Killing Season

Set in the Congo during the 1960s, this narrative explores the violent aftermath of the country's independence, a period marked by civil war, political upheaval, and international interference. Written in the third person with names changed for anonymity, the story opens with a foreword outlining the Congo's descent into chaos, as competing factions-including foreign mercenaries-struggled for control of its vast natural resources and strategic influence. The story follows several key characters: Morgan, a seasoned mercenary conflicted by the moral weight of his actions; Brogan, a ruthless sergeant enforcing discipline with brutality; and Lagache, a Belgian plantation owner driven by revenge for his wife's death at the hands of rebel leader Kimbiti. As these men navigate ambushes, battles, and personal dilemmas, they embody the larger questions of morality, survival, and humanity during wartime. The climax centers on a brutal assault on the rebel stronghold of Lukamba, involving ground and air forces. The battle is fierce, with heavy losses, leading to a sobering reflection on the futility of war. The story ends without resolution, emphasizing the emotional scars left behind and the enduring complexities of conflict in a fractured nation torn between colonial legacies and Cold War interests. AUTHOR: Terry Norman was born in Hampshire and spent most of his adult life immersed in the world of advertising, working both in London and abroad. However, beyond the bustling offices and creative campaigns, Terry harbored a profound love for writing and a deep passion for history. He firmly believed that a thorough understanding of the past was essential for gaining insight into the present. According to Terry, history has a way of repeating itself, and only by learning from past mistakes can we hope to avoid them in the future. Terry's interest in the Congo was sparked early in his journalism career when he traveled there to report on the conflict. The intensity and complexity of the situation captivated him, leading him to join the fight. Terry felt that this was the right thing to do and believed that being on the front lines would provide him with a unique perspective for his reporting. "The Killing Season" is the harrowing tale of Terry's experiences in the Congo. It details what he witnessed, how he survived, and the indelible marks the events left on him. The horrors he saw would stay with him for the rest of his life. Terry rarely spoke of these experiences, and when he did, it was always in the third person, with names changed to protect those involved. This was necessary as mercenaries from the conflict are still sought after for prosecution or worse. This is his true account, a testament to his courage and the complexities of human conflict. 50 b/w illustrations