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From time to time readers ask where the ideas for my novels come from. In the case of No Clean Exit , the answer is not a single moment of inspiration, but a long accumulation of experiences and observations about intelligence and geopolitics, and the world around us. My interest in geopolitics began many years ago. I grew up in Rhodesia during a period of profound political change. As a young person I watched a country move through conflict, uncertainty and ultimately transition into what is now Zimbabwe. Living through that period left a lasting impression on me. It was an early lesson in how global politics, regional tensions and national decisions can reshape entire countries and the lives of their citizens. Over the decades that followed, my interest in international affairs never really faded. Like many people of my generation, I watched the Cold War unfold, followed the rise of new global powers, and observed how the balance of power between nations constantly shifts. What once seemed stable can change surprisingly quickly. More recently, that interest was deepened through the work of my late brother, Dr Peter Chalk . Peter spent many years studying global terrorism and security threats. His research took him to various parts of the world where these issues were not abstract academic topics but lived realities. Through his work he interacted with military personnel, policymakers and security specialists who spend their careers thinking about how governments respond to threats and uncertainty. Our conversations over the years often returned to similar themes — how institutions manage risk, how intelligence is gathered and interpreted, and how small decisions inside large systems can sometimes have far-reaching consequences. Those discussions stayed with me. They also reinforced something that is often overlooked when we talk about national security and intelligence organisations. Institutions may appear large and powerful, but ultimately they are made up of individuals — analysts, officials and decision-makers — each bringing their own judgement, assumptions and limitations to the task. That human dimension fascinated me. Popular culture often portrays espionage as dramatic and cinematic — secret codes, shadowy figures and sudden betrayals. In reality, much of the world of intelligence is quieter and more subtle. It unfolds through conversations, relationships, analysis and incremental decisions made far from public view. That quieter world became the backdrop to No Clean Exit . The novel explores what can happen when institutional strategy intersects with individual vulnerability. Governments design systems intended to manage uncertainty and contain risk. Yet those systems are still — even in the emerging world of artificial intelligence — operated by people, and people are not always predictable. In the world of geopolitics, there is rarely a simple resolution. Actions have consequences, decisions ripple outward, and sometimes the cost of events is carried not by institutions but by individuals. That idea lies at the heart of the story. Today we are once again living through a period of significant geopolitical change. The war in the Middle-East, tensions across the Taiwan Strait, shifting alliances in the Indo-Pacific, and renewed strategic competition between major powers all remind us that the international system is constantly evolving. These are complex developments that will unfold over many years. For me as a writer, they also provide a fascinating context in which to explore the human stories that sit behind policy, strategy and intelligence. If you would like to receive occasional reflections connected to the themes behind No Clean Exit , you are very welcome to subscribe to this blog. From time to time, I will share further thoughts on the geopolitical ideas that helped inspire the novel. No clutter. No excessive emails. Just personal reflections on a rapidly changing world. If you would like to receive these blogs automatically, you are welcome to subscribe via my website: https://www.authormichaelchalk.com/blog I hope you’ll follow along.

