Circles in a Forest (novel)

Circles in a Forest is a novel written by South African author Dalene Matthee, first published in 1984. It is a historical fiction set in the Knysna Forest of South Africa during the late 19th century, specifically the 1870s.

The narrative centers on the woodcutters, known as the "houtkappers," who are struggling to survive in the face of government regulations limiting their access to the forest's resources. The story primarily follows Saul Barnard, a young woodcutter who forges a deep connection with the forest and its elephants.

A key theme of the novel is the clash between human needs and environmental preservation. The narrative explores the tension between the woodcutters' dependence on the forest for their livelihoods and the destruction caused by the unchecked felling of trees. The plight of the Knysna elephants, hunted for their ivory, forms a significant subplot, highlighting the devastating impact of human activity on the natural world.

Circles in a Forest addresses themes of exploitation, cultural identity, and the relationship between humanity and nature. The novel is known for its vivid descriptions of the Knysna Forest and its inhabitants, both human and animal, and is considered a significant work of South African literature. It portrays the lives of the marginalized houtkappers and their complex relationship with the land they call home.