Table of Contents
Part One — Haven, USA — 2017
1. Prologue
One night. Two lives.
In the hushed corridors of an empty office, despair seeps through the cracks as one soul grapples with the weight of failure and the haunting echoes of harsh words, while the other heads home to pot roast.
Part Two — South Africa, 1975 — 1995
2. Pretoria, 1975 - Wild
Meet Eleanor. She loves thunderstorms and vinegar.
There’s a wild mad party in the sky Eleanor wants to join. Meanwhile she is combed, dried and brushed to smooth perfection.
3. Pretoria, 1976 - Stupid resting
In which Eleanor wonders, “Why do adults need so many rests?”
In the stillness of the afternoon, Eleanor creates her own magical realm. While another toils.
4. Pretoria, 1977 - Stupid being ladylike
In which Eleanor discovers being good isn’t fun.
Eleanor loves school. Until she gets a stern lesson in playing like “a lady”.
5. Pretoria, 1978 - Brake through
In which Eleanor discovers freedom at full speed, brakes pending.
A downhill ride to glory… and straight into chaos. Some lessons are best learned the hard way.
6. Pretoria, 1981 - Reading nooks
In which Eleanor delights in cozy corners.
Brothers and parents are annoyances to be tolerated and engaged with as little as possible.
7. Pretoria, 1984 - Escape
In which escape means more than just a ride down the hill.
At the Beckhams, Eleanor seeks freedom and finds a refuge. Kelebohile finds none. Some escapes are physical; others, impossible.
8. Pretoria, 1987 - Black sheep, white sheep
In which Eleanor is caught between a school’s image and a country’s reality.
Behind the immaculate lawns of St Anne’s lies an unsettling reality. The lines between right and wrong blur as Eleanor tumbles into an unlikely friendship, and inhales belonging.
9. Pretoria, 1987 - Soft targets
In which Eleanor confronts the choices that apartheid, fear, and family place before her.
South Africa burns. A bomb could be anywhere. Eleanor has a choice to make.
10. Pretoria, 1988 - Boredom
In which Eleanor gets it very wrong. So very, very wrong.
Natasha’s bored. What to do? She envies Eleanor’s home life…but is their friendship stronger than the siren call of rebellion?
11. Pretoria, 1989 - Prayers
In which Eleanor calls for help.
Eleanor and Tig sit waiting by the phone, their family’s fate at stake. But prayers don’t come with guarantees.
12. Pretoria, February 11, 1990
In which a man walks free.
Tig, Eleanor and Becca watch history being made. But for Kelebohile, the chains that hold her aren’t as easily broken.
13. Durban, 1990 - Readings and beatings
In which soft voices pack a punch.
At university, Elle’s world expands. The protests rage out there; but in the quiet of a friend’s room, some truths can’t be escaped.
14. Underberg, 1990 - Sanctuary
In which Eleanor delights in the Barrier of Spears
Where the peaks spear the sky and the river carves the land: this is Elle’s sanctuary. The world is alright, she is alright. For now.
15. Johannesburg, 1991 - Reunion
In which Eleanor makes a resolution.
A surprise invitation intrigues Eleanor. But in the midst of a party lies a truth she wasn’t prepared for.
16. Durban, 1991 - RAG
In which Eleanor gets a little intoxicated.
An all night party, with music, and building floats. Probably some other unmentionables. Eleanor is content.
17. The Wild Coast, 1991 - Ja, Kommandant
In which Eleanor is jolted awake.
A midnight whistle. Intruders in the dark. This is the Wild Coast.
18. Durban, 1992 - Packing
In which Eleanor is hiding something.
Alasdair grapples with the weight of Eleanor’s choices. What is really going on with her?
19. Durban, 1992 - Diwali
In which Eleanor’s res is transformed.
The new South Africa is coming fast to a res hall near Eleanor.
20. Durban, 1992 - Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika
In which tomorrow’s problems can wait.
The University receives a special visitor. Some celebrate. Others mutiny.
21. Pretoria, 1993 - The question
In which Eleanor confronts the price of honesty.
As Eleanor navigates a high-stakes interview, will truth elevate or sink her?
22. Pretoria, 1993 - Love at first word
In which Eleanor falls in love.
Eleanor’s bored. Life as a diplomat is…disappointing. So she jumps at a new opportunity.
23. Pretoria, 27 April, 1994
In which Kelebohile gets to vote.
The country prepares to vote. But yesterday’s bombs are a visceral reminder: not everyone wants this change.
24. Pretoria, 10 May 1994
In which a man makes history.
The beloved country is no longer crying, but singing.
Part Three — Egypt, 1995 — 1997
25. Pretoria, 1995 - Quick thinking
In which Eleanor says goodbye.
Eleanor’s given an opportunity. Some celebrate. Some mourn.
26. Cairo, 1995 - Arrival
In which Eleanor ponders bathrooms.
Eleanor arrives in Cairo. Apartment hunting throws up some…um…interesting challenges.
27. Cairo, 1996 - The Nile
In which Eleanor goes rowing.
The Nile flows; Eleanor rows.
