DONKERWEB CHAPTER SUMMARIES
Chapter 1
Centres on the character Greg Owen, who is rumoured to be dead. The story is narrated
through Greg's perspective, taking a somber, reflective tone. Greg recollects his recent
experiences, including the details surrounding his alleged death and the presence of
four other individuals accompanying him in Venice at the time. Greg's narration delves
into his past, recounting a noticeable change in his family home in Sandhurst following
his father's disappearance and his departure from Lawson College. He depicts the
dwelling as a gloomy, oppressive place, haunted by the absence of his older brother
John. John Owen is remembered as a thrill-seeker, living his life through adrenaline-
fueled experiences, who unexpectedly dies due to a pill overdose. This loss causes
tremendous grief for Greg and their mother, making the home feel even heavier. Greg
also hints at a serious secret shared between him and his father, which is never
revealed in this specific text portion. The narrative further discloses Greg's impending
move to Stellenbosch for a fresh start, away from the shadow of his past in Sandhurst.
The sadness that inhabits the family home is addressed again when Greg visits his
deceased brother's untouched room in their mother's presence. They share a profound
conversation about loss where his mother expresses her profound grief, revealing that
during her alone times in the house, she used to scream out her sorrow. By the end of
the chapter, a deeply desolate atmosphere hangs in the air, leaving Greg to digest the
range of emotions and the complex familial dynamics stirred within him.
1
,Chapter 2
Begins with Greg Owen waking up in his late brother John's room, preparing for his
departure from Sandhurst. As he packs his things into his newly purchased BMW 118i,
an unexpected memory flashes in his mind—a painting by Conrad Botes on his
brother's wall, a memento he decides to take with him. As he is about to leave, he hears
his late brother's voice calling his name, causing him to question his sanity
momentarily. Coming out of his reverie, Greg's mother appears from her study,
unusually composed and well-dressed compared to her usual state of mourning. She
shares some poignant words with Greg about his future and the bitter life ahead of him.
Their conversation triggers an unexpected bout of grief in Greg, causing him to mask his
emotions, as is his norm. He bids his mother farewell, promising to update her on his
arrival in Stellenbosch. As Greg embarks on the long journey, he reminisces about the
towns he passes. A wave of regret overcomes him as he reflects on past events,
including his hacking exploits under the tutelage of Eckardt Wilken, which led to the
exposure of a scandal named ‘Project Nursery Rhyme.’ This project involved viral
manipulations of flu shots that caused multiple deaths. The scandal crippled Greg's
family, emotionally more than financially due to their safety net of trust funds. Greg's
reminiscence includes a tense farewell at his old school, Lawson College, where he
faced mockery and confrontation from former friends and peers who betrayed him.
There, Greg is reminded of the dark actions of his father that led to the downfall of their
family. Despite the pain, Greg steels himself for the future, leaving behind his past at
Sandhurst, emboldened by the regrets and looking forward to his new life in
Stellenbosch. Greg Owen reminiscing about past events. He recalls memories of his
friend Plank, who is attending Maties, a university to which Greg himself is now headed.
Plank, known for his relaxed demeanor and comical outlook, had often teased Greg
about joining him at Maties, known to have "the most beautiful girls." As Greg continues
on his journey to Stellenbosch, he reflects on more serious events, including the image
of his father standing in the dock of the High Court in Pretoria, accused of murder and
terrorism. He remembers the lawyers passionately fighting against these main charges.
He also recalls witnessing a peculiar scene within the public gallery: A woman with
shoulder-length black hair and a stern face, who did not seem like a journalist like many
others in the courtroom. This mystery woman, present only once, continues to linger in
his memory. Later on, Greg arrives in Beaufort West after a long drive: Over nine hours
on the road, having had little sleep. He opts to stop over for the night at a guest house in
the town where he sees the darker sides of the idyllic looking town: proliferating truck
tra[ic, prostitutes including children lingering near truck stops, commonly walking with
older men—portraying a harsh image of poverty. In his poignant journey, laden with past
regrets and reflections, Greg's memories and experiences shape his narrative,
intertwining tales of comradery, family disarray, legal turmoil, and grim societal
realities. His decision to move ahead, leaving past burdens behind, sees him firmly
steering towards new beginnings in Stellenbosch.
