will be able to make some bargains.
May reading the book be a pleasurable experience for you.
Published by Grosvenor House Publishing
www.waterstones.com
www.eruditor.com the LOW COST Book store
www.WHSmith.co.uk
www.bookdepository.co.uk ----RECOMENDED FOR PRICE AND QUICK DELIVERY
There are several other online oulets that are supplying the book. To see the entire list of stockists just put either the TITLE of the book or the name of the author in your google browser and you will be spoilt for choice !!! You will be able to make some bargains.
May reading the book be a pleasurable experience for you.
Published by Grosvenor House Publishing
Sunday, 18 May 2008
A Character in the Novel - Tindo Jonasi !!!
Tindo Jonasi the son of a Zimbabwean diplomat living in New York City. He officially changed his name from Tendai to Tindo, simply to annoy his father.
Tindo is a pivotal character in Sarah Witt's story. Find out how he unknowingly helped Sarah to stumble on the deep secret that her parents had kept from her.
Read the gripping story 'A Disappointing Truth' and let me know your thoughts.
Are you satisfied with how things turned out between Tindo and Sarah or should there have been more ??
Tindo is a pivotal character in Sarah Witt's story. Find out how he unknowingly helped Sarah to stumble on the deep secret that her parents had kept from her.
Read the gripping story 'A Disappointing Truth' and let me know your thoughts.
Are you satisfied with how things turned out between Tindo and Sarah or should there have been more ??
A Character in the Novel - Connie Bartlett !!!
Connie Bartlett is a character that crossed Sarah Witt's path. Was she a help or a hindrance to Sarah's destiny??
Connie Bartlett was beautiful, your regular girl next door. But she had one problem. Read 'A Disappointing Truth' and find out what it was.
Once you get reading, your comments will be greatly appreciated. !!!
Connie Bartlett was beautiful, your regular girl next door. But she had one problem. Read 'A Disappointing Truth' and find out what it was.
Once you get reading, your comments will be greatly appreciated. !!!
Thursday, 15 May 2008
CONTACT US by EMAIL
Do you need further information??
Do you have a burning question??
Would you like to contact the author??
If so then please do not hesitate to send all your emails to adisappointingtruth@writesoon.com OR adisappointingtruth@googlemail.com
All your emails will be warmly received and responded to with care.
'A Disappointing Truth - The Tragic Story of Sarah Witt'
Published by Grosvenor House Publishing
Do you have a burning question??
Would you like to contact the author??
If so then please do not hesitate to send all your emails to adisappointingtruth@writesoon.com OR adisappointingtruth@googlemail.com
All your emails will be warmly received and responded to with care.
'A Disappointing Truth - The Tragic Story of Sarah Witt'
Published by Grosvenor House Publishing
Friday, 9 May 2008
READ !!! The PROLOGUE
Prologue
Scotland 2008. Sarah anxiously stared through the window as she sat at her dressing table dressed in her stunning ivory white wedding gown. Where on earth was Tindo? she thought. Out of all the days, this was the one day that he could not be late - the day of her wedding. She wanted everything to be perfect as she was marrying the perfect man.
Suddenly there was a soft tap on the door, which made her turn around in anticipation. A heavily pregnant Melanie came in and sat beside her. Sarah tried to hide her disappointment. It was good to see Melanie even though she was not whom Sarah had been anxiously waiting for.
“Are you alright Mel?” asked Sarah concerned with the way Melanie was walking.
“Sure no sweat.”
“Are you sure? We could have the paramedics and Greg on standby because you look like you’re about to pop any minute.” They both laughed and heaved a great big sigh and then sat in silence as if each one was waiting for the other to start the conversation.
“Is he here Mel?” asked Sarah abruptly.
“No not yet. Don’t worry he’ll be here,” said Melanie trying to be reassuring.
“Why isn’t he answering his mobile? He can’t be late.”
“Hey Pumpkin, he’ll be here. Trust me…Listen, you just focus on being beautiful and enjoying this day because there is no one who deserves it more than you.” Melanie rubbed Sarah’s hand affectionately.
“Thanks Mel. I just keep on having this feeling that something bad might happen.”
“Pumpkin nothing bad is going to happen. You’re just getting cold feet and that’s natural.”
“You mean like when you had an asthmatic attack on your wedding day and managed to get Greg in a state? !”
“Yeah pretty much” she smiled. Sarah stood up and started pacing up and down the room.
“It’s just that I can’t deal with things when they’re not all in place.”
“That’s because you’re a perfectionist. Don’t pressure yourself sweetheart - you look gorgeous, it’s a gorgeous day and you’re marrying a man that loves you to death...Look come and sit down with me Pumpkin.”