28. Cairo, 1996 - But you’re white
In which Eleanor turns taxicabs into classrooms.
In Cairo’s taxis, conversations flow as freely as the Nile. What is Eleanor really learning here?
29. Cairo, 1996 - Catwoman
In which Eleanor can’t help herself.
An unexpected visitor sparks curiosity and compassion. Yup, Eleanor can’t help herself.
30. Cairo, 1996 - Makeover
In which Eleanor realizes the power of appearances.
Cairo’s fashion police come to call. Eleanor’s “makeover” draws admiration…and judgment.
31. Bangkok, 1996 - End it
In which two men discuss Eleanor.
Mahdi learns that friendship comes with hard truths. A conversation pits loyalty against desire.
32. Cairo, 1996 - Ceilidhs
In which Eleanor goes dancing.
Blissfully unaware, Eleanor is swept into an impromptu ceilidh in Cairo. And defends her honor on the streets of Cairo
33. Cairo, 1996 - Lost
In which Themba goes prowling.
Brothers are separated…then reunited. Not all wounds heal as easily.
34. Cairo, 1996 - Domesticity
In which Eleanor explains herself. Unsatisfactorily.
Eleanor defends her quiet evenings. Her classmates are unconvinced.
35. Cairo, 1996 - Parasites
In which Magda must step in.
Eleanor is keeping secrets again. As her condition worsens, Magda intervenes…because she must.
36. Cairo, 1996 - Rolling gallops
In which Eleanor rides. Some intended. Some not.
Back to rights, Eleanor’s savors the desert. And a little something extra.
37. Pretoria, 1997 - Recalibration
In which Eleanor reconsiders family dynamics.
An unexpected revelation from Helen Beckham challenges Eleanor’s idealized memories.
38. Western Desert, 1997 - Desert misadventures
In which Eleanor and Fiona get themselves into difficulties.
Are they driving to Siwa? Or are they in a bad Hollywood movie?
39. Cairo, 1997 - One door closes
In which Eleanor says goodbye. Again.
Cairo has captured Eleanor’s soul. But its still time to move on.
Part Four — Palestine, 1997 — 2001
40. Jerusalem, 1997 - Another door opens
In which Eleanor arrives in the Holy Land.
Once again, Eleanor is captivated. But Jerusalem is very different to Cairo. And she’s been warned to be careful this time…
41. Jerusalem, 1997 - Occupations of the heart
In which Eleanor considers the state of her heart.
Faith meets reality. The “Holy Land” defies easy answers.
42. Jerusalem, 1997 - Crystal veils
In which Eleanor loves a thunderstorm. Again.
Eleanor finds comfort where she can as she tries to settle into her new home.
43. Ramallah, 1997 - Submit
In which Eleanor confronts power.
Naughton makes a leadership decision. Eleanor’s career and dignity hang in the balance.
44. Jerusalem, 1997 - Minus one for you, plus ten for me
In which Eleanor’s certainties evaporate.
Disturbed by her experiences, Eleanor struggles to adjust. Will a trip to old friends help?
45. Jerusalem, 1998 - Arak and snowflakes
In which Eleanor and friends bring about world peace.
The Holy Land is in its holiest of moods. Alcohol helps too.
46. Nahal Sorek, 1998 - Tirades and treasures
In which Eleanor makes some new friends.
Jerry collects “interesting people”. Eleanor is gathered into his fold.
47. On the road to Jericho, 1998
In which a story is told.
It’s an ancient story. But 2,000 years later, who is who? Is the past even past?
48. Jerusalem, 1998 - Litany of woes
In which Eleanor would rather just stay in her apartment and sleep.
Struggling to satisfy Francois, Eleanor questions her abilities.
49. Cairo, 1998 - Light and dark
In which Eleanor escapes to Cairo.
Cairo a place of holiness? Jerusalem the unholy city? Makes sense in this topsy turvy world.
50. Jerusalem, 1998 - Confessions
In which Eleanor makes a confession.
Eleanor is finally ready to talk. She finds a receptive ear in the unlikeliest of places.
51. Ramallah, 1998 - Parallels are tricky
In which Eleanor makes a speech.
South Africa has Mandela and Tutu. What does that mean about Palestine? Anything?
52. Jerusalem, 1998 - The gospel of hate
In which Eleanor contemplates vicious repeating cycles.
Eleanor’s in the parallel dimension of the “anti-Ubuntu”.
53. Gaza City, 1998 - Errand boys
In which Eleanor goes to Gaza
A boy is buried. Israel imposes a closure. And the mission has a new staff member.
54. Jerusalem, 1998 - United over drink
In which Eleanor raises a cheer.
Eleanor’s head hurts. The last time she drunk this much was at University. What’s she hiding this time?
55. Jerusalem, 1998 - Wye not
In which Eleanor goes to Tel Aviv
The peace process is dead. Long live the peace process.
56. Wadi Darga, 1998 - Full moon
In which Eleanor gets a new lease on life.
Eleanor finds sanity and goodness tramping around in the desert.
57. Jerusalem, 1998 - Trapped
In which Eleanor is trapped.
