The Takoradi Run

"Money doesn't have morals, Mr. Witcombe," neatly captures the moral ambiguity at the heart of Ron Witcombe's transformation from playful rogue to resourceful mastermind. Bob Kerr's account of his uncle's remarkable adventures during the Second World War, ‘The Takoradi Run,’ is both compelling and entertaining.

The story begins with Ron following his mother's death and his victory in a YMCA gymnastics competition in 1926. Although the opening chapters progress at a measured pace, the action soon gathers momentum as Ron's adventurous spirit leads him to England to serve with the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Kerr's account of bombing raids over Germany, encounters with dubious gold mines, spies and smuggling keeps readers turning the pages, eager to discover whether Ron will survive his extraordinary exploits.

Kerr, a well-known New Zealand author whose books are usually aimed at younger readers, has written a story that will appeal to adults as well. The historical detail, together with photographs of Ron and his family, gives the narrative authenticity and helps readers better understand his experiences in Europe and Africa. While the opening is slower than the rest of the book, the careful character development makes Ron's later adventures even more engaging.

‘The Takoradi Run’ is an accessible, suspenseful, and thoroughly enjoyable read. Blending history with personal adventure, it is an excellent introduction to the Second World War for younger readers while also offering adults an absorbing and deeply human story.