Second edition for local author

AN updated edition of local author Fleur Rorke’s moving book, ‘The Call’, which was first published in 2011, is now available at local book stores.

Although it is essentially a work of fiction, it is based on her grandmother, Nelly Constancon’s journal and family stories, fleshed out with Fleur’s imagination, insight into the human spirit, knowledge of her subject and her storytelling skills.

‘The Call’ is a love story and an adventure-filled family saga rolled into one and it is a compelling read. It is set in Lesotho towards the end of the 19th century and covers 18 of the 43 years that Nelly and her husband, Louis Germond, worked at the Siloe and Thabana-Morena mission stations, serving the Paris Evangelical Missionary society.

Through her sensitive and honest writing, Fleur brings the couple to life, portraying the young missionaries as real, flesh and blood people with all their foibles, fears and faults. When they first meet and fall in love, it is within a far more restrictive social structure than young people face today and, to the modern reader, it is amazing how parents could dictate to their grown children.

Louis, an ordained protestant minister, is the son of well-respected Swiss missionaries who have spent many years working in Lesotho. He is recovering from consumption and, because of this threat to his life, his and Nelly’s families believe it is best to discourage the romance that has developed between them.

Although he is very reluctant to leave Switzerland and Nelly, Louis is forced to return with his parents to Africa where it is hoped he will recover his health. The parents believe the separation will bring an end to a relationship they consider unsuitable and risky, but Nelly remains steadfast. She and Louis are not even allowed to write to each other. Instead, Nelly writes her love letters in her journal, promising herself that she will show them to Louis when they are eventually reunited.

Fate throws many obstacles in the young lovers’ paths and the long hoped for reunion is further delayed, but Nelly and Louis remain resolute. Eventually, after many difficulties and a long, heartbreaking separation, their steadfastness is rewarded. They are married in Pretoria and set up their first, rudimentary home at Siloe. And Louis is, at last, able to read Nelly’s beautiful letters.

Nelly’s fortitude, strong character, courage and her sometimes impish sense of humour serve her well as she learns to cope with life on a remote mission station. Nine months after they are married the first baby arrives – and eight more follow in quick succession. The difficult births and lack of good medical attention sap her health and raising such a large family in such a remote place often drains her energy.

Her beloved Louis might be a missionary, but he is no angel and living with him is not always easy. His ill health remains a concern for many years. A stern perfectionist who demands too much of himself at times, he is inclined to be quick-tempered, judgemental, impatient, and lacking in empathy towards his family and his congregation.

It takes a family tragedy, movingly recounted by Fleur, to make him change his attitude. He is humbled by the love and compassion shown to him by his people and it changes his life. He learns to reach out to others, as Nelly has always done, and he is at last able to touch the lives of so many people.

Fleur deploys a light touch to tell this amazing story. It is written with humour, warmth and love – and with a deep understanding of the people whose story she tells. The second edition of her thought-provoking book, with its new, useful map of the area in which the story is told, is published by Morija Museum and Archives. It is available at Ramsgate Stationers.