2
,Chapter 3
We find Greg Owen moving to Stellenbosch with high hopes to find peace. His morning
is disrupted by a talkative old lady at a B&B who interrogates him about his role in a
notorious crime perpetrated by his family. Understandably irritated by her probing, Greg
storms out of the B&B and continues his journey. He drives through the South African
landscapes, up through Laingsburg, Matjiesfontein, the Hex River mountains and finally
reaches the bustling town of Stellenbosch, renowned for its university, wine regions
and mountain ranges. Navigating the busy roads, Greg heads to his newly rented studio
apartment, located in Van Riebeeck Street, a hotspot for restored guest houses. Upon
his arrival, he encounters three students – Chloe, Kiana, and Lizmari. Greg welcomes
their friendly banter, quelling his rising resentment aggravated by his earlier encounter.
Despite his stern demeanor, Chloe volunteers to be Greg's girlfriend, adding a touch of
light humor to the situation. Greg takes us through his new fully furnished apartment
that comes equipped with modern amenities and a scenic view. As he settles in, he’s
visited by his friend Plank, who teases him with old school romantic entanglements and
their shared hacking adventures. Ignoring his unpacking, Plank insists on taking Greg for
a pizza and a beer, warmly welcoming him to “Matieland” – local slang for the town of
Stellenbosch. The chapter encapsulates his new life, highlighting his anticipation for a
fresh start and the obstacles he faces due to his tainted family history.
Chapter 4
Greg Owen's adaptation to student life in Stellenbosch. Greg, who moves to the town in
the hopes of escaping his troubled past, is trying to blend into his new surroundings
alongside his friend Plank. He receives his university books from Van Schaik Bookstore,
participates in first year orientation week activities, gets assigned a mentor, takes
campus tours, and indulges in the vibrant student life centered in "Neelsie" - a thriving
student hub. One day, Chloe, a comically assertive character, insists that Greg take
part in a street theatre event called "Vensters," a mix of music, dance, and drama
centered around social awareness issues. Despite his initial disdain for the idea, Greg
eventually immerses himself in the practice sessions, painting backdrops and bonding
with fellow students. In between his newfound place in the student community, Greg
crosses paths with a stern-faced woman whose identity and intentions seem
mysterious, piquing his anxiety about his past being dragged into the limelight. During
the evening of the "Vensters" event, Greg feels overwhelmed by the booming energy and
jovial atmosphere of the gathering, which triggers a wave of self-consciousness and
emotional turmoil within him. He feels unable to go on stage, reflecting a stark
juxtaposition between his somber past and the lighthearted present. A drunk student
recognizing Greg as "the guy who turned his father in" adds to his discomfort. The
chapter concludes with Greg in a state of desolation, feeling like an outsider despite
being amidst a crowd, his past once again rising into the foreground of his existence.
The tug between Greg's desire to start fresh and the haunting demons of his past form
the central theme of this chapter.
3
, Chapter 5
Follows Greg Owen's initial encounters with student life at the University of
Stellenbosch, specifically his adaptation to sports science studies, social integrations,
and personal challenges. Greg's Studies are substantial with significant course load,
including psychology, physiology, sociology, and information literacy. The study
material's extent confounds him, lending mystery to how previous students coped. As
the student portal supplies him with his course schedule, the volume of work starts to
hit home, painting a clear picture of the daunting academic journey ahead. Struggling to
balance his academic commitments with his personal life responsibilities, Greg
experiences a massive culture shock in the first few weeks. His life is filled not only with
masses of information to memorize but also the essential tasks of provision,
maintenance, and self-care. In managing his daily life, Greg has to grapple with feelings
of alienation and confusion even among those he has come to know well and a
constant reminder of the loss and hardships of his past. Meanwhile, Greg's friend Plank
continues his happy-go-lucky approach to life, sharing his new love interest, Lisa.
