Author(s): Jenny Haworth

New Zealand

Secondhand.

The Anglo-Boer War is, for New Zealanders, the forgotten war. Yet over 10,000 New Zealand soldiers recruited in 10 contingents left New Zealand for South Africa between 1899-1902. Most arrived too late to fight in the major battles. Instead they were used in the 'dirty war', rounding up Boer women and children for the concentration camps, slaughtering animals and burning crops. Luke Macpherson is now an old man, haunted by memories of his time in South Africa as he watches his favourite nephew prepare to volunteer in World War II. Luke is inspired to write an account of his own war, and how he was forced to serve under his brother when he arrived in South Africa. In Lost Souls, journalist and novelist Jenny Haworth explores the relationship between brothers, the horrors of imperialism and the false excitement and goals of patriotism.