Tales of Two Countries is Ray Dearlove's third book. He takes the reader through his childhood in apartheid-era South Africa and the turbulent years before Nelson Mandela assumed the presidency in 1994. Living in Australia for more than thirty years brought its own share of interesting people, events and opportunities. There are many stories about the raw challenges of moving countries. It has some very moving and some very humorous moments, all told in Ray's discerning and direct style.
'Rugby, wildlife, beer, politics and history, Ray Dearlove's Tales of Two Countries is an insightful conversation starter for any barbie or braai. He captures the bittersweet highs and lows of swapping one home for another. It is an excellent read for anyone whose heart is torn between two homes. Ray's insights on modern South Africa and Australia make for thought-provoking reading. Moving, humorous and thoughtful - his is a life very well lived.' Tony Park, bestselling international author
'Australia is one of my favourite countries and I have always wanted to make a contribution to assist endangered species. Ray arranged meetings for me with politicians and leaders in conservation in Australia to pave the way for me. His and my stories are so similar; I am Belgian-born and live in the US and Ray is South African-born and lives in Australia. I thoroughly enjoyed reading his book with all its ups and downs.' Jean-Claude van Damme, actor, martial artist and filmmaker and universally known as the 'Muscles from Brussels'
'After reading his fascinating story, I realise we have lived similar lives. Mine has also revolved around sport, wildlife conservation, business and serving communities and I fully endorsed Ray's Australian Rhino Project - our rhinos need all the help they can get. We are so glad Ray wrote this gripping story which will be such an inspiration to all who read it and I hope that, in both our lifetimes, we see the rhinos arrive safely in Australia and silence all the doomsayers who said it could not be done.' Adrian Gardiner, entrepreneur, founder of Shamwari Game Reserve and the Mantis Group and patron of the Wilderness Foundation