The Rain Goddess

The Rain Goddess is a powerful and gritty novel by Peter Stiff, blending real-world military experience with compelling fiction to capture the brutality and complexity of the Rhodesian Bush War. Set in the late 1970s, the story follows the grim realities faced by Rhodesian security forces as they battle against escalating guerrilla insurgencies and a rapidly shifting political landscape.

At the center of the story is a seasoned Rhodesian officer tasked with combating the growing threat posed by nationalist fighters in a remote tribal region. As the war intensifies, he must navigate not only the dangers of bush warfare but also the deep-rooted tribal beliefs and the spiritual force of the Rain Goddess—a mystical presence revered by the local population and manipulated by the guerrilla fighters for psychological advantage.

Stiff, a former intelligence officer and one of southern Africa’s most respected military authors, draws on authentic detail to create a gripping narrative full of tension, moral conflict, and cultural complexity. Through vivid storytelling and a deep understanding of the terrain—both physical and ideological—The Rain Goddess explores the clash between modern military tactics and ancient belief systems, between colonial power and revolutionary change.

Equal parts war novel, political thriller, and cultural study, The Rain Goddess is a standout work of fiction for readers interested in African history, military conflict, and the human side of war.