But Deliver Us From Evil by Lauri Kubuitsile is a powerful historical novel set in 19th-century Botswana, blending emotional drama with suspense and cultural conflict. Set in 1871, the story follows Nthebolang, a young girl fleeing with her mother after her father is condemned for witchcraft. Their journey leads them to the kingdom of Kgosi Sechele I, where Nthebolang’s path crosses with Beatrice—a complex woman with a troubled past and a concealed knife symbolising her survival. As tensions rise between traditional beliefs and Christianity, Nthebolang finds herself fighting to save her loved one from accusations of sorcery.
Bringing to life a little-known corner of Botswana’s colonial past, Kubuitsile explores themes of power, fear, and resilience through richly drawn characters and a gripping storyline. This is a haunting yet tender tale of survival, betrayal, and the enduring strength of women in the face of injustice.
