Echoes from the Past

The Brigandshaw Chronicles, Book 1

By: Peter Rimmer

Narrated by: Alex Bhat

A sweeping African saga of family, conflict, and the land that shapes them.

England, 1887. When seventeen-year-old Sebastian Brigandshaw is cast out by his domineering father, he is exiled to southern Africa—an untamed land on the edge of change.

Under the mentorship of Tinus, a seasoned Boer hunter, Sebastian learns to survive the bush, navigate a divided society, and carve out a life far from the world that rejected him. But Africa is a place of shifting loyalties: British ambition, Boer resilience, and the struggles of indigenous peoples collide as the Boer War draws near.

As tensions rise and the continent is pulled towards conflict, Sebastian is drawn into a story far larger than himself—one that tests his courage, reshapes his identity, and binds him to a land he comes to love as fiercely as those who call it home.

Rich in historical detail and unforgettable characters, Echoes from the Past brings southern Africa’s landscapes, cultures, and conflicts vividly to life. It is an epic tale of survival, legacy, and the enduring power of the human spirit.

Perfect for listeners of Wilbur Smith, Ken Follett, and sweeping frontier sagas, this is historical fiction that feels lived-in, immersive, and deeply moving.

Begin the unforgettable journey today.

©2015 Peter Rimmer (P)2022 Heather Stretch

Wonderful book!

Beautifully written book about the history of South Africa. It made me wish I could go back there! 

I learned a lot

I enjoyed the narration. I learned the story of the Boers and South Africa.

Balanced view

The story is good and I appreciated the balanced view about the Boer War. Unfortunately the pronunciation of ‘The Taal’ and later called Afrikaans words and surnames is disappointing and takes away from the listening experience.

Mesmerizing

I really enjoyed this book. We don’t always realize just how bad people can behave against others. Greed is always that way.

A true insight from both sides of the war.

Few Boer War stories show so much understanding of the point of view from both parties. It links the history of Rhodesia with that of South Africa, and captures the the results of colonialism and the price paid for it by both Boer and Brit.