Presenting a chronicle filled with the lives of various related families during the declining days of Rhodesia, Cry of the Fish Eagle is a document is separated into 4 segments, books 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Peter Rimmer’s Cry of the Fish Eagle originates in 1943 with RAF Flying Officer, Rupert Pengelly bellowing “For God’s sake, JUMP!” Presenting a chronicle filled with the lives of various related families during the declining days of Rhodesia, Cry of the Fish Eagle is a document is separated into 4 segments; books 1, 2, 3, and 4. I found this work to be an exceptional read especially for those attracted to Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe and the changeovers time has wrought. A rather gloomy, at times, unhappy nation, the account succeeds in presenting the bleakness of the time without resorting to the mawkish. As with all history, the history of this country, whether good or not, happy or not, pleasant or not is something to be recollected, set down, remembered and not swept away too quickly. Book one presents the years 1943 -1946. It is a period occupied with warfare, comprehension that the family home in Cornwall is mortgaged to the hilt, and loss of friends. The loss of military buddy, Rigby Savage. and assurance made to him by Rupert will shadow Rupert for the rest of his life. Book 2 begins in 1952 with Sasa Savage just 17 years old when Rupert moves onto his farm in Southern Rhodesia. Rupert, aged 28, desired to make good on the promise made to Rigby concerning his daughter Sasa. On the other hand, locating the girl was proving more problematic than Rupert had foreseen it might be. Book 3 opens in 1964, introduces the reader to Piccadilly Brown among others, furthers discussion of war in numerous theaters, and continues Rupert’s life, thoughts and anticipations. Book 4 offers the span of 1972 -1979; and with it discussion of guerilla activity, terrorists bringing about havoc, and realization that Rupert’s long ago promise to Rigby had been achieved. Rupert’s life had been challenging, but worth it. I appreciated reading this book. The author's character development is commendable, dialog is convincing, and plausible, the well-drawn story line is captivating, draws the reader into the work, and sustains a hold from opening paragraph to last lines on the final page. Well penned, the writer has presented a fast paced, well ordered work well worth the read and then re-reading again. At 324 pages, Cry of the Fish Eaglebegins with a few characters, builds in possibility and depth as the account continues. The saga progresses as Rupert Pengelly, WW2 war pilot first tries to accomplish the promise to a friend who did not live through the war, and moves on to Rupert’s return to Cornwall where his plans to live in on the family estate are frustrated through chicanery. Rather than brood over his reversal of fortune, Pengelly moves forward to forge a life for himself, and does so with grace and aplomb. A brief glossary with terms perhaps unknown to those living outside Zimbabwe is included. The work closes with a page to introduce Rimmer’s soon to be published work, Vultures in the Wind. Peter Rimmer’s daughter indicates writer Rimmer, was born in London, England, where he grew up and went to school. After the WW2, the 18 year old Rimmer joined the Royal Air Force, reached the rank of Pilot Officer and at the end of his National Service Rimmer set sail for Rhodesia where he planned to grow tobacco. Rimmer founded a highly successful insurance brokering company in Johannesburg. He opened companies in the United States of America, Australia and Hong Kong and travelled extensively between the branches. By the 1990's Writer Rimmer had written several novels about Africa; Cry of the Fish Eagle was first published by HarperCollins, Zimbabwe and became a bestseller. Rimmer now retired from his business career continues writing from his home in Africa. Interesting read Highly Recommended 5 stars Available as download for Kindle and as paperback, I received a paper ARC from the author’s publicist, his daughter. Title: Cry of the Fish Eagle Author Peter Rimmer Paperback: 386 pages Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 3 edition (March 27, 2014) Language: English ISBN-10: 1497412579 ISBN-13: 978-1497412576 Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches $12.60 Amazon Reviewed by: molly martin