Scorched Earth
Published on 28. October 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
272 pages
978-1-915568-81-6 (ISBN)
Description
A harrowing novel which gives an Irish perspective on the Boer War
During the Second Boer War (1899-1902), in the course of Kitchener's notorious campaign against the civilian population, a junior officer witnesses a particularly brutal atrocity.
Disillusioned, and disgusted at himself for failing to intervene, he deserts. Ten years pass. On his return to Dublin under an assumed name, and battling an opium addiction, he discovers that the Major who ordered the atrocity is running for parliament. What should he do with his dangerous testimony? Will anybody believe the word of a deserter? And how to deal with the phantoms of the past that testimony will unleash?
During the Second Boer War (1899-1902), in the course of Kitchener's notorious campaign against the civilian population, a junior officer witnesses a particularly brutal atrocity.
Disillusioned, and disgusted at himself for failing to intervene, he deserts. Ten years pass. On his return to Dublin under an assumed name, and battling an opium addiction, he discovers that the Major who ordered the atrocity is running for parliament. What should he do with his dangerous testimony? Will anybody believe the word of a deserter? And how to deal with the phantoms of the past that testimony will unleash?
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambs
United Kingdom
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 200 mm
Width: 138 mm
Thickness: 21 mm
Weight
236 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-915568-81-6 (9781915568816)
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Schweitzer Classification
Person
Dara Kavanagh is a writer, academic, translator and poet. A native of Dublin, he spent more than a decade working in Africa, Australia and Latin America before returning to settle in Ireland. He is the author of several books and poetry collections. Dedalus has published his 3 novels, Prague 1938, Jabberwock and Scorched Earth.