Over the past few years, the AUKUS partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States has become one of the most significant strategic developments in the Indo-Pacific. Most public discussion about AUKUS focuses on submarines. That is understandable. The agreement includes a long-term plan for Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines and to develop advanced defence technologies with its closest security partners. But AUKUS is about far more than naval hardware. It reflects a deeper shift in the strategic balance of the Indo-Pacific region. Across the Taiwan Strait, tensions continue to simmer. China’s growing military capability and its increasingly assertive posture in surrounding waters have forced governments across the region to reassess long-held assumptions about deterrence and stability. Strategic planners in Washington, Beijing, Canberra and London all understand a fundamental reality of geopolitics — peace is often preserved not by goodwill alone, but by credible deterrence. In simple terms, deterrence is about shaping the calculations of others. It seeks to convince potential adversaries that aggressive action is unlikely to succeed. Submarines have long been central to that calculation. Nuclear-powered submarines can remain submerged for extended periods, operate quietly across vast distances, and gather intelligence in areas that surface vessels cannot easily reach. In a maritime region as large and complex as the Indo-Pacific, such capabilities matter. For Australia and its partners, the AUKUS partnership represents a long-term investment in strategic depth. The program will unfold over decades, with the first phase involving the purchase of American Virginia-class submarines before the eventual development of a new SSN-AUKUS class for both the United Kingdom and Australia. Yet the most interesting aspects of AUKUS may not be the submarines themselves. They lie in what the partnership represents. AUKUS signals a growing alignment between democracies concerned about the evolving balance of power in the Indo-Pacific. It also reflects a broader effort to integrate advanced technologies, intelligence capabilities and defence industries in ways that were once considered politically difficult. In that sense, AUKUS is as much about strategic trust as it is about technology. It also raises complex questions. How should nations deter conflict without provoking it? How should alliances respond to rapid technological change? And how should democratic societies manage long-term strategic competition while preserving stability? These are not abstract questions. They shape decisions being made quietly every day in government offices, intelligence agencies and defence headquarters around the world. They also form the backdrop to my forthcoming novel, No Clean Exit . The novel explores what happens when institutional strategy and individual vulnerability intersect. In geopolitical competition, systems are designed to absorb risk. Governments create processes, structures, and safeguards intended to manage uncertainty and prevent small problems from becoming larger crises. But systems are ultimately operated by people — even in this emerging AI era . And people bring with them judgement, assumptions, loyalties and, sometimes, blind spots. We often imagine espionage as dramatic and cinematic — stolen briefcases, secret codes and shadowy figures in dark alleys. In reality, it is usually much quieter. It unfolds through conversations, professional relationships, and incremental decisions. Often nothing seems unusual at the time. Until it does. That quieter world — where institutions seek stability while individuals carry the consequences — is the terrain explored in No Clean Exit . If you would like to receive occasional reflections connected to the themes behind the novel, you are very welcome to subscribe to this blog. From time to time I will post further thoughts on the geopolitical context that inspired the story. No clutter. No excessive emails. Just reflective writing about our rapidly changing world . If you would like to receive these blogs automatically, you are welcome to subscribe via my website: Click here I hope you'll follow along. .

Zimbabwe stands once again at a constitutional crossroad. The proposed Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, 2026 , is not a routine administrative adjustment. It proposes significant changes to how executive authority is exercised and how citizens relate to political power. When constitutional amendments affect the mode of electing a President, the length of terms in office, or the structure of electoral oversight, they are not technical. They are foundational. And foundational changes require foundational legitimacy. When the Rules Begin to Shift The proposed amendments are making many Zimbabweans feel something they struggle to name. It is not outrage. It is not panic. It is not even surprise. It is unease. Those who have lived in the country long enough will recognise the feeling that comes when the rules of the country begin to shift again. The proposed constitutional changes are being presented as adjustments — refinements, improvements, efficiencies. Perhaps they are. Perhaps they are not. But whenever the rules about power are altered — who holds it, how long they hold it, and how they are chosen — history tells us to slow down and look carefully. We Have Seen This Before Zimbabwe’s past offers sobering lessons. In 1969 and 1970, constitutional changes were pushed through under the Rhodesian Front government of Ian Smith. A referendum was held — but it excluded the overwhelming majority of black Zimbabweans. The constitution that followed entrenched minority rule and deepened division. It did not bring stability. It hardened conflict. Years later, in 1987, another constitutional shift took place under Robert Mugabe. The ceremonial presidency was replaced with an executive presidency. The argument then was about unity and efficiency. Over time, however, power became more concentrated, and the space for institutional restraint narrowed. Different eras. Different