LOCAL author Clare Houston has released her third novel, Flight of a Rare Bird, marking a return to the historical fiction that first earned her national recognition.

Houston, who dreamed of becoming a writer since childhood, has built a loyal readership through her ability to blend meticulous historical research with compelling storytelling.

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Her fascination with South African history and vivid imagination have inspired stories that bring the country’s past to life through memorable characters and authentic settings.

Her debut novel, An Unquiet Place, was published by Penguin Random House in 2019 and quickly gained attention across SA. The novel was longlisted for the Barry Ronge Fiction Prize and praised for its accessible style, relatable characters and evocative portrayal of the country’s past.

Set in the Eastern Free State, the story follows Hannah, a modern-day woman who discovers the Boer War journal of Rachel, a young woman writing from inside a concentration camp. Houston’s extensive research into the region’s history, archaeology and the impact of war on local communities provided the foundation for the novel.

“My stories are fictional, but they could have happened,” Houston explained.

“The history is real, and my characters are living experiences that people really did go through. Although it’s fictional, everything is feasible.”

Her second novel, Titanium Beneath, took a different direction, exploring the contemporary conflict between environmental conservation and mining interests on the KZN coast. The story follows activist Ali Rose as she investigates alleged corruption surrounding proposed titanium mining operations that threaten the region’s sensitive dune ecosystems.

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Drawing on expert advice and extensive research, the Kloof resident created a story that resonated with readers and critics alike. The novel was named a finalist in the US-based Cinematic Book Awards.

Now, with the release of Flight of a Rare Bird, Houston returns to the Boer War era, this time setting her story in Pietermaritzburg in 1900. The novel serves as a tribute to the city of her childhood and its rich Victorian heritage.

The story centres on two young women living in the same house. Emmy is athletic and independent-minded, struggling against the expectations placed on women in Victorian society, while Anna is an exceptionally gifted scholar whose opportunities are limited by the racial barriers of the time. As the Boer War disrupts established social structures, both women find unexpected opportunities to pursue their ambitions.

Houston describes the novel as “the problem child of my career so far, but perhaps the best because of it”.

Readers interested in Houston’s work can find her ebooks through Amazon.com, while paperback editions can be ordered through her author website: https://clarelouisehouston.wixsite.com/mysite

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