About The Book

Before embarking on a new life in Canada in November 1980, Ian Raynor lived half his life in Rhodesia, from WWII’s closing years until the country’s independence. While establishing himself in his new role under the protection of a stable Western democracy, he realized that his Rhodesian experiences – along with those of his friends, business associates and family – were especially distinctive. His recollections contain stories of joy, humour, embarrassment and proud accomplishment, mixed with deep sorrow caused by tragedy. Sadly, outside of southern Africa, little is known about this piece of the country’s history. Upon reflection, Ian was increasingly convinced that living a life in those “Rhodesian years” should be documented.

In later years, he filled an ever-bulging folder with letters from friends and family, newspaper articles and reminders to himself pertaining to noteworthy historical incidents. Concurrently, he built a sizable library of books and publications on Rhodesia. In 2017, he finally gave serious thought to writing a book. During the Covid years, A Nation Robbed was born.

Given the prominent role agriculture played in southern Africa, as well as Ian’s farming background – not to mention the enormous price farmers paid during the Bush War – the book contains an unapologetically strong bias toward the agricultural sector. It is essentially an autobiography of the first 36 years of his life, growing up in the country of his birth on Glenview Farm, which he managed upon graduating from Gwebi College of Agriculture. He has done his best to cast aside his own hubris and portray the story of how the population of all races lived, worked, played, loved and fought in the good times, as well as how the difficulties created by politics and sanctions were handled. Arguably, some considered this period to be exciting.

While the book does stretch back to Rhodesia’s inception in the last two decades of the nineteenth century, it focuses more on the three-plus decades following WWII. In so doing, the strong differences of opinions between Rhodesians and British politicians are laid bare. Moreover, disagreements with South Africa, Rhodesia’s dominant neighbour to the south – as well as those between Rhodesians themselves – are covered in detail. Emphasis has also been made to convey the difference between Rhodesia’s history and that of its British imperial cousins.

This literary piece – one of many on Rhodesia – tells a comprehensive and honest tale of a significant part of the country’s vibrant history. It is expected that this book – like any well researched publication – would have its detractors. The author’s view is that any worthy historical chronicle should create healthy debate. Hopefully, it meets that principle.

In completing this project, the author had to reacquaint himself with some decidedly sad chapters of Rhodesia’s past. However, while committing his thoughts to paper, he enjoyed achieving what he considers a “just accomplishment”. He would like to remind readers that he regards himself as a grassroots plebeian, who does not profess to be an academic or historian but one who presents his argument in a simple manner. By reading A Nation Robbed, he trusts they will come away with a balanced view.