About the Book
A fascinating old lady recounting her life was the impetus for author Nigel Patten to pen this extraordinary memoir of the woman and her times. Under Table Mountain tells the story of Louise Juta, the youngest daughter of Sir Henry Juta, barrister and Speaker of the Cape House in South Africa.
The last decade of the 19th century were troubled years in South Africa. Tension between Britain and the two Boer republics, the Transvaal and the Orange Free State, increased until war became inevitable. Many notable figures passed through Cape Town during these years, including Rudyard Kipling, Robert Baden-Powell, Jan Smuts and Cecil Rhodes. All would visit Sir Henry’s home, “Mon Desir.”
The author met Louisa, known as Lady Luia Forbes, in Switzerland during the last years of her long life. As they played Scrabble, they discussed how she left South Africa in 1904 to go to school in England and never returned. Under Table Mountain is an unforgettable true story.
About the Author
Nigel Patten was born in London and now lives at a ski resort not far from Montreux on Lake Geneva, Switzerland. Inspired to write Under Table Mountain by his cherished friendship with Luia and a general love of history, Patten is currently at work on his next book, The Tide of Destiny, which explores the role of women as an inspiration for men.
