Prayer Flag

A Life Of Guilt A Quest For Forgiveness

Fiction - Literary
287 Pages
Reviewed on 03/24/2020
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Author Biography

Peter is a retired Mergers and Acquisitions lawyer, living on the Garden Route of South Africa in a town called Knysna. He has always had a passion for writing but until recently his writing was mostly limited to legal documents.
Prayer Flag was inspired by him discovering a real prayer flag from WW2 in a colleague's office. His colleague had been asked by a former Allied Forces soldier, who had taken the flag as a war trophy, to attempt a trace of the Japanese family so the flag could be returned to them. This intrigued the author so he began to research repatriation of war memorabilia back to Japan. He soon realised there was a story to be told.

    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Prayer Flag: A Life Of Guilt, A Quest For Forgiveness is a work of literary fiction with plenty of cultural and interpersonal drama and was penned by author Peter Prinsloo. The central character is Richard Low, a lawyer who finds himself faced with a challenge that will change the course of his life when he discovers the confession of an ex-soldier turned multi-millionaire. The deathbed revelation of Martin Simmons sends Richard on a quest to repatriate a Japanese soldier’s prayer flag from some fifty years prior, traveling to Nagasaki in search of forgiveness and peace on his behalf. What results is an introspective novel that explores the idea of prejudices, both known and unknown to us.

One of the most enigmatic and engrossing things about the writing of author Peter Prinsloo is his attention to detail with the presentation of thought and emotion in his characters. Richard begins rather stiffly, and it’s in the unpacking of his very soul that we find much of the action of the plot taking place, particularly after he meets the beguiling Asami and begins to loosen the grip on his heart a little. Slow-burning in its narrative quality, the character arcs and questioning themes take center stage to produce a novel that requires us to stop and think and also reflect on ourselves and our innate prejudices in the process. Overall, I’d highly recommend Prayer Flag as an accomplished work of fiction for literary fans who seek depth and complexity in their reads.

Wise Guy on Amazon

This first novel from Peter Prinsloo has an unusual topic that will grip your attention from beginning to end. Beautifully written and thoroughly enjoyable, it is a feel good story that you wish will not end. I can vouch for the authenticity of the South African setting. Highly recommended.

Jane on Amazon

I loved the book and read it from cover to cover - it has the right mix of drama, intrigue and love story. The writing was beautifully descriptive and being Sout African, resonated with the characters. I think it was written with an opening for a next one and I"ll be in the queue to buy it. Congratulations Peter on your first novel - here's to many more.

Clive Grossman on Amazon

This book is well written and very evocative. Most unusual plot, encompassing both South Africa and Post war Japan. I highly recommend end it

Glen Ross on Amazon

An amazing read ,could not put it down .A wonderful lesson in forgiveness .Look forward to the next edition and follow on .

Larry Stein on Amazon

I found it to be a very rewarding read. Great story-line and characterisation. Much to recommend

Nick on Amazon

A great read, I loved the immersion the book takes one to in both South Africa and Japan. A compelling tale that examines the innate frailty of character that exists in all of us and the power we all have to overcome that.

Graham on Amazon

A superb storyline,which deals with many dificult subjects such as bigotry and forgiveness,whilst at the same time immersing the reader in aspects of South Africa and Japan.

David McCaughan on Amazon

enjoyed reading Peter's debut novel. It is well researched and written. It has the right mixtures of suspense, excitement and romance to make it hard to put down. I was touched by the story's theme of repentance and forgiveness leading to a compelling climax. I hope Peter writes a sequel.
David McCaughan

Alan Page on Amazon

A beautiful book exhibiting love and forgiveness.
I highly recommend this book. Once I started reading it I could not put it down.
Absolutely amazing.

Amazon Customer

Easy, engaging read. A well researched and well written book on interesting subject matters. Will appeal to readers from both a historical and a legal perspective.

Sue Jordaan on Goodreads

Within a few pages, Peter Prinsloo, the author of “Prayer Flag”, presents the starting point of this novel: an ambitious young attorney, Richard Low, is presented with a plea in a letter written by a dying client. The letter recounts an incident involving a Japanese soldier about which the old man feels profound shame and regret. In addition, the old man is deeply saddened about his estrangement from some close family members. Initially resentful and reluctant, Richard takes on the request that he should put right the burdens on the old man’s conscience.
A rapidly moving plot is set in motion. Meticulous research and astute use of his own experience, enables the author to absorb the reader in the activities and issues in the novel. At the same time, the reader is compelled to re-evaluate his or her own attitudes and to consider what really matters in life. Are wealth, success and affirmation important, or are truth, forgiveness, lack of prejudice and restoration of relationships what really matter?
In “Prayer Flag” you will encounter mystery, adventure and a moving love story. Peter Prinsloo’s first novel is an absorbing and worthwhile read.

Johan Roets on Amazon

Mr. Prinsloo manages to connect Africa and the Far East in this gripping novel. He weaves the distant past and the here-and-now into this intricate story. I could almost smell the Jacaranda blooms in Rosebank. A great read.

Maureen Brewis on Goodreads

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Michelle Witts-Hewinson on Goodreads

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Glenys Martin on Goodreads

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Patrick on Goodreads

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Angela Howe in Goodreads

A well crafted, meticulously researched first novel.

Les Gorrie on Amazon

Cant wait for a sequel.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 27, 2020
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A difficult to put down read with endless twists and turns ! Peter Prinsloo clearly did substantial research into the compilation of his book. Not only is it a brilliant storyline but I so enjoyed the South African journey which I know so well. It would make a terrific movie.

Charleen H

Tight storyline and sympathetic characters
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 12, 2020
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Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The plot is well crafted and maintains suspense throughout. The characters are likeable, recognizable types and one finds oneself rooting for them. The place descriptions feel authentic, and the themes of redemption and personal growth make for an uplifting read. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because the dialogue is sometimes a little formal, with characters occasionally speaking as they would write. But for a first novel, this is a great success.

Stuart Graham on Amazon

An engrossing novel
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 14, 2020
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The cautious emotional restraint of the lawyer and protagonist Richard Low as he embarks on a journey to return a Japanese prayer flag seized during World War II and the clash of cultures love story is touching and beautifully written. I was engrossed by Mr Prinsloo's first novel.