The Swahili title “Samahani” (forgive me) encapsulates the need for understanding and reconciliation in the face of conflict. Set in 1956, this romantic thriller deals with important historical and cultural issues, exploring the complicated relationship between wildlife protection and the rights of the local people, such as the Maasai.

Alex Trevenen, an islander from Réunion, whose deep love for Megan Harrington, a white South African, is tainted by two words stamped on his passport, nie blanke, non-white”. Acting on his love would put Megan’s career at the university in jeopardy and make her persona non grata in the Cape Town community, where her parents are well-respected.

Megan Harrington, affluent white South African and a passionate ecologist, deeply values her friendship with Alex, knowing nothing of his love for her. The discovery of an 1891 Arab trader’s journal inspires Megan Harrington to follow her professor to Tanganyika, defying his wishes, with devastating results.

Professor Roger Morrison, Head of Research at the University of Cape Town, has been recruited by MI6. His research on the Black rhino of Ngorongoro gives him the perfect cover to spy on a terrorist cell operating in that area. His only problem is dissuading his strong-willed assistant, Megan, from accompanying him on his undercover mission.

Tumaini, a university-educated Maasai, holds a fierce hatred for British colonial policies and land-grabbing ecologists. Recruited to the Muslim Brotherhood by a wealthy Yemeni living in Zanzibar, he will do anything to save the Maasai grazing land from being absorbed into game reserves.