"An un-put-downable page turner overflowing with outrageous, exciting, funny, tragic tales that could only happen in Zimbabwe. Filled with undiplomatic language and racy, colourful characters, Eric de Jong describes a life where bravery and foolishness go hand in hand. De Jong describes, with a mixture of humour and fear, the turmoil and trauma families caught up in Zimbabwe's land invasions, politics and activism have lived through for two decades. A story of love and courage, tragedy and humour."
Cathy Buckle
"Running Dogs and Rose’s Children is the heartbreaking story of a farming family’s trial and tribulations in Zimbabwe. Full of pathos, tears and the incorrigible antics of living in Southern Africa. I cried, and I laughed. It’s a must read. I thoroughly enjoyed every page."
Noreen Welch
“I loved this book from the beginning to the end. I bought it because I come from Zimbabwe, but the story is so compelling that it wouldn't matter where you came from, this book is a must. read. His honesty, humbleness and details of his human frailties had me laughing out loud and crying internally for the lost potential of that wonderful country - Rhodesia. Eric is a natural storyteller.”
Jean
“I cried & laughed. An honest factual comic tragedy of one family's life in Zimbabwe & South Africa.”
Edward M
“This book had me in tears...of laughter...and sadness. A very self-deprecating, personal story that will resonate with anyone who has had the good fortune to call Zimbabwe their home - with all its ups and the downs over the last 30 or 40 years.”
Nick H
“Running Dogs and Rose's children, a heart-warming story of a couple with the biggest dreams and even bigger hearts adopted the children of a young mother dying of cancer and still had the courage to go on and fight for change in Zimbabwe, something only those with the most courage could do in the face of Mugabe's dictatorship. This book had me in hysterics, tears, sitting on the edge of my seat and frequently shouting out loud "No Eric, not again!! Why?". But I always knew why. This book is a must read for all Zimbabweans living through those times.
Denise M
“I've just finished this masterpiece... what a rollercoaster ride. Along the journey, my reading glasses alternately fogged up, creating dams overflowing from captured wells of tears, and then became uncontrollably unstable with tectonic laughter. Glenn has become accustomed to Richter scale giggles and the consequent audible Chapter, read by me, interjected with uncontrollable squeals of hilarity. Then the pure silence absorbing reality, despair, destruction, graft and hurt, which are expertly interwoven with Hope. The trials, tribulations, courage, fears, joy, pain and adventures that are jam-packed in Running Dogs and Rose's Children, will transport you deep into Africa and a Zimbabwe that is agonizingly adored by so many of us. Thank you, Eric!”
Caryl S
“This is a gripping, heart breaking tale, a roller coaster of emotion and will have you crying with laughter & despair at the same time. Eric has written a fascinating & hilarious account of love, compassion, care & adventure all set against the backdrop of the southern African continent incorporating corruption, terror & dirty politics. Running Dogs & Roses Children is a must read and will keep you turning the pages late into the night.”
Adrian B
“This book was heart wrenching, Having lived in Zambia and loving Zimbabwe, I watched the Mugabe era with horror. This book is definitely a five-star rating. I understood everything Eric wrote about and it broke my heart. Best wishes to Eric George de Jong and his wonderful family.”
Verity M
“Must read for any Southern African Loved this book from beginning to end, I really never wanted it to end. Tears in equal amounts from laughing at Eric’s great sense of humour, and from crying about the incredibly sad, volatile and tragic home country situation.”
Intrepid Traveller
“Tragically funny. A must read for anyone that knows Africa.”
Jaap V
“Brilliant. Read the book in 4 days as simply could not put it down. Full of great humour mixed in with the true facts on the ground. A must read.”
