`Centaine screamed and drove the point of her stave down into the jaws with all her strength. She felt the sharpened end bite into the soft pink mucous membrane in the back of its throat, saw the spurt of scarlet blood, and then the lion locked its jaws on the stave and with a toss of its flying mane ripped it out of her hands and sent it windmilling out and down to hit the earth below.`
The passionate love of a beautiful French aristocrat for a courageous South African aviator is begun and extinguished in the blazing skies of war-torn France. But Centaine de Thiry is bent on realizing some of the dreams which she and Michael Courtney had shared – and sets out to seek a future for his unborn child in the country of Michael`s birth. But in a monumental odyssey of disaster and adventure she must first brave all the combined terrors of war, shipwreck, thirst, fever and the burning vastnesses of Namibia`s Skeleton Coast before she sees another living soul…
Embark on an unforgettable journey of love, survival, and resilience with Wilbur Smith's gripping historical adventure, "The Burning Shore." This New Edition paperback plunges readers into the heart of war-torn France and the unforgiving landscapes of Namibia's Skeleton Coast, delivering a powerful story of a woman's unwavering determination to forge a future for her child against all odds. Centaine de Thiry, a beautiful and headstrong French aristocrat, experiences a whirlwind romance with Michael Courtney, a daring South African aviator, amidst the chaos of World War I. Their love affair, ignited in the skies above France, is tragically cut short, leaving Centaine with Michael's unborn child and a burning desire to fulfill the dreams they shared. Driven by love and a fierce spirit, Centaine embarks on a perilous odyssey to Michael's homeland in South Africa. Her journey becomes a monumental test of endurance as she confronts the horrors of war, a devastating shipwreck, the agonizing thirst and debilitating fever of the desert, and the ever-present threat of the unforgiving Skeleton Coast. This treacherous stretch of Namibian coastline, notorious for its shipwrecks and desolate beauty, becomes the stage for Centaine's ultimate struggle for survival. "The Burning Shore" is more than just an adventure novel; it's a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Wilbur Smith masterfully weaves together historical accuracy with thrilling action sequences, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience. He captures the raw beauty and brutal realities of the African landscape, drawing readers into Centaine's fight against nature and circumstance. The book is characterized by Smith's signature blend of historical detail, pulse-pounding action, and compelling character development. Centaine is a heroine for the ages, a woman who refuses to be broken by adversity and whose unwavering love for her child fuels her extraordinary journey. Published by Pan Books Limited, this epic tale has captivated readers for decades with its powerful themes of love, loss, and the indomitable will to survive. If you enjoy historical fiction packed with adventure, romance, and heart-stopping suspense, "The Burning Shore" is a must-read. Prepare to be swept away by Centaine's courage and resilience as she navigates the burning sands and treacherous currents in her quest for a new life. Experience the sweeping narrative that has cemented Wilbur Smith's place as a master storyteller, perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell and Philippa Gregory. This edition offers a fresh opportunity to rediscover a classic adventure or introduce a new generation to the captivating world of Wilbur Smith.