Author speaks at next U3A Helderberg meeting

Australian author Tony Park will address the Helderberg U3A and visitors on Wednesday, August 6 at 10am at the Dutch Reformed Church in Somerset West. His talk is titled Napoleon’s sword – an African mystery.

Mr Park will explore a lesser-known incident from the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, in which Louis Napoléon, Prince Imperial of France and great nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, was killed while serving alongside British forces.

“It was said that the 23-year-old prince was carrying his famous great uncle’s ornate sword,” said Mr Park. “But when his weapon, captured by the Zulus, was later returned, it was found to be a standard French army sabre. So where does the truth lie?”

The mystery forms the basis for Mr Park’s latest novel, Die by the Sword, a dual-timeline thriller set in 1880 and present-day South Africa. This is his 23rd novel, exploring the aftermath of the Anglo-Zulu War alongside contemporary themes.

In addition to discussing the historical inspiration for the book, Mr Park will speak about his work in conservation and the protection of endangered wildlife in Africa. He supports several charities focused on both wildlife and local communities, and also publishes a newsletter titled African Lines.

Born in Sydney in 1964, Mr Park previously worked as a newspaper reporter, government press secretary and freelance writer before becoming a full-time novelist. He also served in the Australian Army Reserve for 34 years, including a six-month deployment to Afghanistan in 2002.

He and his wife, Nicola, now live for most of the year in South Africa, with homes near Kruger National Park and on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast.

Copies of Die by the Sword will be available for purchase at the event.

Entry is free for U3A members. Visitors are welcome and pay R20 at the door. For more information, contact Denise Fourie on 072 211 1173.

The venue is the Dutch Reformed Church, 82 Firmount Road, Monte Sereno (off Old Stellenbosch Road), Somerset West.