The Dark of the Sun

Wilbur Smith's first, dynamic best-selling novel, When the Lion Feeds, was an epic of the early days of South Africa. Now this outstanding writer has conceived a modern epic, which has the same swift-flowing, action-packed narrative.

Bruce Curry sets out with a trainload of mercenaries to relieve a mining town in the heart of the African jungle. The journey turns out to be a nightmare, softened only by Curry's meeting with Shermaine, a Belgian girl with whom he falls passionately in love.

In a sinister atmosphere of omnipotent evil, Curry struggles to preserve the new tenderness that has grown between himself and Shermaine, and fights to stay alive.

Taut with sustained excitement, this powerful novel puts Wilbur Smith at the forefront of today's storytellers.

The Dark of the Sun was filmed as The Mercenaries.

Reviews

'In places this novel is horrific; always it is exciting, strong and clear' – Daily Mail, 1967
'If the phrase ' a man`s book' has any meaning, it describes this powerful, savage ... gripping, fast moving novel.' – Books and Bookmen,
' A well-knit, fast -moving, adventure story ... The action is swift, taut and convincing ... The portrayal of men and situations, of jungle and outpost is colourful and alive. It is a 'big' book, quite irrespective of its length.' – Scotsman, 1997

Text and audio excerpts

›› Read an excerpt from The Dark of the Sun.

This sound clip uses Macromedia Flash. If you cannot access it, or would prefer to listen to it using your own software, please click here.

To buy

Please visit your favourite bookstore or online bookseller. If you are having difficulty finding a copy, you'll find information on publishers in many countries and many languages on the 'Links to Publishers' page.