Hugh Chare

African Encounter Hugh Chare

When in 1969 James Martin leaves England to start work in Central Africa, he has little idea of what to expect and how his life will change. James goes to work in a copper mine in Zambia and spends his days in the heat and humidity of the underground. He toils below the ground for six and a half days a week rarely seeing many hours of daylight. On the surface things are very different. Looking for a social life he is fortunate to be introduced to Katrina Englebrecht, a true daughter of Africa. She offers him light and sunshine, metaphorically and practically. James balances the risks of working underground in the dust and darkness with the rewards of the company of Katrina. Katrina gives James insights into the cultural complexities of the white white and white black divides. She also introduces him to the African bush and the peace and quiet that can be found a few miles from town. Together James and Katrina make excursions into the bush leading to visits to the wild places where they enjoy romantic encounters.