governments. Different justifications. But one common thread runs through them all — major constitutional change driven from above, with limited direct national consent. And each time, democratic space became smaller. This is not about race. It is not about nostalgia. It is not about defending one period over another. It is about recognising a pattern. Democracies Rarely Collapse Overnight They change slowly. A term is extended here. A selection method altered there. An oversight mechanism adjusted. Each individual step can be explained. Each can be defended. But over time, the centre of gravity moves. Zimbabweans — especially black Zimbabweans who bore the brunt of exclusion under minority rule — understand what it means to be locked out of political power. That memory should make all of us cautious whenever constitutional change removes the direct voice of the people. The struggle for majority rule was not merely about replacing one set of leaders with another. It was about restoring ownership of the country to its citizens. That principle must remain non-negotiable. Why the Process Matters Constitutions do not belong to governments. They belong to nations. When changes affect the core architecture of power, legitimacy matters as much as content. If constitutional reform truly reflects the will of the people, broad national endorsement strengthens it. If it does not, the absence of endorsement weakens trust — and trust, once lost, is difficult to rebuild. Zimbabwe has suffered enough from cycles of distrust. This Is Bigger Than Party Politics You can support or oppose any political leader and still believe that constitutional change should carry unmistakable public legitimacy. You can vote for the ruling party and still believe that the rules of governance should not be altered lightly. You can belong to the opposition and still understand that constitutional stability is a national asset. The issue is not who governs today. The issue is whether tomorrow’s leaders — whoever they are — will face meaningful limits. A Word About Responsibility Zimbabwe’s history shows that constitutional amendments enacted without broad national consent have often resulted in narrower democratic space. That lesson transcends party and personality. The question facing Zimbabwe today is not simply political. It is generational: Will future Zimbabweans inherit institutions strong enough to restrain power — whoever holds it? When foundational rules are altered, the people should not be spectators. They are the sovereign. And sovereignty carries both rights and responsibility. Responsibility means paying attention. It means asking questions. It means engaging respectfully and lawfully in public debate. It means participating in consultations, speaking to representatives, supporting peaceful civic expression, and encouraging others to remain informed. More than two thousand years ago, Plato observed that when citizens withdraw from public life, they should not be surprised by who governs them. Democracy does not defend itself. It is sustained by citizens who take an interest in the way they are governed. Zimbabwe’s future will not be shaped only in Parliament. It will be shaped by whether its people choose to involve themselves in the rules that govern them. This is a moment for thought. It is a moment for vigilance. And it is a moment for all Zimbabweans — regardless of race or party — to remember that the Constitution ultimately belongs to them — and that its future direction depends on their engagement.

Some stories are revealed slowly — piece by piece. I’ve created a small interactive puzzle using one of my book covers. It only takes a few minutes to complete. See if you can put it together. 👉 Play the puzzle here. Once solved, the image may look familiar. Longlisted Author - 2025 Book Viral Millennium Award

If you only read one book this year, it probably shouldn’t be mine! Not because I doubt what I’ve written — but because the books that matter don’t arrive because they’re promoted. They arrive because something in the reader is ready. They unsettle. They resist tidy answers. They leave a mark. Those are the kinds of stories I’m interested in writing. I don’t write “easy” books. Not because I want to be difficult — but because life, history, and truth rarely wrap themselves up neatly. The questions that drive my work are simple, but uncomfortable: What happens when the truth arrives too late to change anything — but still refuses to stay silent? What happens when corrupt leaders come to power, and there is no one — and no power — to constrain them? What happens when a country on the edge tries to improve its future, only to find the future is as bad as, or worse than, the past? Those questions became three novels. Each stands alone. They can be read in any order. None asks to be rushed. One is set in rural South Australia and follows the long shadow of a single night and a single decision. It’s a story about responsibility — moral, professional, human — and how consequences echo long after the moment has passed. Another moves across continents and decades, tracing the collapse of a country and the personal reckonings left behind. It’s about loyalty, silence, and the fantasy of believing history happens to other people. The third is quieter, but no less confronting — a story about what happens when attempts to amend historical wrongs are made in a vacuum, with no clear end point. These books aren’t written to flatter the reader. Some people won’t like them. That’s fine. They’re written for readers who don’t mind pausing, re-reading, or sitting with discomfort a little longer than feels polite. A fourth book is coming later this year. It asks different questions, but it comes from the same place — a world where decisions are made quietly, and consequences are rarely clean. So if you only read one book this year, choose carefully. Choose something that doesn’t hurry you. Choose something that lingers. Choose something that leaves a trace. And if one of mine does that — then it found you at the right time. If you want to find out more about me and my books, click here .

