Join us for an engaging author event featuring DJG Palmer, the author of the Babanango trilogy.

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David will discuss his latest book, In the Ranks of Death, the second instalment in the trilogy. The series, which began with A Rougher Task, explores an LGBT relationship set against the dramatic backdrop of the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 and the struggle for survival.

DJG Palmer is a former serviceman who has conducted extensive historical research to bring authenticity and depth to his storytelling. His work vividly portrays the complexities of love and conflict during a tumultuous period in history.

Don't miss this opportunity to hear from David as he shares insights into his writing process, the historical context of his books, and the inspiration behind his compelling characters and narratives.

Published on 26th November 2024 - Babanango: In the Ranks of Death touches upon issues of race, class and wealth, homophobia, religion, sexual assault, and grief in a richly crafted narrative perfect for lovers of literary and historical fiction. In the Ranks of Death tells the tale of a fight for survival against the backdrop of the bloody Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, in which Palmer deftly paints the picture of what a gay, class riven relationship might have looked like in a time when relationships of this kind were forbidden, allowing readers to experience the combined anxieties for Bond and Coleman, not only from Zulu attacks but also from the discovery within their own ranks. 

Drawing upon personal experience, Palmer also artfully depicts the horrors and realities of life in the field, from the hierarchical infighting to blisters and sores after days of marching. Expertly covering the topic of grief, Palmer provides readers with multiple realistic and relatable depictions, and pathos is perfectly offset by much needed catharsis, as the death toll amongst these beloved characters rises.

The author says: “In book two, we confront the reality that war engenders pain, loss, inhumanity, and ruthlessness rather than gold braid, laurel wreaths or medals. We will see Lieutenant Bond's ashamed rejection of his controversial uncle – derided, and unsuccessful poet Captain AW McGonagle – develop as Bond begins to know the man behind the myth, challenge his own friendships, loyalties, and priorities, and reassess his life, just before it changes forever... Like the 'Minstrel Boy' of the ballad, two of these men will take their places in the ranks of death before this second instalment of the Babanango trilogy is over, and the consequences will shake the survivors to thereafter…” 

Published by Cranthorpe Millner Publishers, In the Ranks of Death (ISBN: 978-1-80378-245-4) is published on 26th November 2024 and is available in paperback (£10.99) and Kindle format. Waterstones | Amazon | Cranthorpe 

Millner About the author: DJG Palmer was born in Kent and began his research for the manuscript over 25 years ago, when it was as illegal to be gay in the UK armed forces as it had been in 1879 when the story is set. In 2001 he was made a fellow of The Anglo-Zulu War Historical Society and later The Royal Geographical Society. A former police officer, charity trustee and LGBTQ+ advocate, David shares an untold story of the men who must have lived, loved, and died together in secret, serving in the armed forces. The Babanango trilogy is for those men, whoever they were, and the friends and allies who had their backs.