'Tween Snow and Fire: A Tale of the Last Kafir War

'Tween Snow and Fire: A Tale of the Last Kafir War by Bertram Mitford is a historical novel set amid the clashes between European settlers and native Kafir tribes in South Africa, largely driven by disputes over land and hunting privileges. The story centers on Tom Carhayes, a determined settler guarding his property against poachers, whose life intersects with Goniwe, a Kafir hunter, escalating simmering tensions. The book begins with Tom Carhayes spotting a Kafir hunting with dogs, triggering a pursuit across the open landscape. Carhayes becomes angry, seeing the Kafirs poaching on his land, which causes him to interfere. Hostilities ignite when Carhayes confronts them and shoots one of the dogs, leading to a violent clash. This initial conflict suggests deeper issues of colonial power, cultural differences, and the coming war, promising intense action and a study of character in challenging times.