The Book Viral Millennium Award is a prestigious annual recognition. It celebrates books that demonstrate exceptional storytelling, originality, and impact. To be long listed means Zachary’s Cry stood out among hundreds of submissions from around the world. This award seeks to highlight works that resonate deeply with readers and contribute meaningfully to contemporary literature. While Zachary’s Cry did not progress to the short list or ultimately win the award, being long listed is nonetheless something I am extremely proud of. This is particularly significant as this is only my third self-published book. Books that reach the long list are evaluated by a panel of judges. They assess narrative strength, character development, and the emotional connection a story creates. For Zachary’s Cry to be included, it had to meet high standards of quality and relevance. How Zachary’s Cry Earned This Recognition* When I wrote Zachary’s Cry , my aim was to tell a story that explores resilience, hope, and the power of human connection. The book follows Zachary’s journey through profound challenges that test both his spirit and the relationships around him. Many readers have shared how the story encouraged them to face their own struggles with greater courage and compassion. Several factors contributed to the book’s recognition: Authentic storytelling: The narrative is based on a true story and grounded in real emotions and lived experiences, which many readers find deeply relatable. Strong character arcs: Zachary and the supporting characters develop in ways that feel genuine and earned. Engaging prose: The writing balances vivid description with clear, accessible language. Reader feedback: Positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations helped the book gain momentum. Together, these elements made Zachary’s Cry a strong contender for the Millennium Award. What Being Long Listed Means for Readers and Supporters For those who have already read and supported Zachary’s Cry , this long listing is very much a shared achievement. It affirms the connection between the story and its readers. Those who found meaning in Zachary’s journey can take pride in knowing that the book is gaining wider recognition. If you haven’t yet read Zachary’s Cry , this moment offers a good opportunity to discover the story. Being long listed signals that the book offers a thoughtful and emotionally resonant reading experience. How This Recognition Shapes the Future of Zachary’s Cry Awards and nominations can open doors in many ways: Increased visibility: Award recognition helps new readers discover the book. Broader distribution: Bookstores and libraries are often more inclined to stock recognized titles. Adaptation opportunities: Recognition can attract interest from filmmakers or other media producers. Author growth: Experiences like this encourage me to keep refining my craft and pursuing new stories. This milestone represents an important step towards reaching a wider audience and continuing to create meaningful work. How You Can Support Zachary’s Cry Your support has been vital so far, and it continues to make a real difference in an increasingly crowded self-published marketplace. If you would like to help further, here are a few simple ways you can do so: Share your thoughts about Zachary’s Cry with friends or book clubs. Leave an honest review on Amazon, Goodreads, or your preferred bookstore platform. Share news of the long listing on your social media channels. Consider gifting the book to someone who might appreciate its message. Every action helps build momentum and introduces the story to new readers. Other Long Listed Authors The image below shows the other books that were long listed, those that progressed to the short list, and the eventual winner — The Shadow Earl by Stella Riley. I feel both honored and humbled to be included among such accomplished writers. The Impact of Awards on Literature Awards like the Book Viral Millennium Award play a significant role in the literary world. They not only recognize individual authors but also elevate the entire genre. When a book receives such accolades, it can inspire other writers. It encourages them to pursue their passions and share their stories. Moreover, awards can create a ripple effect. They can lead to increased sales, more media coverage, and greater interest from publishers. This can ultimately benefit the entire literary community. Readers are more likely to explore new authors and genres when they see titles that have been recognized for their excellence. The Journey of Writing and Publishing Writing a book is a journey filled with challenges and triumphs. Each author has a unique story to tell. For me, the process of writing Zachary’s Cry was both rewarding and daunting. I poured my heart into every