MEET THE CHARACTERS WHO CHANGED EVERYTHING IN

Every powerful story is carried on the shoulders of unforgettable characters. Zachary’s Cry is no exception.

The Heart of the Story: Zachary

At the heart of this deeply moving novel is Zachary, a child born in secret and left to die in a locked farmhouse bathroom. Against all odds, he survives. In doing so, he transforms the lives of everyone around him. Severely disabled from birth, Zachary cannot speak for himself. Yet, his presence, smile, and sheer will to live become a quiet force of change. He is not just the center of the story — he is its soul.

The Impact of Dr. Clive Cloete

Then there’s Dr. Clive Cloete, a newly arrived GP from Zimbabwe. He is called out to attend Alice Lennox on the day of Zachary’s birth. Alone and unsure what he’s walking into, Clive must follow medical protocol while still working under formal supervision. The outcome of that day will haunt him for years. Grappling with both the Australian legal system and an unfamiliar medical framework, Clive finds himself caught in a crisis of conscience. Every decision is second-guessed. The margin for error is perilously thin.

Anne and Ian: Foster Parents with Heart

We also meet Anne and Ian Prince-Smith, Zachary’s foster parents. They are faced with a child so severely injured that few believed he would survive. Anne and Ian step forward. They are not saints. They are not perfect. But their love, courage, and unwavering commitment form the emotional backbone of this novel. Through them, Zachary’s Cry becomes a story of not only tragedy but also hope and quiet triumph.

The Complexity of Alice Lennox

And then there is Alice Lennox — the mother who kept her pregnancy secret, lied about the birth, and walked away. Her decisions devastated lives. But her story is not simple. Underneath the deception lies a young woman who was vulnerable, frightened, and deeply ashamed. Can remorse lead to redemption? You’ll be left to decide.

The Unethical Influence of Neville Kershaw

Another key figure is Neville Kershaw, the solicitor acting for the South Australian Public Trustee — Zachary’s litigation guardian. Neville is not driven by justice but by opportunism. Ruthless and self-serving, he sees Zachary less as a child and more as a potential payout. He views the situation as a chance to profit from tragedy under the guise of legal advocacy. Neville’s actions threaten to destroy reputations, pit good people against each other, and prolong the suffering of those who have already given so much.

Themes of Zachary's Cry

Zachary’s Cry is a novel about moral failure, human frailty, and the unexpected grace that sometimes emerges when everything else falls apart. Each character plays a pivotal role in shaping the narrative and the themes at hand. Their interactions and choices leave a lasting impact, both on themselves and on each other.

The Lasting Message

While the characters are emblematic of struggle and conflict, they also offer a glimpse of resilience and hope. The journey undertaken by Zachary, his parents, and the other figures serves to remind us of the capacity for love and change, even amidst chaos. In the face of insurmountable odds, what will you choose? Will you step up as Anne and Ian did, or will fear drive you away like Alice?

To truly understand the impact of these characters as well as the message behind Zachary’s Cry, one must delve into each person's story. It is a reminder that every individual has the potential to change lives, even when circumstances seem bleak.

Upcoming Release

Zachary’s Cry will be available in paperback and eBook formats from all major online retailers.

Please note: Due to an ongoing family crisis, the release date for Zachary’s Cry has been postponed from 30th June to 7th July 2025. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

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