Groot Trek is the story of all of us
A riveting tale of intrigue, treachery, love, families, war, and the power of belief. This is how the story of the Great Trek reads for master storyteller Robin Binckes, who decided to portray this epic tale in his latest book, The Great Trek Uncut.
NELSPRUIT – “If you didn’t know it to be true, you would think it was a fantastic tale of fiction,” is Binckes’ view of this event, which he also maintains is the most important part that shaped the history of this country. He believes because this mass migration from the Cape province affected so many of the region’s other inhabitants, it is not only the story of the Afrikaners, but of the whole nation.
His talent for storytelling came to the fore at the launch of the book, held at Zest Restaurant by Bargain Books last week. Binckes had the audience enthralled within minutes of launching into an hour long account of both the Trek, and also the 200 years in the Cape colony leading up to this decision by Afrikaners to move their families away from British rule.
Culminating in a dramatic retelling of the battle of Blood River, he succeeded in holding his audience captivated to his very last sentence.
Interesting facts that Binckes touch upon in his book include that almost two-thirds of the people involved in the Great Trek were children and secondly he dispels a belief held by some that the migration was motivated by Britain’s abolishment of slavery.
Anyone interested in being informed about the history of the country would find this well researched work both informative, but also spellbinding in the way he brings the people behind the events to life.