page, aiming to create a narrative that would resonate with readers. Self-publishing adds another layer to this journey. It requires not only writing skills but also marketing and business acumen. Authors must navigate the complexities of distribution, promotion, and reader engagement. The long listing for Zachary’s Cry validates the effort and dedication that goes into self-publishing. The Role of Readers in an Author's Success Readers play a crucial role in an author’s journey. Their feedback, support, and enthusiasm can make all the difference. When readers connect with a story, they help spread the word. This organic growth is invaluable in the world of self-publishing. Engaging with readers is essential. Authors should strive to create a community around their work. This can be done through social media, book clubs, and events. Building relationships with readers fosters loyalty and encourages them to share their experiences with others. Conclusion: Celebrating Literary Achievements In conclusion, the recognition of Zachary’s Cry as a long-listed title for the Book Viral Millennium Award is a significant milestone. It reflects the hard work and dedication that went into creating this story. For readers and supporters, this achievement is a shared celebration. It highlights the power of storytelling and the connections we build through literature. As I continue my journey as an author, I am grateful for the support and encouragement I have received. I look forward to sharing more stories that inspire and resonate with readers. Thank you for being a part of this journey.

I hope these words of encouragement in the video clip below will strike a chord with you this year . Words of encouragement for 2026

As the year draws to a close, I’m pleased to share a milestone that has been quietly taking shape behind the scenes. My memoir, An Ordinary Life in Extraordinary Times , has now reached a major turning point — the manuscript is complete and the first full edit is done. The project has been about nine months in the making, though its momentum grew significantly following the unexpected and tragic death of my youngest brother, Peter, in June 2025. His passing stirred many memories and reflections, giving me a renewed sense of purpose to capture — while I still could — the stories, experiences, and lessons that have shaped my life across seven decades. Writing this memoir has taken me from my early years in Rhodesia to the present day in Australia, revisiting the people and places that marked each chapter of an eventful journey. It has been absorbing, nostalgic, and at times deeply emotional. Early in the new year, I’ll begin the final edit, polish the layout, and design the cover before preparing the book for release on Amazon KDP. My aim is to have it published on or before 6th February 2026 , and I’m genuinely looking forward to sharing it with you. I’ll post further updates as the process unfolds, including a sneak peek at the cover once it’s ready.

Zachary’s Cry  is a compelling medical–legal drama novel  set in rural South Australia, exploring themes of medical ethics, legal accountability, and the quiet heroism found in everyday lives. This emotionally rich story will resonate with readers who enjoy legal drama fiction , novels about medical dilemmas , or character-driven works reminiscent of Jodi Picoult  and Ian McEwan . Some stories stay with you long after you’ve closed the book. Zachary’s Cry  is one of them — rooted in human frailty, moral complexity, and the extraordinary resilience of a child who was never meant to survive. A Birth Hidden in Fear: The Catalyst for a Medical–Legal Drama In a farmhouse bathroom in rural South Australia, a young woman gives birth alone — terrified, traumatised, and desperate to hide the truth of her earlier sexual assault. Her actions set off a chain of events that will echo for decades. Dr Clive Cloete — newly arrived from Zimbabwe and unfamiliar with small-town dynamics — follows medical protocol when refused entry to the bathroom. That moment, and the tragic outcome that follows, will haunt him for years. A Child Who Defied the Odds Critically injured and placed into State care, the baby is given a name — Zachary  — and a future no one expected. Through sheer perseverance and the unwavering devotion of his foster parents, Anne and Ian Prince-Smith, Zachary grows into a boy whose innocence and courage touch everyone around him. Their daily sacrifices, love, and endurance form the emotional heart of the novel. Truth, Blame, and Justice in a Medical–Legal Case As Zachary’s story unfolds, long-buried secrets resurface. Misjudgements come under renewed scrutiny, and a claim of medical negligence threatens reputations, livelihoods, and long-held beliefs. The looming court case raises difficult, urgent