Charge! A Story of Briton and Boer

by George Manville Fenn

"Charge! A Story of Briton and Boer" by George Manville Fenn is a historical novel likely written in the late 19th century. The narrative centers around Val Moray, the son of a British settler in South Africa, who is caught amid the brewing conflict between the British and the Boers. Throughout the story, Val faces a series of challenges including violent skirmishes, captivity, and the quest for freedom, all while navigating his relationships with his family, their farm worker Joeboy, and the tumultuous political atmosphere around them. The opening of the book introduces Val and his comfortable life as a farmer's son, where early clashes with Boer insurgents are foreshadowed by the arrival of the Irishman Moriarty, who wishes to recruit Val for the Boer uprising against British rule. As tensions rise, it's revealed that Val will have to confront the realities of war and personal loyalty. The absence of his brother Bob and the presence of their laborer Joeboy add layers to Val's story as he becomes embroiled in increasingly dangerous events, leading to his eventual capture and determination to escape back to his family. This sets the stage for a poignant adventure of bravery and self-discovery against the backdrop of historical conflict.