Danelle Murray

Medium Paperback

 
This memoir tells the story of a family who dedicated their lives to saving owls. The author shares her experiences of growing up in South Africa and her family's exposure to and survival of violent crimes. Choosing a career in conservation has led her family to live on farms, having to work late at night and in unprotected rural areas, which has exposed them and left them vulnerable to attacks and robberies. The book gives an insightful perspective on modern society in a country that is plagued by poverty, haunted by its past and crippled by crime. It also provides the reader with a special look into the author’s life as a conservationist living with owls, whereby together with her husband, they make it their sole life’s mission to rescue and save all owl species. When Danelle was eight years old, her family survived an attack by armed men who invaded their home. After months of staying with her grandmother, her mother finally gathered enough courage for them to return home. That was the night she noticed the Barn Owls breeding on the water tower for the first time. The owl reminded her of an angel with his heart-shaped face. She believed that he was there to look over her. She formed a strong connection with this majestic bird, a connection that followed her throughout her life. Today, she has the privilege of protecting and looking after owls. The title of the book, My Dark Country, is a reference to owls being primarily nocturnal and because a large amount of the couple’s work is done at night (rescuing owls); night-time has a distinctive connotation to the Murray’s realm. Danelle and her family have also endured many dark hours and she believes that some kind of darkness is eroding the moral fibre of South Africans. The Murrays do not have any plans to leave the farm. They need open space for the owls. They want only to be and be able to do what they love, but they are also consciously aware of the dangers that are lurking. The book ends with an inspiring message of courage; not to give up, even in the face of danger. A quote from My Dark Country “There, with my feet planted firmly on the harsh, torrid ground, I made a promise to myself. I promised that I would never tire of the splendour of my whereabouts. I would never look up at the mountain and not appreciate it for its magnificence.”