However, when Greg finally meets her, Lisa's father recognizes him unexpectedly and
warns him to stay away from her, hinting at his notoriety related to his father's case.
Greg's past, it seems, still casts a long shadow over his present, a[ecting his
relationships and peace of mind. Feeding into his fear of being "found out" and
marginalized, this episode rekindles his sense of being perpetually out-of-place, raising
questions about his future in the university and beyond. This chapter continues to
establish Greg's journey as intensively personal, heavily burdened by his troubled
history, and marked by a constant pressure to reconcile with a past he would rather
leave behind.
Chapter 6
Presents Greg torn by guilt for damaging his friend Plank's potential relationship with a
girl named Lisa, due to his notorious past being exposed. They discuss their struggles
with their fathers' legacies while dining at Neelsie, a student gathering place. Greg talks
about carrying his father's stigma, feeling that he never can escape it, despite moving a
thousand kilometers away from home. Greg thinks they are becoming clones of their
fathers, carrying the labels doing their deeds. Plank gives Greg a reality check,
reminding him that he can't change the past or rescue his father from prison. Greg
considers a slim chance of his father's appeal being successful, but Plank insists that
Greg focus on the present and live his own life. Grateful for Plank's blunt honesty, Greg
apologizes and promises to make amends, to which Plank replies, "Kom ons sê maar
net jy skuld my een." After the meeting, Greg considers the possibility of reducing his
father's punishment by targeting 'the Baker', another person involved in the terrorism
and murder with the deadly virus, equally guilty but not yet caught as the police
couldn’t identify him. Greg thinks that attempting to find the Baker's identity could help
his father, seeing it as a penance. As his idea takes shape, he ends the day in front of his
laptop, determined to solve the mystery of the Baker and bring him to justice.
4
Chapter 1
Centres on the character Greg Owen, who is rumoured to be dead. The story is narrated
through Greg's perspective, taking a somber, reflective tone. Greg recollects his recent
experiences, including the details surrounding his alleged death and the presence of
four other individuals accompanying him in Venice at the time. Greg's narration delves
into his past, recounting a noticeable change in his family home in Sandhurst following
his father's disappearance and his departure from Lawson College. He depicts the
dwelling as a gloomy, oppressive place, haunted by the absence of his older brother
John. John Owen is remembered as a thrill-seeker, living his life through adrenaline-
fueled experiences, who unexpectedly dies due to a pill overdose. This loss causes
tremendous grief for Greg and their mother, making the home feel even heavier. Greg
also hints at a serious secret shared between him and his father, which is never
revealed in this specific text portion. The narrative further discloses Greg's impending
move to Stellenbosch for a fresh start, away from the shadow of his past in Sandhurst.
The sadness that inhabits the family home is addressed again when Greg visits his
deceased brother's untouched room in their mother's presence. They share a profound
conversation about loss where his mother expresses her profound grief, revealing that
during her alone times in the house, she used to scream out her sorrow. By the end of
the chapter, a deeply desolate atmosphere hangs in the air, leaving Greg to digest the
range of emotions and the complex familial dynamics stirred within him.
1
,Chapter 2
Begins with Greg Owen waking up in his late brother John's room, preparing for his
departure from Sandhurst. As he packs his things into his newly purchased BMW 118i,
an unexpected memory flashes in his mind—a painting by Conrad Botes on his
brother's wall, a memento he decides to take with him. As he is about to leave, he hears
his late brother's voice calling his name, causing him to question his sanity
momentarily. Coming out of his reverie, Greg's mother appears from her study,
unusually composed and well-dressed compared to her usual state of mourning. She
shares some poignant words with Greg about his future and the bitter life ahead of him.