questions: Can truth really be discerned years after the event? Who is responsible when several people failed? What does justice look like when truth is tangled in fear and shame? And how do we honour a life that began in tragedy but grew into something remarkable? Why Zachary’s Cry  Is a Standout Medical–Legal Drama Novel Set against the real pressures of rural medicine — isolation, limited resources, and the weight placed on a single doctor during emergencies — Zachary’s Cry  offers a nuanced and emotionally resonant journey. Above all, it is Zachary’s story: one of survival, love, and the quiet strength that emerges from even the darkest beginnings. Critics agree that readers who enjoyed My Sister’s Keeper , The Children Act , or other novels that blend ethics, emotion, and legal tension will find Zachary’s Cry  an unforgettable read. About the Author Michael Chalk  is a Zimbabwean-born Australian novelist whose work blends emotional depth with medical, legal, and historical authenticity. His novels — including The Unravelling  and A Moment of Madness  — explore moral complexity through compelling, character-driven storytelling grounded in real-world experience.

Understanding the Debate on Abortion In today’s Western world, the debate around abortion is often framed as a woman’s right to choose. This is a deeply sensitive and personal issue, and rightly so. Yet, what often goes unspoken is another question: what about the rights of the unborn child? In my novel Zachary’s Cry , this implied question sits at the very heart of the story. Alice Lennox, a frightened young woman, saw abortion as her only way out. When that failed, she gave birth alone in a locked farmhouse bathroom. The child — premature, fragile, and critically injured — was never meant to survive. And yet, against all odds, Zachary clung to life. The Fragility of Life His survival forces us to pause. What if Zachary had never been given that chance? Would his story — of hardship, resilience, love, ultimate victory, and the quiet heroism of those who cared for him — simply have ended before it began? Readers should remember that Zachary’s Cry is inspired by true events. While the characters and details are fictionalized, the core of the story reflects a real-life tragedy that unfolded in South Australia. A Different Time Of course, times were different then. In the early 1990s, when Zachary’s Cry is set, abortion access in Australia was far more restricted. It was clouded by fear, secrecy, and stigma. For Alice, that meant limited options, reliance on informal advice, and ultimately a desperate attempt to conceal her pregnancy and its outcome. Some would argue that if abortion had been more freely available then — as it generally is today — Alice could have sought safe, legal medical care. That, in turn, might have spared Zachary his traumatic birth and lifelong disabilities. The Value of Life Others would say that Zachary’s very survival, against every odd, shows the profound value of a life that was “never meant to matter.” Without him, the story would have ended before it began — and the love, sacrifice, and resilience of those who cared for him would never have been revealed. These are not easy questions. They remain deeply personal and controversial. But perhaps what Zachary’s Cry invites us to consider is this: in the end, every choice has consequences, and every life — however fragile — leaves its mark. The Emotional Impact of Choices The emotional weight of choices surrounding abortion cannot be understated. Each decision carries a burden of potential outcomes. In Alice's case, her choice led to a life filled with challenges but also moments of profound love and connection. This narrative invites readers to reflect on the complexities of choice. It challenges us to think about the implications of our decisions, not just for ourselves but for others as well. The Role of Society Society plays a significant role in shaping the discourse around abortion. Cultural norms, legal frameworks, and public opinion all influence how individuals perceive their options. In Alice's time, societal stigma made it difficult for her to seek help. Today, while access has improved, stigma still lingers. We must ask ourselves: how can we create a more supportive environment for those facing similar dilemmas? How can we ensure that every individual feels empowered to make informed choices without fear of judgment? Conclusion: Every Life Matters In conclusion, Zachary’s Cry serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding abortion. It encourages us to consider the rights of the unborn child while also acknowledging the struggles of women like Alice. Ultimately, the narrative underscores a vital truth: every choice has consequences, and every life — however fragile — leaves its mark.

