Chapter 1: The Shadow of the Past
The novel opens with the shocking news report from the Turret Media Group
that Greg Owen has been found dead in the Canale Grande in Venice.
However, Greg, the narrator, is alive and well, recounting the story from his
somber home in Sandhurst. He remembers being in Venice when a body was
retrieved from the water, leading him to question the news report. He is
consumed by remorse when he thinks of his parents and his deceased
brother, John. His mother meticulously preserves John's room as it was, while
Greg clings to his brother's memories. His mother's heartbreaking confession
of loneliness and screaming in the empty house after John's death highlights
the oppressive and gloomy atmosphere within the family. Greg decides to
move to Stellenbosch for a fresh start, but he knows he cannot outrun the pain
of the past.
Chapter 2: A New Beginning, Old Scars
Greg Owen wakes up in John's old bed, packs his belongings for his move to
Cape Town, and takes a photo of a family picture with his phone. He imagines
hearing John's voice and sees his stylishly dressed mother. She tells him that
each new phase of life will be experienced alone, a painful reminder of John's
death. She warns him that he'll have to carry the burdens he packs with him.
After an emotional farewell, Greg drives off with loud music, hoping the road
trip will clear his head. However, memories of recent events, particularly his
father's betrayal and its consequences, resurface. He recalls a visit to his old
school, facing taunts, and the unexpected friendship of his former classmate,
Plank. Greg resolves to leave the past behind, optimistic for the future,
declaring, "Stellenbosch, here I come!"
The chapter flashes back to his school days, where Mr. Andersen, a deputy
head, calls Plank. Plank and Greg discuss their final year and Plank's plans to
study at Maties, leading to playful banter about the "poor girls" there. A year
later, Greg is en route to the same university. Driving from Hanover to
Beaufort West, he reads messages from Plank but plans to meet him the next
,day. He details the fatigue of the long drive after poor sleep, relying on Coke
to stay awake. Images of his father's trial for murder and terrorism haunt
him. A mysterious woman with black hair, dark glasses, and a stern demeanor
in the public gallery captures his attention, leaving a lasting impression. Upon
reaching Beaufort West, Greg checks into a guesthouse and searches for
food. He observes truck drivers, prostitutes at truck stops, and a young
prostitute with an older man, labeling it a "dark web of poverty."
Chapter 3: Matieland and New Encounters
The scene shifts to Matieland, where Greg has moved to study. At a B&B, a
curious hostess recognizes him due to his father's notoriety. Her harsh
comments about his father upset Greg, leading him to snap an insult before
leaving in anger. He drives to Stellenbosch, appreciating the landscape and
hoping to find peace. Upon arriving, he sees his newly renovated studio
apartment and meets his new neighbors, three girls. One of them, Chloe,
makes an unsettling remark that bothers Greg. After a brief conversation,
Chloe flirts with him, suggesting they become a couple, but Greg declines. His
friend Plank then unexpectedly arrives, eager for the social aspect of
university life. Plank talks about an old flame, Nicole, and jokes about a recent
encounter at a bar. Plank offers to help Greg unpack and suggests they go for
a drink. The chapter ends with Plank welcoming Greg to Matieland,
highlighting Greg's psychological state due to his father's crime and hinting at
future conflicts with his neighbors and other challenges in Matieland.
Chapter 4: Alienation in Stellenbosch
Chapter four chronicles Greg Owen's initial days as a university student. He
and his friend, Plank, begin by purchasing textbooks. Greg is required to
participate in O-week, an orientation program organized by his Private
Student Organization (PSO). The program includes introductions and tours,
and all first-year students are assigned a mentor; Greg's mentor views him
unfavorably. Chloe, his intriguing next-door neighbor and a prominent figure in
,the student community, encourages him to participate in "Vensters," a student
street theater festival. Initially skeptical, Greg begins to enjoy the festival and
eventually helps with the performance preparations. Later, Greg encounters a
cold, distant woman who questions him, her identity and motives remaining a
mystery. On the night of the performance, Greg feels isolated in the crowd, a
bystander to the group's performance. The chapter concludes with a return to
Greg's unpleasant past: a drunk fellow student recognizes him as the son of
the "Candlestick-maker," who landed his own father in jail. Greg realizes he's
an outsider again, alone amidst the multitude.
Chapter 5: Academic Beginnings and Lingering Shadows
In Chapter 5 of "Donker Web," Greg Owen begins his academic journey in
Sport Science, focusing on psychology, after Orientation Week. He explores
the Sport Science building and study room, which reminds him of his previous
home, Huis Da Vinci. Despite his father's expectations for him to pursue a
business path, Greg is finding his own way. The influx of information and the
adjustment to university life become overwhelming for Greg, who is now
responsible for everything from laundry to toilet paper. His unsociable
neighbors, their messy clothes, and the need to remember to recharge the
electricity meter threaten to overwhelm him. However, he receives support
from a cleaner who cleans his apartment twice a week.