Their conversation triggers an unexpected bout of grief in Greg, causing him to mask his
emotions, as is his norm. He bids his mother farewell, promising to update her on his
arrival in Stellenbosch. As Greg embarks on the long journey, he reminisces about the
towns he passes. A wave of regret overcomes him as he reflects on past events,
including his hacking exploits under the tutelage of Eckardt Wilken, which led to the
exposure of a scandal named ‘Project Nursery Rhyme.’ This project involved viral
manipulations of flu shots that caused multiple deaths. The scandal crippled Greg's
family, emotionally more than financially due to their safety net of trust funds. Greg's
reminiscence includes a tense farewell at his old school, Lawson College, where he
faced mockery and confrontation from former friends and peers who betrayed him.
There, Greg is reminded of the dark actions of his father that led to the downfall of their
family. Despite the pain, Greg steels himself for the future, leaving behind his past at
Sandhurst, emboldened by the regrets and looking forward to his new life in
Stellenbosch. Greg Owen reminiscing about past events. He recalls memories of his
friend Plank, who is attending Maties, a university to which Greg himself is now headed.
Plank, known for his relaxed demeanor and comical outlook, had often teased Greg
about joining him at Maties, known to have "the most beautiful girls." As Greg continues
on his journey to Stellenbosch, he reflects on more serious events, including the image
of his father standing in the dock of the High Court in Pretoria, accused of murder and
terrorism. He remembers the lawyers passionately fighting against these main charges.
He also recalls witnessing a peculiar scene within the public gallery: A woman with
shoulder-length black hair and a stern face, who did not seem like a journalist like many
others in the courtroom. This mystery woman, present only once, continues to linger in
his memory. Later on, Greg arrives in Beaufort West after a long drive: Over nine hours
on the road, having had little sleep. He opts to stop over for the night at a guest house in
the town where he sees the darker sides of the idyllic looking town: proliferating truck
tra[ic, prostitutes including children lingering near truck stops, commonly walking with
older men—portraying a harsh image of poverty. In his poignant journey, laden with past
regrets and reflections, Greg's memories and experiences shape his narrative,
intertwining tales of comradery, family disarray, legal turmoil, and grim societal
realities. His decision to move ahead, leaving past burdens behind, sees him firmly
steering towards new beginnings in Stellenbosch.
2
,Chapter 3
We find Greg Owen moving to Stellenbosch with high hopes to find peace. His morning
is disrupted by a talkative old lady at a B&B who interrogates him about his role in a
notorious crime perpetrated by his family. Understandably irritated by her probing, Greg
storms out of the B&B and continues his journey. He drives through the South African
landscapes, up through Laingsburg, Matjiesfontein, the Hex River mountains and finally
reaches the bustling town of Stellenbosch, renowned for its university, wine regions
and mountain ranges. Navigating the busy roads, Greg heads to his newly rented studio
apartment, located in Van Riebeeck Street, a hotspot for restored guest houses. Upon
his arrival, he encounters three students – Chloe, Kiana, and Lizmari. Greg welcomes
their friendly banter, quelling his rising resentment aggravated by his earlier encounter.
Despite his stern demeanor, Chloe volunteers to be Greg's girlfriend, adding a touch of
light humor to the situation. Greg takes us through his new fully furnished apartment
that comes equipped with modern amenities and a scenic view. As he settles in, he’s
visited by his friend Plank, who teases him with old school romantic entanglements and
their shared hacking adventures. Ignoring his unpacking, Plank insists on taking Greg for
a pizza and a beer, warmly welcoming him to “Matieland” – local slang for the town of
Stellenbosch. The chapter encapsulates his new life, highlighting his anticipation for a
fresh start and the obstacles he faces due to his tainted family history.
