SANTA BARBARA, Calif., July 25, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- In the struggle for Boer independence, one young couple struggles to not only be together, but also live a peaceful life. Jan and Ariel, star-crossed lovers, fight to be together, while battling for Boer independence in Africa. Clarence Agress' new book, The Voortrekkers (now available through 1stBooks) follows their lives and the hardship they face.
Jan, a young man of 16, falls in love with Ariel on a ship on their way to Capetown, South Africa. Ariel and her strict, 19th century religious family are sent by the Dutch East Indies Company to the southern tip of Africa as one of the first families sent to settle there. Ariel's father feels Jan, who escaped from an abusive English father, is unworthy.
Determined to win her hand, Jan searches for diamonds after aiding the Boers in horrendous battles. He strikes it rich, and he and Ariel elope to London, where Ariel gives birth to a stillborn child.
Upon return to their colony, Jan discovers his partner, Hiram, has been murdered and their diamond fortune has been stolen. The Colignys, Ariel's family, has been killed by the enemy Zulus. Years pass and Ariel gives birth to a son and daughter while Jan recoups his fortune as a farmer.
In a heart-wrenching twist of events, the couple's farm is destroyed. An old friend of Jan's rebels against the army and is imprisoned. Trilby, a friend and prostitute turned polished lady, is rescued by Jan and Ariel's son. Jan and Ariel, their son and many other Boers ultimately resume their trek to fight for their hard-won freedom in a new land
A captivating story of a part of history often overlooked, The Voortrekkers is a suspenseful page-turner. Agress' detail, writing style and factual historical accuracy to the Dutch and British influence in Africa make the story unique and remarkable.
Agress spent his career as a cardiologist. A Harvard University graduate, he co-discovered the first chemical test for a heart attack and was the first to show that clots could be safely dissolved from the heart arteries -- the modern treatment of a heart attack. He earned presidential commendation for developing the heart monitor worn by Neil Armstrong during his moonwalk, and was also the cardiologist of celebrities such as Milton Berle, William Randolph Hearst and Peter Sellers. Authoring more than 100 scientific articles, he also wrote Energetics, a pioneering book on exercise. His novels include The Voorterkkers and Spring Rain. He lives in Santa Barbara with his wife, Joan, and enjoys golfing, traveling, painting and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
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