In her enthralling memoir, “Tea, Scones, and Malaria”, Katlynn Brooke invites readers to step into the rugged bushveld of 1950s and ‘60s Rhodesia, where she navigated the joys and challenges of an unconventional upbringing.
Growing up in a region abundant with wildlife and devoid of basic infrastructure, Brooke's childhood was anything but ordinary, even by African standards.
As the daughter of a government bridge builder, she and her family criss-crossed the wilderness, establishing makeshift camps deep within the territory of elephants and cheetahs.
“It was a different world,” she recalled. “We ran barefoot in the bush and swam in crocodile-infested rivers, sharing our camps with snakes, scorpions, and jerrymunglums.
“There was no electricity, no hospitals, and no schools in the bush. How I survived it all, I will never know.”
Growing up in an environment untouched by the conveniences of modern life - without running water or electricity - Brooke faced her fair share of hardships.
But rather than feel confined by her remote surroundings, she embraced them as the ultimate playground.
Though her childhood was filled with inherent dangers, it was equally rich with tales that would shape her journey into adulthood.
The memoir captures each moment with both humour and vulnerability, charting Brooke’s evolution from a wild, fearless girl into a young woman amid the critical shifts of her home country as Rhodesia transitioned into Zimbabwe.
In a recent interview with “Independent Media Lifestyle”, Brooke shared insights into her unconventional schooling - a blend of home-learning in hastily built pole and mud shelters, boarding school stints, and day school during brief periods in towns.
Yet, these transient learning environments only fostered her passion for storytelling. “During those hot African nights, I would scribble away, creating plays that nearly everyone in the family would gather to perform,” she said.
As she grew, so did her sense of adventure. After her family settled in safer locales, Brooke's curiosity propelled her to explore the world.
A stint in India and Indonesia eventually led her to Virginia, where she now lives with her husband and cat.
Today, she embraces her creative spirit as a part-time artist, avid reader, and dreamer, channelling her unique past into a series of engaging fantasy novels.
Brooke's literary journey, however, began during her retirement when she realised that her childhood stories resonated deeply with those around her.
“Tea, Scones, and Malaria” began as a collection of whimsical memories shared with friends, who encouraged her to pen them down.
What started as a personal project transformed into a memoir filled with episodes so vivid and hilarious, that they practically begged to be shared with a larger audience.
“My childhood in Africa was chaotic and unpredictable, yet full of colour,” she explained. “I wanted to capture the essence of a life where the ordinary could become extraordinary in an instant.”
For aspiring writers seeking guidance, Brooke has a simple message: “Write what excites you. The best stories come from a place of passion and authenticity. And don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.”
With perseverance as a cornerstone, she believes that every writer can find their voice and share their unique narratives with the world.
As she looks ahead, Brooke envisions a future rife with storytelling opportunities, diving deeper into historical fiction that explores colonial Africa's complexities.
“I want to tackle the untold stories - the power struggles, resilience, and moral dilemmas experienced by ordinary people,” she said. “I aim to portray these histories with empathy and respect, presenting the diverse experiences of colonialism engagingly.”
Readers in South Africa can access “Tea, Scones, and Malaria” as a Kindle e-book through Amazon.
As folks read about her adventures in the wilds of Africa, it is evident that Brooke is on a journey much like that of her life - a tapestry woven from past experiences, vibrant characters, and the unyielding spirit of survival.