Chapter 4
Greg Owen's adaptation to student life in Stellenbosch. Greg, who moves to the town in
the hopes of escaping his troubled past, is trying to blend into his new surroundings
alongside his friend Plank. He receives his university books from Van Schaik Bookstore,
participates in first year orientation week activities, gets assigned a mentor, takes
campus tours, and indulges in the vibrant student life centered in "Neelsie" - a thriving
student hub. One day, Chloe, a comically assertive character, insists that Greg take
part in a street theatre event called "Vensters," a mix of music, dance, and drama
centered around social awareness issues. Despite his initial disdain for the idea, Greg
eventually immerses himself in the practice sessions, painting backdrops and bonding
with fellow students. In between his newfound place in the student community, Greg
crosses paths with a stern-faced woman whose identity and intentions seem
mysterious, piquing his anxiety about his past being dragged into the limelight. During
the evening of the "Vensters" event, Greg feels overwhelmed by the booming energy and
jovial atmosphere of the gathering, which triggers a wave of self-consciousness and
emotional turmoil within him. He feels unable to go on stage, reflecting a stark
juxtaposition between his somber past and the lighthearted present. A drunk student
recognizing Greg as "the guy who turned his father in" adds to his discomfort. The
chapter concludes with Greg in a state of desolation, feeling like an outsider despite
being amidst a crowd, his past once again rising into the foreground of his existence.
The tug between Greg's desire to start fresh and the haunting demons of his past form
the central theme of this chapter.
3
, Chapter 5
Follows Greg Owen's initial encounters with student life at the University of
Stellenbosch, specifically his adaptation to sports science studies, social integrations,
and personal challenges. Greg's Studies are substantial with significant course load,
including psychology, physiology, sociology, and information literacy. The study
material's extent confounds him, lending mystery to how previous students coped. As
the student portal supplies him with his course schedule, the volume of work starts to
hit home, painting a clear picture of the daunting academic journey ahead. Struggling to
balance his academic commitments with his personal life responsibilities, Greg
experiences a massive culture shock in the first few weeks. His life is filled not only with
masses of information to memorize but also the essential tasks of provision,
maintenance, and self-care. In managing his daily life, Greg has to grapple with feelings
of alienation and confusion even among those he has come to know well and a
constant reminder of the loss and hardships of his past. Meanwhile, Greg's friend Plank
continues his happy-go-lucky approach to life, sharing his new love interest, Lisa.
However, when Greg finally meets her, Lisa's father recognizes him unexpectedly and
warns him to stay away from her, hinting at his notoriety related to his father's case.
Greg's past, it seems, still casts a long shadow over his present, a[ecting his
relationships and peace of mind. Feeding into his fear of being "found out" and
marginalized, this episode rekindles his sense of being perpetually out-of-place, raising
questions about his future in the university and beyond. This chapter continues to
establish Greg's journey as intensively personal, heavily burdened by his troubled
history, and marked by a constant pressure to reconcile with a past he would rather
leave behind.
Chapter 6
Presents Greg torn by guilt for damaging his friend Plank's potential relationship with a
girl named Lisa, due to his notorious past being exposed. They discuss their struggles
with their fathers' legacies while dining at Neelsie, a student gathering place. Greg talks
about carrying his father's stigma, feeling that he never can escape it, despite moving a
thousand kilometers away from home. Greg thinks they are becoming clones of their
fathers, carrying the labels doing their deeds. Plank gives Greg a reality check,
reminding him that he can't change the past or rescue his father from prison. Greg
considers a slim chance of his father's appeal being successful, but Plank insists that
Greg focus on the present and live his own life. Grateful for Plank's blunt honesty, Greg
apologizes and promises to make amends, to which Plank replies, "Kom ons sê maar
net jy skuld my een." After the meeting, Greg considers the possibility of reducing his
father's punishment by targeting 'the Baker', another person involved in the terrorism
and murder with the deadly virus, equally guilty but not yet caught as the police
couldn’t identify him. Greg thinks that attempting to find the Baker's identity could help
his father, seeing it as a penance. As his idea takes shape, he ends the day in front of his
laptop, determined to solve the mystery of the Baker and bring him to justice.
4