Eleanor goes shopping. And nearly gets trampled.
58. Jerusalem, 1998 - Trapped again
In which Eleanor is trapped again.
Eleanor can’t move. It’s really rather frightening.
59. Somewhere over Africa, 1999 - Turbulence
In which Eleanor looks out over Africa.
A Christmas visit to South Africa raises disturbing questions about Eleanor’s future.
60. Ramallah, 1999 - Tariq
In which Eleanor becomes a boss.
Eleanor calls Tariq into her office. Things do not go well.
61. Jerusalem, 1999 - It’s time
In which Francois makes a decision.
Jerusalem is getting to Francois. Should he reopen a door he closed long ago?
62. Jerusalem, 1999 - Unseeable
In which Eleanor sees something.
A very short chapter!
63. Jerusalem, 1999 - WTF
In which Eleanor gets angry. Really angry.
Eleanor has a hissy fit. She decides to talk to Jerry.
64. Jerusalem, 1999 - Maundy Thursday
In which Francois has a visit.
Francois finds peace. He is done with the guilt. Forever.
65. Jerusalem, 1999 - Good Friday
In which Francois and Eleanor chat. Sort-of.
Things come to a head between Francois and Eleanor.
66. Ramallah, 1999 - Pesach problems
In which Wissam intervenes.
Bless Wissam. He has more sense than any of them.
67. Jerusalem, 1999 - Try empathy
In which Eleanor and Francois get some advice.
Father Jerry and Father Michel have something to teach.
68. Jerusalem, 1999 - Trying empathy
In which Eleanor and Francois try again.
Eleanor and Francois admit their mistakes. And make future plans.
69. Jaffa, 1999 - Some gorgeous hot Israeli dude?
In which Eleanor clubs in Tel Aviv.
The gang of friends goes to Tel Aviv. Eleanor makes out.
70. Gaza City, 1999 - Freedom Day
In which Tariq rises to the occasion.
Tariq pulls out all the stops. Francois and Eleanor are pleased.
71. Wadi Mujib, 1999 - Splash!
In which Eleanor makes a splash.
The friends go to Jordan for a camping trip. No cattle rustlers this time.
72. Somewhere in the West Bank, 1999 - Last threads
In which Eleanor breaks a dry spell.
Eleanor has a fling. Who cares if he lives in a settlement and is the grandson of a Nazi?
73. Bethlehem, 1999 - Christmas Eve
In which the friends hike again.
It’s the Bethlehem 2000 celebrations. The friends have plans. Big plans.
74. Jerusalem, 2000 - Premonitions
In which Eleanor is spooked.
Israel retreats from Lebanon. Palestinians are jubilant. Eleanor is worried.
75. Ithaca, 2000 - Cayuga’s waters
In which Eleanor goes to the US.
Eleanor visits Ithaca and falls in love…again.
76. Pretoria, 2000 - Evacuation
In which Eleanor evacuates the mission.
Francois gets a phone call. What is happening in Ramallah?
77. Jerusalem, 2000 - The day after
In which it’s quiet outside. Too quiet.
The innocence went long ago. Something new is in its place instead.
78. Qalandia, 2000 - Trapped
In which Eleanor is trapped. Again.
Third time’s a charm, right?
79. Jerusalem, 2000 - Armistice Day
In which Eleanor lays a wreath.
This has all happened before. It will all happen again. When will we learn?
80. Pretoria, 2000 - Strategic moves
In which Mahdi gives Francois an opening.
Mahdi isn’t interested in playing internal politics, he says. Should Francois trust him?
81. Langebaan, 2000 - House guests
In which Eleanor is not a good houseguest.
What’s “fun” for Jem, is work for his wife. And Eleanor makes it even harder.
82. London, 2000 - Reunions
In which Eleanor opens up to Damien.
Damien consoles Eleanor. And meets Fiona.
83. Jericho, 2001 - Tanks and phones do not mix
In which Eleanor loses her phone.
Eleanor loses her phone in the desert. An Israeli tank finds it.
84. Ramallah, 2001 - Changing of the guard
In which Nagla, Wissam and Tariq throw a party.
Eleanor makes a statement in her choice of dress. Will it be appreciated?
85. Jerusalem, 2001 - Leaving
In which Eleanor says goodbye. Again.
It's harder to get out of Israel than it is to get in.
Part Five — South Africa, 2001
86. Cape Town, 2001 - Strangers
In which James and Eleanor have a fight.
James has had enough of his arrogant, selfish sister.
87. Cape Town, 2001 - Maternal instincts
In which Mary worries about Eleanor.
The vivacious daughter Mary remembers is gone. In her place is…who?
88. Cape Town, 2001 - Boxes
In which Eleanor packs things away.
Eleanor puts all her anger, rage and grief in a box. It’s a good plan.
89. Cape Town, 2001 - Paternal Instincts
In which Lionel worries about Eleanor.
Lionel tries to warn Eleanor about America. But she’s determined. As always.
90. Somewhere over the Atlantic, 2001
In which Eleanor starts her new life.
It’s August 2001. Eleanor is on her way to New York. A new life. A new country.
