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Member Since: March 06, 2012

Sue Muller Hacking

Smashwords book reviews by Sue Muller Hacking

The Giraffe Stepped Over The Fence on March 18, 2012

Envelop yourself in the heart, the doubts, and the strengthening will of young Shanna Langley as she explores what it means to be loved and to love. From a school girl in uniform to an independent young woman, Shanna’s ability to trust and her willingness to speak up is tested in the web of love, silence, and abuse that is her family. Under the patient, ever-watchful eyes of her “other family” -- the Swazi employees of her mother’s farm -- Shanna finds a path to understanding her duty to her family, to her French lover, Marco, and, most importantly, to herself. Born and raised in the southern African Kingdom of Swaziland, author Storm James reveals her love of country and the Swazi people, and brings enticing tidbits of their history to light through memorable characters such as young Bongane and his grandfather Dlamini. Perhaps her teaching background has compelled James to add a bit more Swazi history to the book than is absolutely necessary for the story line, but discerning readers can choose either to skim those paragraphs or embrace them and learn a bit more about the rich history of this small African Kingdom which is sorely under-represented in modern literature. For readers not of southern African heritage, it should be noted that the age of consent in both South Africa and Swaziland in the 1970's was sixteen (as it still is today) and sex scenes in The Giraffe Stepped over the Fence are between consenting adults. James handles these scenes with artistry and accuracy – a sensual delight and refreshing change from the “norm” in contemporary romance and thrillers. First in the Romantic Africa Series, The Giraffe Stepped over the Fence sets a high bar for the books to come. Storm James has shown herself adept at creating a thought-provoking and compelling character-driven story.