The Fire Portrait by Barbara Mutch

--:--
‘An author with great skill in crafting a gripping and soul-searching story’ Leah Fleming

Cape Town-based radio presenter and book lover Pippa Hudson is in conversation with author Barbara Mutch about her latest book 'The Fire Portrait'.

About the book:
When Englishwoman Frances McDonald sets up home in a remote hamlet in South Africa in the 1930s, she is regarded with suspicion by the community. Confined by a marriage of convenience, she seeks an outlet by learning the local language, teaching art, and exhibiting her paintings of the stunning veld landscape. Soon the spectre of war threatens to divide not only the country but the town itself and scupper Frances’ hard-won acceptance.

When she reunites unexpectedly with a former love and her husband leaves to fight for the Allies, she gains a child but loses her home in a moment that will change her life and send her on a journey from the arid veld to the bright lights of London and beyond.

About the author:
Barbara Mutch was born and brought up in South Africa, the granddaughter of Irish immigrants. Before embarking on a writing career, she launched and managed a number of businesses both in South Africa and the UK. She is married and has two sons. For most of the year the family lives in Surrey but spends time whenever possible at their home in the Cape. When not writing, Barbara is a pianist, a keen enthusiast of the Cape's birds and landscape or fynbos.
7 Mar 2022 English South Africa Books · Society & Culture

Other recent episodes

Emperor of Rome by Mary Beard

In the latest episode of Pagecast, Batya Bricker, General Manager of Books and Brand at Exclusive Books, engages in a fascinating conversation with the world-renowned classicist, Professor Mary Beard, about her new book, "Emperor of Rome." This book offers a unique take on the lives of Roman emperors, challenging traditional…
27 Nov 22 min

Bullet in the Heart by Beverley Roos-Muller

In today's episode of Pagecast, join legendary broadcaster Jenny Crwys-Williams as she interviews Beverley Roos-Muller, the author who vividly brings to life the experiences of the Muller brothers during the Boer War. ‘. . . it is nine months this evening since I last saw the light in my own…
20 Nov 36 min

Pigcasso - The Pig Saved a Sanctuary by Joanne Lefson

Thanks for tuning Pagecast, brought to you by Jonathan Ball Publishers. In today's episode Joanne Lefson and Brandon de Kock chat about Pigcasso - The Painting Pig That Saved a Sanctuary. When Joanne Lefson took on a piglet at her animal shelter, the young sow proceeded to eat everything in…
13 Nov 27 min

The Race To Be Myself by Caster Semenya

Athlete. Icon. Activist. In this episode of Pagecast, Sias du Plessis, a media and communications consultant, chats with the phenomenal Caster Semenya. Aged eighteen, Semenya shot to fame on the global sporting stage for her blistering speed. But shrouding her monumental win were fierce rumours about her physical body rather…
30 Oct 42 min