Wilmington woman publishes book about her life in Zimbabwe

WILMINGTON — Author Ann Beattie wrote the book “Tengwe Garden Club.” It’s the story of an American woman who falls in love with Zimbabwe. A memoir of political upheaval in a troubled land. Beattie said, “It’s a beautiful country, the wildlife, the scenery, the animals the fauna, just so beautiful.”

Beattie tells the story of how she met her husband Dave. The couple settled on a 2500-acre tobacco farm, while raising a son and daughter. They spent seven years in community of tengwe under the fierce rule of Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe. In the book Beattie explains how around eight years ago — life on the farm took a turn for the worse. She says President Mugabe took their farm and re-distributed the land forcing the Beatties to evacuate their home.

“Oh, we were devastated we were devastated, worst part was uprooting from our community, our family and friendwe had 75 family members living on our farm and we felt responsible for them.”

Beattie and her family left Zimbabwe and have been living here since.

“We’ve loved Wilmington and being here, but for dave zimbabwe is his home, africa is his land, its his people and he missed it terribly,” she said.

In March Ann’s husband accepted a position with an American company doing safari work in the northern region of Mozambique, they will live in Harare, Zimbabwe.

“I’m following my man, but more than that we’re following our hearts,” she said.

And a second chance to re-discover all the memories of Zimbabwe. Her earlier experiences are passionately written in “Tengwe Garden Club.”

If you’re interested in hearing more of Ann Beatties story or finding out how to order her book, log on to www.lulu.com.