“I know, I know.” She came to sit next to Melanie by flopping herself on the bed.
“This might be a stupid question especially at this point in time, but do you love him?” Melanie looked at Sarah through her soft eyes as she asked this.
“Do you mean…?” asked Sarah.
“Well who else could I mean? You’re only marrying one man!” said Melanie with a hint of sarcasm.
Sarah paused and looked at Melanie as if pondering on how to answer that question. “Mel when you talked about cold feet I thought, no not possible. I just want Tindo to be here. Mel I love him so much.”
“What? Do you mean Tindo?”
“No, stupid. Are you listening or not?”
“I am listening. It’s just that you’re mixing things up here and getting things all confused.”
“Ok just to clarify things, in case you didn’t know, Tindo is our best friend that is giving me away,” said Sarah sarcastically.
Scotland 2008. Sarah anxiously stared through the window as she sat at her dressing table dressed in her stunning ivory white wedding gown. Where on earth was Tindo? she thought. Out of all the days, this was the one day that he could not be late - the day of her wedding. She wanted everything to be perfect as she was marrying the perfect man.
Suddenly there was a soft tap on the door, which made her turn around in anticipation. A heavily pregnant Melanie came in and sat beside her. Sarah tried to hide her disappointment. It was good to see Melanie even though she was not whom Sarah had been anxiously waiting for.
“Are you alright Mel?” asked Sarah concerned with the way Melanie was walking.
“Sure no sweat.”
“Are you sure? We could have the paramedics and Greg on standby because you look like you’re about to pop any minute.” They both laughed and heaved a great big sigh and then sat in silence as if each one was waiting for the other to start the conversation.
“Is he here Mel?” asked Sarah abruptly.
“No not yet. Don’t worry he’ll be here,” said Melanie trying to be reassuring.
“Why isn’t he answering his mobile? He can’t be late.”
“Hey Pumpkin, he’ll be here. Trust me…Listen, you just focus on being beautiful and enjoying this day because there is no one who deserves it more than you.” Melanie rubbed Sarah’s hand affectionately.
“Thanks Mel. I just keep on having this feeling that something bad might happen.”
“Pumpkin nothing bad is going to happen. You’re just getting cold feet and that’s natural.”
“You mean like when you had an asthmatic attack on your wedding day and managed to get Greg in a state? !”
“Yeah pretty much” she smiled. Sarah stood up and started pacing up and down the room.
“It’s just that I can’t deal with things when they’re not all in place.”
“That’s because you’re a perfectionist. Don’t pressure yourself sweetheart - you look gorgeous, it’s a gorgeous day and you’re marrying a man that loves you to death...Look come and sit down with me Pumpkin.”
“I know, I know.” She came to sit next to Melanie by flopping herself on the bed.
“This might be a stupid question especially at this point in time, but do you love him?” Melanie looked at Sarah through her soft eyes as she asked this.
“Do you mean…?” asked Sarah.
“Well who else could I mean? You’re only marrying one man!” said Melanie with a hint of sarcasm.
Sarah paused and looked at Melanie as if pondering on how to answer that question. “Mel when you talked about cold feet I thought, no not possible. I just want Tindo to be here. Mel I love him so much.”
“What? Do you mean Tindo?”
“No, stupid. Are you listening or not?”
“I am listening. It’s just that you’re mixing things up here and getting things all confused.”
“Ok just to clarify things, in case you didn’t know, Tindo is our best friend that is giving me away,” said Sarah sarcastically.
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“Ha, ha very funny,” said Mel
“I do try my best. Anyway seriously, I’ve waited for this man for like an eternity...and I think I’ve got another chance at forever …” Another soft tap at the door interrupted. Carmello the wedding planner popped her head from behind the door.
“Can I come in?”
“Yeah sure Carmello,” said Sarah beckoning Carmello to come in.
“Well we’re all set thank God. Tindo is here!” said Carmello with a smile.
“Thank God for that,” exclaimed Sarah.
“Ditto!,” shouted Melanie.
“Sarah you look gorgeous and so do you maid of honour. Now, Sarah this is your moment. Just one quick thing; Tindo has someone here to see you.” Carmello surveyed Sarah up and down.
“Oh no. Not again. I’m going to wring his neck when I see him,” said Sarah shaking her head.
“Don’t ruin your make up darling. Now come on, bouquet in hand and let us go. Don’t worry we still have plenty of time,” said Carmello
“I love you Sarah,” said Melanie with tears in her eyes.
Sarah turned round and smiled “I love you too. Now don’t you start. !”
