subject: The Greatest Game Ever Played [print this page] This first book of the Greatest Game quartette is set in the sixties, it introduces you to a South African schoolboy named Rupertheimer, a man set apart who would one day play a pivotal role in the 1994 democratic transition. This novel takes you through schooldays and military service, where Rupertheimer shows early signs of the remarkable prescience, that hed one day employ to guide his country to an embryonic democracy. Set against the background of a transforming South Africa, The Greatest Game paints a scenario you may not have seen before, because thus far the 1994 transition has been inclusively written by liberal journalists. Yet a political event of such magnitude normally produces a great novel, the four books in this series are strong contenders, read them and decide for yourself.
Ballad of Steve Biker recounts an overseas holiday in the seventies, by the friends of Rupertheimer called the Pack, where they all meet their future wives and come under the influence of a mysterious motorcyclist named Steve Biker. The Biker has a profound impact on the Pack, especially on Peter Khumalo who returns home to join the Struggle, only to end up in a fierce standoff at Rupertheimers wedding. These bizarre events in Rupertheimers life seem to point the way, for the pivotal role he must play in a future democratic transition, because Rupertheimer is destined to become a key player in 1994 elections. The South African press have swamped this historic event, but if you prefer your fiction laced with a semblance of historical truth, then the works of Pat Stevens are worth a read.
Sons and Daughters introduces you to Robber Island Prison (RIP), where the terrorist Peter Khumalo has been incarcerated, but life must go on for the rest of the Pack. There are now Sons and Daughters to be raised. Hofmeyr grapples fiercely with technical problems at Hospital Hill, while Rupertheimer battles valiantly with the Green Freaks, but Jarvis is unfortunately experiencing Marital Blues. Then Peter Khumalo is released from prison in 1988, so he naturally joins the mighty Rupertheimer Corporation as a labour lawyer, which he comes to regret when Rupertheimer involves him in Labour Pains. Once again our hero Rupertheimer is overtaken by bizarre events, inexorably he is being shaped for the historic role he is destined to play, in the forthcoming nineties transition to democracy.
Democratic Dawn tells the story of the South African 1994 election, a glorious achievement unparalleled in history, never before had a ruling elite willingly given up power and never before had a single bold individual achieved it. Now it can be revealed who that remarkable individual was, the political mover and shaker who secretly secured the release of Nelson Mandela, and steered his country to an embryonic democracy. We all know that struggle heroes like Nelson Mandela and Jacob Zuma played vital roles, but without the hidden hand of Rupertheimer they would have been powerless, perhaps its time that Rupertheimer appeared in the newspapers? After the Dan Cooper allegations in America, the hacking scandal in Britain and the exposure of brown envelope journalism in South Africa, publishers surely realize that an alternative viewpoint to the press is needed.
