A tale of horrific sexual abuse and brutal murder -
offset against an incredible love story
"Not for the faint hearted!"
Alexander von Rudloff talks about his new novel, set in Botswana, South Africa, Mauritius and the UK
Alexander (Lex) von Rudloff's first novel, "Scream, and I'll kill you", has just been released.
The author of the screenplay of the popular Botswana TV drama series "Re Bina Mmogo" is nervous about how the book will be received:
'The book addresses some very hard issues which are bound to shock some people. I haven't pulled any punches either. This is very much an adult book!'
Although "Scream, and I'll kill you" can be called a murder mystery or a psycho-drama, and is written in a typical thriller style, von Rudloff challenges the reader with some reflective social questions.
'I suppose, it's really pulp fiction, but maybe it should be called "pulp with lumps"! Call it a thinking person's thriller.'
"Scream, and I'll kill you" is a fast-paced must-read. The thematic landscape of the book is dark and sinister, dealing with child abuse, rape, abuse of power and political corruption. A murder investigation, a personal journey of discovery and a dramatic, passionate love story intertwine to produce a powerful work.
Child abuse and rape are not exactly common topics for a work of fiction. What prompted von Rudloff to use these controversial areas as a basis for his novel?
'I have always been angered by the idea of child abuse. Whenever I read about it - such as the numerous cases we regularly read about in the local press - my blood boils, and I must confess the idea of violent retribution comes to mind: You know what I mean: "If you don't know how to use it mate... maybe you don't deserve to keep it..."
'I feel that people tend to underplay the gravity of abuse, that to some extent, society is in denial. This book lays it all on the table... no holds barred, and challenges the reader with its directness.
'Obviously, abuse and murder don't make up the entire book. There is a strong theme of romantic love, some humour, various Setswana and Afrikaner cultural values and customs are highlighted, and I explore the evolving political landscape of Southern Africa and the changing ways in which people of different races and backgrounds are learning to interact. But "Scream, and I'll kill you" is first and foremost a suspense drama, a psycho-thriller.
'Almost my entire life has been spent in Southern Africa. My own involvement in the fight against apartheid, my decision to go into exile in Botswana and my subsequent adoption by this beautiful country have obviously played their part in inspiring me to write this book.'
When asked to give a brief synopsis of the story, the author offered the following:
'Anton Venter, a South African champion of human rights, is the son of an ultra-conservative Afrikaner pastor. Despite his upbringing, he is an ANC supporter and is politically at odds with his family. Divorced with two young daughters, the famous lawyer spends most of his time at work, fighting for the rights of society's downtrodden.
'Out of the blue he meets and falls for a stunningly beautiful black woman, and has to consider what effect this will have on his parents. But the predictable social complications pale into insignificance at the revelation of her brutally abused past.
'As he helps her to come to terms with her pain, Anton finds himself having to confront the basest, most evil and degenerate characteristics of the male psyche. But little does he know that his relationship with the gorgeous and vulnerable Kelly Modise will lead him to uncover the identity of a depraved serial killer.'
This being von Rudloff's first novel, how did he find the experience of writing?
'Overall, the book took me four years to write, though I must admit that for the first three-and-a-half years, I was just messing about, not really believing that I could actually write a complete novel. During that time, I only managed about 30,000 words. The last six months were head down, flat-out writing.
'There is a magical alchemy which takes place somewhere between the mind and the computer screen, as a pre-conceived storyline uncovers new and unpredicted twists, discovers new and unexpected characters, and leads the writer, almost through its own energy, from one idea to the next. I love it!'
"Scream, and I'll kill you" is published by Libros International, Alicante, Spain, and was released in February 2008.
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