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2011 novel by Nicolaas Vergunst From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Knot of Stone: The Day that Changed South Africa's History is a 2011 historical murder mystery novel penned by South African/Dutch author Nicolaas Vergunst.
In the creation of this novel, Nicolaas Vergunst undertook meticulous research, drawing from a wide array of sources. These sources included private letters, diaries, oral history, and official documents, all aimed at constructing an authentic backdrop for his narrative.[1]
The narrative of "Knot of Stone" takes root in the year 1510 when the Viceroy of Portuguese India, Francisco de Almeida, met a grim fate upon his arrival at the Cape of Good Hope. He was assassinated and hastily buried in an unmarked grave. For centuries, this event had been attributed to a clan of retaliatory Khoikhoi herders. However, Vergunst's novel unveils a different truth - Almeida's murder was orchestrated due to the disappearance of a rare stone and a book belonging to the Order of Santiago.[2]
The novel's protagonists, Dutch historian Sonja Haas and Afrikaans archaeologist Jason Tomas, unexpectedly find themselves connected when they discover a five-century-old skeleton at the base of Table Mountain. Their collaboration is further enriched by psychic Laurence Oliver, whose unique abilities play a pivotal role in unraveling the mysteries surrounding this historical enigma. Their quest leads them to Portugal, where they confront thefts and even the murder of a colleague. Laurence Oliver, with his psychic insights, guides them toward a dossier compiled by Walter Johannes Stein.[3]
Their search for new evidence takes them northward to ancestral burial sites, remote mountain sanctuaries, sacred springs, medieval monasteries, and rare museum artifacts. Along this journey, they encounter a diverse cast of characters, including a sangoma, whose revelations assist in piecing together not only the historical past but also their own identities. Each revelation has varying consequences for the characters, adding complexity to the narrative.[4]
"Knot of Stone" stands out in the literary landscape due to its departure from mainstream historical writing. The novel incorporates elements from dreams, oral traditions, and ancestral voices, creating a unique blend of historical fiction and mysticism. This creative approach engages readers with a thought-provoking narrative that challenges conventional historical storytelling.[5]
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