The Cracks in the Pavement

- a novel by Elizabeth McDougall

Elizabeth McDougall, after moving around the world for twenty-four years with BBC Foreign Correspondent husband Ian and their three children, has reverted to her childhood memories in former Kenya Colony for her novel 'The Cracks In the Pavement'.

She and Ian moved to Henfield in 1998 from years spent in a village in Oxfordshire where they had gone to live after leaving their last BBC posting in Paris. Sadly they left behind a daughter and two grandchildren near Oxford - but joined their other daughter (Marina Lewis) and her family in Henfield. Like so many new incomers the McDougalls have found Henfield an extremely friendly and stimulating place to live in and have much enjoyed all the many activities that take place in the village throughout the year. It was in Henfield that Elizabeth completed her book based on life in the erstwhile Kenyan colony..

The novel tells the story of a dysfunctional white family – the Kingstons – set against the beautiful, at times dangerous, but always fascinating background of colonial pre-independent Kenya of the nineteen forties and fifties.

It follows the youngest child in the family, Mardy, from childhood into adulthood, struggling to make sense of a grown-up, parental world she cannot understand but often resents. Her 'little girl' close relationship with a young Italian (Mario), who later erupts into her life with dire consequences, all influence the grown-up Mardy Kingston.

This is the Africa of the last century, an Africa that is now nearly gone. Violence; animals; (charming and also terrifying); blue warm seas; palm trees; love (and hate) affairs; colonial charmers who are larger than life. All these, plus an embattled relationship with her mother Edwina, form Mardy’s character and make her the attractive, complicated and sensual girl she becomes.

If you are local, you can purchase a copy direct from Elizabeth McDougal for £8.99 (plus £1.40 if postage is required - UK) by calling her on 01273 494135.

Also obtainable from Amazon.co.uk, this excellent book has already received 4 and 5 star ratings on Amazon.

Look out for the front cover painted by Ian McDougall!