Franceska’s new book, ‘Under The Boab Tree’ is the story of a mother and daughter searching for truth and justice despite being beaten and tormented by Franceska’s father, Charles Jordan. In their quest for love and with a desperate desire to escape Charles Jordan’s abuse there is just one woman whose help gives Franceska hope that she can keep ‘Father Death’ from her.

Their story is set against the background of a time of upheaval in South Africa when the national government banned the Trade Union movement and apartheid was enforced.

This stirring memoir traverses Africa and Australia following the Speer-Jordan family, who fled persecution and poverty in Varniai, Lithuania, to South Africa. The political machinations they witnessed in that time changed the women forever. As the story unfolds, Franceska and her mother, Isabella show amazing tenacity and courage and prove themselves to be brave, seemingly indestructible women.

Under The Boab Tree is a tale about the souls of these two remarkable women connecting to the people they meet including Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, Rita Hayworth’s daughter. It is a story which shows the richness of the mother and daughter’s hearts and their spiritual, political, and humanitarian awakenings which give them the power and purpose they need to find truth and justice for themselves and others. Through their journey, Isabella and Franceska come to a place of acceptance and stillness, finding their ultimate saviour: love. A love that unravels and transcends exploitation and fear.