The chongololo is a black millipede found in southern Africa particularly Zimbabwe. About 5 inches long with 70 body parts and 280 feet managing their motion by moving their limbs forward in groups of six pairs at a time. When threatened they curl up in a tight ball.
Andrew Tuckey and his family emigrated to Southern Rhodesia after the Second World War. His father bought land which he turned into a successful tobacco farm. Andrew and his two brothers were educated there, did national service then returned to the UK. Andrew trained as a chartered accountant before working for 40 years as a merchant banker. He serves on the board of several companies and continues his life-long involvement in the performing arts - in opera, ballet and theatre.
Chongololo is his first novel inspired by his childhood in Africa and was written during lockdown.
Andrew lives with his family in Wiltshire.