Greg keeps his distance from Chloe, his neighbor, despite her repeated
invitations to hang out. He senses she might know something about his
background and his infamous father. Despite a difficult relationship with rugby
in the past, Greg still enjoys the sport, and it forms part of his practical studies.
Plank, Greg's friend, shares news about his new girlfriend, Lisa. During an
attempt to meet up, Greg encounters Lisa's father, who clearly dislikes him,
possibly due to information he possesses about Greg's father.
Chapter 6: The Weight of the Past
, In the sixth chapter, "The Things You Carry With You," Greg confesses his
guilt to his friend, Plank, regarding the unrest in Plank's relationship with Lisa.
Greg struggles internally with his father's unethical behavior and its impact on
his own life, focusing particularly on how others perceive him due to his
father's crimes. Although he wants to create his own identity, he seems unable
to escape his father's shadow. Plank suggests they continue their parents'
legacy, an idea that upsets Greg. Greg recalls a saying from his mother: "The
things you pack are the things you carry with you," and acknowledges that he
bears the mark of his father's misdeeds. Plank's advice, that Greg should live
his own life regardless of his father's scandalous behavior and the judicial
process against him, offers Greg a moment of perspective. The chapter ends
with Greg's decision to track down the unknown "Baker" from a previous
crime. He believes this act of justice will lessen his father's guilt while
simultaneously holding another culprit accountable. Greg sits at his computer,
ready to begin his search for the mysterious "Baker."
Chapter 7: The Baker Hunt Begins
In chapter seven of "Donker Web," Greg begins his investigation into the
Baker, a presumed member of Project Nursery Rhyme's 'unholy trinity.' Greg
recalls that the Baker was involved in creating a virus spread through flu
vaccinations, though his identity was never publicly confirmed. Greg delves
into old news reports and discovers a photo of his father alongside a man
named Dr. Rian Trollip, who was involved in a community project. Trollip's
photo triggers memories of several encounters at Greg's home. Trollip and his
wife stood out at a party at Greg's house, sharing a happy, graceful dance.
Greg also remembers them planning a trip to Europe to meet a family member
or friend. Greg also recalls something strange about Trollip; his brother John
described him as 'creepy.' Trollip wore a Freemason's ring, which the brothers
saw as a sign of a secret organization. Greg then learns that Trollip was
involved in child pornography, hanged himself in his cell, and recalls seeing
his face in a photo on the PlusUltraMed website. This information raises a
crucial question: was Dr. Trollip the Baker, the man he's searching for, and is
he perhaps looking for a dead man?
The novel opens with the shocking news report from the Turret Media Group
that Greg Owen has been found dead in the Canale Grande in Venice.
However, Greg, the narrator, is alive and well, recounting the story from his
somber home in Sandhurst. He remembers being in Venice when a body was
retrieved from the water, leading him to question the news report. He is
consumed by remorse when he thinks of his parents and his deceased
brother, John. His mother meticulously preserves John's room as it was, while
Greg clings to his brother's memories. His mother's heartbreaking confession
of loneliness and screaming in the empty house after John's death highlights
the oppressive and gloomy atmosphere within the family. Greg decides to
move to Stellenbosch for a fresh start, but he knows he cannot outrun the pain
of the past.
Chapter 2: A New Beginning, Old Scars
Greg Owen wakes up in John's old bed, packs his belongings for his move to
Cape Town, and takes a photo of a family picture with his phone. He imagines
hearing John's voice and sees his stylishly dressed mother. She tells him that
each new phase of life will be experienced alone, a painful reminder of John's
death. She warns him that he'll have to carry the burdens he packs with him.
After an emotional farewell, Greg drives off with loud music, hoping the road
trip will clear his head. However, memories of recent events, particularly his
father's betrayal and its consequences, resurface. He recalls a visit to his old
school, facing taunts, and the unexpected friendship of his former classmate,
Plank. Greg resolves to leave the past behind, optimistic for the future,
declaring, "Stellenbosch, here I come!"
The chapter flashes back to his school days, where Mr. Andersen, a deputy
head, calls Plank. Plank and Greg discuss their final year and Plank's plans to
study at Maties, leading to playful banter about the "poor girls" there. A year
later, Greg is en route to the same university. Driving from Hanover to
Beaufort West, he reads messages from Plank but plans to meet him the next
,day. He details the fatigue of the long drive after poor sleep, relying on Coke
to stay awake. Images of his father's trial for murder and terrorism haunt
him. A mysterious woman with black hair, dark glasses, and a stern demeanor
in the public gallery captures his attention, leaving a lasting impression. Upon
reaching Beaufort West, Greg checks into a guesthouse and searches for
food. He observes truck drivers, prostitutes at truck stops, and a young
prostitute with an older man, labeling it a "dark web of poverty."
