Lost Inheritance
“Lost Inheritance” is a compelling narrative that begins in the mid-18th century with the establishment of the Khumalo kingdom and follows the colonization of Rhodesia.
It provides a detailed account of the Holl family, prominent engravers in England during Queen Victoria’s reign, and the life of Harry Patrick Holl, who became a successful wheat farmer in Bulawayo
“Lost Inheritance” is a compelling narrative that begins in the mid-18th century with the establishment of the Khumalo kingdom and follows the colonization of Rhodesia.
It provides a detailed account of the Holl family, prominent engravers in England during Queen Victoria’s reign, and the life of Harry Patrick Holl, who became a successful wheat farmer in Bulawayo.
The story unfolds to reveal the challenges faced by Harry’s biracial children and the author, Obert Holl, born in the mid-1940s in Rhodesia. The book portrays the family’s enduring struggles under colonialism and the loss of inheritance due to societal pressures and racial injustices.
Obert Holl shares his journey of overcoming adversity, rising to significant positions in both colonial and post-independence governments, and becoming a pioneer in the accounting field in Harare. “Lost Inheritance” is a testament to resilience and triumph over formidable odds.
- Weight
- 0.25 kg
- Dimensions
- 16 × 25 × 5 cm
- Book Type
-
E-Book, Hardcopy
5 reviews for Lost Inheritance
Jo Pritchard
Lost Inheritance gave me insight into the life of a strong, couragious man.
A man of mixed race who battled against racism from both sides of his heritage. The injustice he suffered throughout his life did not deter him from making a success of his life.
Rhodesia which became Zimbabwe is a country I know well and I could visualise the dusty, often drought-stricken, Matabeleland right through to the beautiful leafy suburb of Highlands, Harare. (I once lived in Greenside, next door).
I thoroughly enjoyed this raw and heart wrenching read.
Chimomaebuka Ejimchi
Understanding racial prejudice and discrimination and finding ways to solve them have been major moving forces in today’s way of life. This documentation of the author’s life explains how a series of seemingly little oversights in curtailing such happenings can spiral into behemoths as large as war. Obert Holl delivered a masterpiece in this book by combining history, genealogy, and his life experiences into a must-read for any historian or history adept. He explains his life experiences according to the way he felt at each period of his life in a way to convey the surrounding feeling, making the picture clearer to imagine.
I recommend this book to all readers. However, I will specifically recommend it to lovers of African history and related studies. This book is a must-read. I believe this book should be used for educational purposes.
Mercy Chepkemoi
Lost Inheritance by Obert Holl delves into the historical significance of the author’s ancestors in Zimbabwe, specifically focusing on the Khumalo people’s arrival and their interactions with various tribes in the region. It sheds light on the shared history between the Ndebele and Zulu, tracing back to their origins under the leadership of Mzilikazi. Their migration, marked by warfare and conquest, established the Ndebele as a formidable warrior group.
The author’s personal connection to his ancestors shapes the narrative, offering firsthand accounts of the impact of historical events on ordinary citizens in Zimbabwe. Through interactions with individuals like Melvin and the Colored man from the Salisbury Omnibus Company, the author highlights the harsh realities faced under the Mugabe regime, showcasing the human toll of political decisions and economic instability. The author’s own health struggles, including contracting Hepatitis C, further underscore the personal challenges of living through turbulent times.
The story also follows Ben as he navigates life in Rhodesia, contending with discrimination, loss, and the fight for survival. His sacrifices, such as forgoing education to support his family, epitomize the challenges faced by many during that era. Through vivid character portrayals and intricate storytelling, the author illuminates the characters’ motivations, emotions, and the consequences of their choices on their lives and those around them.
The narrative is rich in detail, providing insights into the family history. The book offers a detailed exploration of family history, colonial experiences, and cultural traditions like traditional Swazi weddings. The blending of personal narratives with historical and cultural contexts enriches the reading experience, providing readers with deeper insights into the time period’s complexities and dynamics.
Themes of pride, jealousy, and disappointment thread throughout the narrative, evident in the characters’ sacrifices and decisions. Mzilikazi’s pride and ambition, for instance, shape his leadership and journey to protect his people, showcasing the complexities of personal and cultural dynamics at play.
