Set against the backdrop of conservative 1960s South Africa, the narrative follows Alexander's journey from childhood in Cape Town to his teenage years in Johannesburg and early adulthood. The plot unfolds over a decade, beginning with the Maclean family's arrival from Kenya in 1965 and culminating in Alexander's first significant trip to Britain in 1976, exploring themes of identity and cultural transition during a pivotal era in history.
Set against the tumultuous backdrop of South Africa's 1976 Soweto Uprising, this love story intertwines personal relationships with significant political and social upheaval. The narrative explores the impact of violence and racial unrest on individuals in Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula, highlighting the struggles and resilience of love amidst chaos.
When Englishman Michael Hood receives an invitation to visit his old school friend’s farming estate in Equatoria, British East Africa, at the start of 1960, he can hardly imagine the beauty and allure of the region he will come to know during repeated lengthy stays, nor the excitement, drama and tragedy which will mark his visits.
Hemispheres (a sequel to Mallaig Road, published January 2022) charts the story of Alexander Maclean’s adult life, and spans a period of more than forty years, from 1976 to 2021.