Congo Dawn, by Jeanette Windle

I'm sorry to admit this, but I was prepared not to like this book.  Although the blurb sounded interesting, I assumed Jeanette Windle assumed would be a more typical woman author, writing books aimed at women, but Congo Dawn exceeded expectations and I found myself staying up late to finish it!

Robin spend much of her childhood in Africa, until her mother was killed in the bombing of the U.S. embassy.  With her language skills, experience in Africa, and military service, she was a natural choice to serve as translator for a private security team assisting with the establishment of a mining operation in the Congo.  The mine had been slowed down by guerrilla attacks by the locals, and the Western owners were eager to put a stop to the interruptions, speed up production, and start turning a profit.  But when she runs into her old friend and could-have-been romantic interest, and begins to see that the source of the violence may not be what it seems, her faith in God, not to mention her faith in her employer, is challenged.

In spite of some unlikely coincidences and Lifetime-movie-type plot elements, Windle puts together a compelling story with solid characterization and an interesting plot. She also gives the reader plenty to think about.  On a very personal level, she raises questions of African governance: Which was better for Africans?  Pre-colonial tribal rule? Colonial rule by foreigners? Post-colonial rule by warlords? De facto rule by Western business interests?  As Windle develops the story, we see the good and bad in each of these.

In light of the evil brought about by Africans, colonial leaders, and Western business, Windle deals with the problem of evil and suffering.  How can a family or a village who has suffered the ravages of mindless war rejoice in the love of Jesus?  How can we accept that there is a loving God when we see the suffering around us?  Windle doesn't dish out pat answers, but deals with the questions honestly and scripturally.

So yes, there was a touch of Lifetime movie melodrama, and Windle does have a habit of writing in sentence fragments, which got to me a little, but all in all, Congo Dawn is a solid, suspenseful, and thoughtful novel.  I recommend it, whether you wear pants or skirts.

Thanks to Tyndale Blog Network for the complimentary review copy!

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