Big Dan's Sofie, by Keith Cornelis-Britz

An insightful look into South Africa in the 1930s and 1940s, this novel tells an unlikely love story. When Sofie goes to work for Big Dan - a forester whose wife is terminally ill - she takes care of his neglected children and gains an education. After the lady of the house passes away, Big Dan finds himself increasingly drawn to Sofie.