The Dark Anniversary of a Civilian Tragedy Sunday, 3rd September 2025 marked the 47th anniversary of one of the darkest moments of the Rhodesian Bush War — the shooting down of Air Rhodesia Flight RH825, a civilian Viscount aircraft, by ZIPRA guerrillas. Wars are, by their very nature, cruel and inhuman. Innocent people are caught in the crossfire, and suffering is widespread. However, there are moments in history when acts of violence cross a line so shocking that they demand unambiguous condemnation from the world. The destruction of Flight RH825, a civilian aircraft, was such an event. The Aftermath of the Attack The tragedy did not end with the missile strike that brought the plane down. Of the 56 people on board, 18 initially survived the crash. Yet, 10 of these men, women, and children were subsequently shot or bayoneted to death at the crash site by the same group of guerrillas — or by a sister band allied with them. This was a crime of deliberate and calculated evil. History teaches us a sobering lesson here. When atrocities are met with silence, the perpetrators are emboldened. Without loud and global condemnation, those who commit such acts conclude that the world’s attention will quickly shift to newer events, leaving their crimes forgotten. This silence, whether deliberate or through indifference, becomes complicity. The Role of External Forces The hand behind the violence must also be remembered. As with so many proxy wars of the Cold War era, Moscow was the puppet master. The missile used was a Soviet-supplied surface-to-air missile (SAM), and ZAPU guerrillas had been trained by Russian operatives in how to fire it. We do not know if Soviet personnel were present at the launch site, but the hand of Moscow was undeniable. Just as in 1978, we see the same disregard for human life and the rules-based order playing out today — in Ukraine, where Russia once again pursues its goals through terror and violence. Lessons from the Past The lesson is clear. Appeasement of such regimes and their leaders does not bring peace; it only invites further and greater aggression. To preserve the values of a just and rules-based world, the international community must remain vigilant, outspoken, and unyielding in the face of atrocities. This incident is also remembered in my book The Unravelling , which explores the complexities and tragedies of that era. I have also produced a video tribute, Deafening Silence, which you can view here: Deafening Silence . Honouring the Victims On this anniversary, may we honour the memory of those who perished on Air Rhodesia Flight RH825. And may we never allow their story to be forgotten. Soviet-supplied weapon held by a nationalist guerrilla during the 1970s conflict in Rhodesia. The Importance of Remembrance Remembering such tragedies is crucial. It serves as a reminder of the human cost of war. Each name on that passenger list represents a life cut short. We must ensure that their stories are told and their memories cherished. The Impact of Silence Silence in the face of such atrocities can lead to a dangerous precedent. It can embolden those who commit violence, leading to further acts of aggression. The international community must speak out against these injustices. Only then can we hope to prevent future tragedies. A Call to Action As we reflect on the events surrounding Air Rhodesia Flight RH825, let us commit to being vigilant. We must advocate for justice and hold accountable those responsible for such heinous acts. It is our duty to ensure that history does not repeat itself. Conclusion In conclusion, the tragedy of Air Rhodesia Flight RH825 serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violence and the importance of remembrance. Let us honour the victims and strive for a world where such atrocities are no longer tolerated.

For the first time ever, all three of my books are now available to read FREE with Kindle Unlimited! Zachary’s Cry – A powerful legal and medical drama inspired by true events. A Moment of Madness – A political thriller set in 1980s Zimbabwe. The Unravelling – Historical fiction exploring Rhodesia’s collapse and the personal lives caught in the fallout. If you're a KU subscriber, don’t miss this limited-time opportunity to dive into all three. If you are not a KU subscriber, or would prefer to purchase a paperback copy, click the link below. Where to buy Available in KU until 31st October 2025 only!