All three of them exited the beautiful cottage and walked on the gravel driveway. The scenery was beautiful with a panoramic view of the Irish Sea. The weather was perfect with the soft scent of magnolia in the air. A short distance away was the grand castle where the wedding ceremony would take place and that‘s where her husband to be was waiting for her. A black Mercedes had been parked outside the cottage. Sarah walked towards the car in order to see who was in it. Before she got to the car, she saw someone dart across the croquet lawn in a black tuxedo. She immediately recognised who it was and shouted out to the person.
“Tindo Jonasi what the hell are you playing at?” Tindo stopped abruptly. He had seen Sarah and had tried to dash across the lawn before she spotted him. His plan had obviously failed.
“What are you doing? You’re supposed to be with me remember.”
“Calm down sis. I can explain. Don’t get yourself worked up.”
Sarah turned round to Melanie and Carmello and spoke with a hint of irritation. “Am I the only one that realises that today is my wedding day and I need to have someone to give me away? I don’t know. Maybe I missed something. Did I miss something?”
“It’s ok Sarah. There is a good reason. Look, calm down.” Melanie was pointing at someone who had come out from the passenger seat of the black Mercedes. Sarah turned round to see what Melanie was pointing at. Standing in front of her was an elderly man in a crisp, expensive navy blue suit leaning on an immaculately carved wooden walking stick.
“Hello Poppet, “said the man with tears swelling up in his eyes.
Overwhelmed with joy Sarah ran towards the elderly man and went straight into his arms. “Uncle Peter!” she exclaimed. Tindo watched in the distance in relief and joy. He gave a thumbs up to Melanie who acknowledged him then he made his way to the castle.
She held onto him so tight that if she carried on she definitely would have sucked all the air out of the man.
“There, there now Poppet,” said the old man as Sarah let go of him.
“Did they release you just for today Uncle?” she said in excitement.
“No dear I’m out for good.” He said this with pride and satisfaction.
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“Out for good? What do you mean?” asked Sarah surprised.
“It means I’ve paid my dues dear and I’m a free man!”
Sarah jumped for joy and hugged him again. “That’s such good news. Why didn’t you tell me. I would have come to meet you?”
“No dear I wanted to surprise you and thanks to your good friend Tindo, I succeeded. Now my beautiful young girl we need to get you down to that Castle where that eager young man is waiting for you.”
This was the best thing that had happened to her so far. Uncle Peter was right here at the castle ready to give her away. She loved Tindo dearly, he had done the most honourable thing to offer to give her away, and of course, under the circumstances he was the best person to do the job. However, right now with Uncle Peter and his arm interlocked with hers was the most natural thing. She had needed her father with her and having Uncle Peter here made everything perfect.
Perfect but puzzling, considering the fact that he had been sentenced to 28 years in prison but had only served for two. ‘I’m a free man’ is what he said to her, but how was that possible? Two years ago Peter Donaldson had pleaded guilty to 10 federal corruption charges. He was sentenced to a minimal 28 years, largely because of his outstanding contribution to the development of the city of London and also because he turned himself in and helped the American authorities with the investigation. Although his sentence was considerably cut by half, at his age 28 years was just as good as a death sentence. Two years ago his associates - Montpellier Ross, Jules Garson and Andrew Thompson were all ‘let off the hook’, as was quoted by the Guardian and USA today. How was that possible since they were in it together?
‘I’ve paid my dues’ is what he said to her. It would have been interesting to know how much he paid to get himself out of that maximum-security prison where several law-abiding citizens of the nation of Zimbabwe felt that he belonged. Well, all this was the last thing on Sarah’s mind. She was getting married and the man who had loved her, as a father should, was here to give her away - perfect.
“So we’ll have no more snivelling. Shall we go Poppet?” said Peter.
Sarah held her bouquet, of three red roses, in her hands and trying not to cry tears of joy looked at her Uncle Peter and responded, “Yes…dad.” Uncle Peter had tears gushing down his cheeks as he heaved a sigh of relief then proudly walked Sarah along the beautiful magnolia pathway towards the grand castle.
Melanie the maid of honour and Carmello the wedding planner, both in tears of joy, followed behind.
It was a joyous day indeed. Everyone and everything looked perfect and in place. But there was one question that needed answering. This was the one thing that I wanted the answer for - How had Sarah managed to forgive her Uncle Peter, after all that he had done? His abuse and exploitation of people and all the lies was, according to the average person, unforgivable. She had even forgiven the man that she was about to marry. He didn’t deserve to be invited back into her life, but here he was, ready to tie the eternal knot. It just didn’t make sense and any person who would have heard her story would have wanted to hear a reasonable explanation as to why?
Here therefore is the the account of Sarah Witt’s story so that you can judge for yourself. Her story started on October 15th 1971 - way before she was born!
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