Rare books/Besondere boeke

Set in Kenya during the 1950s Mau Mau period, the novel follows two main characters: a boy attending a "white" boarding school (the Duke of York school in Nairobi) and a rehabilitated Kikuyu ex-terrorist who continued his education in Russia. The story is noted for its accurate depiction of colonial life and the complexities of political transition in Kenya.

The title of this book is taken from the Caduceus, the ancient emblem of physicians, a winged staff entwined with serpents of wisdom.But handsome, talented Dr Duncan Childers has to travel a long and perilous way before he can wear that emblem with honour and pride.