Chapter 3: Matieland and New Encounters
The scene shifts to Matieland, where Greg has moved to study. At a B&B, a
curious hostess recognizes him due to his father's notoriety. Her harsh
comments about his father upset Greg, leading him to snap an insult before
leaving in anger. He drives to Stellenbosch, appreciating the landscape and
hoping to find peace. Upon arriving, he sees his newly renovated studio
apartment and meets his new neighbors, three girls. One of them, Chloe,
makes an unsettling remark that bothers Greg. After a brief conversation,
Chloe flirts with him, suggesting they become a couple, but Greg declines. His
friend Plank then unexpectedly arrives, eager for the social aspect of
university life. Plank talks about an old flame, Nicole, and jokes about a recent
encounter at a bar. Plank offers to help Greg unpack and suggests they go for
a drink. The chapter ends with Plank welcoming Greg to Matieland,
highlighting Greg's psychological state due to his father's crime and hinting at
future conflicts with his neighbors and other challenges in Matieland.
Chapter 4: Alienation in Stellenbosch
Chapter four chronicles Greg Owen's initial days as a university student. He
and his friend, Plank, begin by purchasing textbooks. Greg is required to
participate in O-week, an orientation program organized by his Private
Student Organization (PSO). The program includes introductions and tours,
and all first-year students are assigned a mentor; Greg's mentor views him
unfavorably. Chloe, his intriguing next-door neighbor and a prominent figure in
,the student community, encourages him to participate in "Vensters," a student
street theater festival. Initially skeptical, Greg begins to enjoy the festival and
eventually helps with the performance preparations. Later, Greg encounters a
cold, distant woman who questions him, her identity and motives remaining a
mystery. On the night of the performance, Greg feels isolated in the crowd, a
bystander to the group's performance. The chapter concludes with a return to
Greg's unpleasant past: a drunk fellow student recognizes him as the son of
the "Candlestick-maker," who landed his own father in jail. Greg realizes he's
an outsider again, alone amidst the multitude.
Chapter 5: Academic Beginnings and Lingering Shadows
In Chapter 5 of "Donker Web," Greg Owen begins his academic journey in
Sport Science, focusing on psychology, after Orientation Week. He explores
the Sport Science building and study room, which reminds him of his previous
home, Huis Da Vinci. Despite his father's expectations for him to pursue a
business path, Greg is finding his own way. The influx of information and the
adjustment to university life become overwhelming for Greg, who is now
responsible for everything from laundry to toilet paper. His unsociable
neighbors, their messy clothes, and the need to remember to recharge the
electricity meter threaten to overwhelm him. However, he receives support
from a cleaner who cleans his apartment twice a week.
Greg keeps his distance from Chloe, his neighbor, despite her repeated
invitations to hang out. He senses she might know something about his
background and his infamous father. Despite a difficult relationship with rugby
in the past, Greg still enjoys the sport, and it forms part of his practical studies.
Plank, Greg's friend, shares news about his new girlfriend, Lisa. During an
attempt to meet up, Greg encounters Lisa's father, who clearly dislikes him,
possibly due to information he possesses about Greg's father.
Chapter 6: The Weight of the Past
, In the sixth chapter, "The Things You Carry With You," Greg confesses his
guilt to his friend, Plank, regarding the unrest in Plank's relationship with Lisa.
Greg struggles internally with his father's unethical behavior and its impact on
his own life, focusing particularly on how others perceive him due to his
father's crimes. Although he wants to create his own identity, he seems unable
to escape his father's shadow. Plank suggests they continue their parents'
legacy, an idea that upsets Greg. Greg recalls a saying from his mother: "The
things you pack are the things you carry with you," and acknowledges that he
bears the mark of his father's misdeeds. Plank's advice, that Greg should live
his own life regardless of his father's scandalous behavior and the judicial
process against him, offers Greg a moment of perspective. The chapter ends
with Greg's decision to track down the unknown "Baker" from a previous
crime. He believes this act of justice will lessen his father's guilt while
simultaneously holding another culprit accountable. Greg sits at his computer,
ready to begin his search for the mysterious "Baker."
Chapter 7: The Baker Hunt Begins
In chapter seven of "Donker Web," Greg begins his investigation into the
Baker, a presumed member of Project Nursery Rhyme's 'unholy trinity.' Greg
recalls that the Baker was involved in creating a virus spread through flu
vaccinations, though his identity was never publicly confirmed. Greg delves
into old news reports and discovers a photo of his father alongside a man
named Dr. Rian Trollip, who was involved in a community project. Trollip's
photo triggers memories of several encounters at Greg's home. Trollip and his
wife stood out at a party at Greg's house, sharing a happy, graceful dance.
Greg also remembers them planning a trip to Europe to meet a family member
or friend. Greg also recalls something strange about Trollip; his brother John
described him as 'creepy.' Trollip wore a Freemason's ring, which the brothers
saw as a sign of a secret organization. Greg then learns that Trollip was
involved in child pornography, hanged himself in his cell, and recalls seeing
his face in a photo on the PlusUltraMed website. This information raises a
crucial question: was Dr. Trollip the Baker, the man he's searching for, and is
he perhaps looking for a dead man?