Overall, the book is a poignant and inspiring read, showcasing the strength of the human spirit amidst adversity. The book is well-written and coherent. I didn’t find any negative aspect about the book. With well-developed characters and a captivating narrative, it earns a solid 5 out of 5 stars. It is recommended for readers interested in exploring family histories and cultural legacies within communities.
Mr Benji
Before its independence, wars in Zimbabwe resulted in the loss of farmland. There were tensions among the different ethnic groups of the population. Lost Inheritance was written by Obert Holl, a member of a minority group. The book is a non-fiction account of his personal struggles.
Land, the surface of the earth and its natural resources, has been a cause of many conflicts. These portions of the earth’s surface are distinguishable by boundaries or ownership. Sometimes, it has resulted to legal disputes, verbal controversy, and wars. While some of these disagreements have been resolved in the past, others still linger to the present day. Indeed, land, as a natural resource, is one of the few assets which an individual can regard as a durable, transferable inheritance.
In his account, Obert described his experiences as a citizen in an African country. He wrote about the oppressive regime in his home country of Zimbabwe, which was formerly known as Rhodesia, and he mentioned the names of the people who were involved in the country’s gain of independence. He recounted the series of illnesses that affected him, his sister, Ava, and her first husband, Yousef. He recalled the period of his service in the Ministry of Defense, where he served faithfully. Some of the characters include Patrick Holl (a farmer), his wife (Genevieve), and Mr. Faulkes (a teacher).
Besides its characters, a notable feature of the book was the epilogue, which was a heartfelt conclusion of the story. The themes of hope, faith, and resilience were explored in the book. The story was organized into nineteen related chapters. Additionally, there is a smooth chronological flow of the events; therefore, I commend the author for this aspect. Apart from Zimbabwe, some of the scenes took place in Australia and the United Kingdom.
Moreover, the story enlightens the reader about the process through which a country gains its independence from colonialism. This history of imperialism is common in most African countries. Thus, I would give this book 5 out of 5 stars for its narration, and I would recommend it to history lovers, especially those of African descent. It would give the readers a glimpse into the economy of an African country before its independence. The book was professionally edited since I noticed only a few grammatical errors. Finally, I find no negative aspects in the book, nor do I dislike any parts in it.
Singh Rakesh
This book “Lost Inheritance” by Obert Holl [author name “Baruch”] vividly portrays the life and legacy of William Holl the Elder, a remarkable engraver of German descent, born in 1771. Known for his exceptional portraits, he mastered the stipple method under Benjamin Smith. His works included notable engravings for Lodge’s Portraits and the British Museum. A modest yet talented individual, Holl held liberal political views and bravely sheltered Spa Fields Riots ringleader, Watson, in 1816. His four sons, all taught by him.
Rene’s transfer to Filabusi and his role as Native Commissioner for the Insiza District set the stage for significant historical events. His task of implementing the Land Tenure Act highlights the struggles and displacements faced by many African families. Personal anecdotes add depth to the story, revealing the harsh realities of life for families. This book offers a heartfelt account of resilience and survival amidst adversity.
It expertly delves into the complexities of land ownership, illustrating the stark contrasts between commercial farmers, small farmers, and landless families. The narrative effectively captures the socio-economic challenges faced, from the failures of the “willing buyer, willing seller” agreement to the impact of the Economic Structural Adjustment Program. This combination of personal narrative and historical context makes the book both informative and emotionally engaging.
What I liked most about “Lost Inheritance” by Obert Holl [author name “Baruch”] is how the author weaves personal history with the broader socio-political changes in Zimbabwe. The book captures the profound impact of colonialism and the struggle for land reform through the lens of individual experiences. The chapter on Zimbabwe’s political and economic decline stands out, detailing the complexities of land ownership and the challenges faced by black families in reclaiming their inheritance. The author’s personal journey, from growing a successful business to navigating the turbulence of farm invasions, provides a deeply human perspective on these historical events. Overall, the book deserves 5 out of 5 stars, and it has no flaws and drawbacks.
The book’s editing was free from errors.
“Lost Inheritance” is ideal for readers interested in personal memoirs intertwined with historical and political contexts, particularly those curious about Zimbabwe’s colonial and post-colonial land reforms. It appeals to those who appreciate human resilience amidst socio-political upheaval.