They were just boys—but history would shape them into legends.
In the remote wilderness of 18th-century South Africa, two young boys— one English, shipwrecked and orphaned, the other the grandson of an Mpondo chief and an English woman—grow up as brothers.
When a Dutch trader arrives, their lives are set on a course through the turbulent landscape of 18th-century South Africa, where survival depends on trust, courage, and a bond that defies colonial conflict.
The Boys from Umgazana is a sweeping historical adventure that explores the resilience of youth, the tension between cultures, and the power of place to shape identity. With vivid landscapes, immersive storytelling, and unforgettable characters, Collier weaves a frontier tale that echoes with relevance and heart.
Frank Collier
Frank Collier is a South African writer whose work blends vivid historical detail with deeply human storytelling. Drawing from his background in business software, environmental advocacy, and his lifelong interest in history, Collier crafts compelling narratives that resonate across time and geography.
His frontier novel series, beginning with The Boys from Umgazana, explores the turbulent intersection of colonial ambition, indigenous resilience, and personal transformation along South Africa’s Wild Coast in the late 18th century. Through immersive research and a gift for evoking place, Collier brings to life the voices and visions of a formative era, capturing both its brutality and its beauty.
When he’s not writing, Frank champions environmental efforts to secure Ramsar Wetland status for the Swartkops Estuary—an irreplaceable ecological treasure—and to promote sustainable, eco-friendly tourism in the area. He also consults in the automotive software sector, specializing in electronic data interchange.
Frank Collier’s work speaks to readers who value rich characters, nuanced history, and a profound sense of place. Whether through the pages of his novels or his work on the ground, his mission is clear: to honour the past while imagining a more connected, sustainable future.
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