King Solomon’s Mines
By H. Rider Haggard
Genre: Action
Publication: 1885
Number of Pages: 292, Puffin Edition
Plot:
Allan Quartermain, a hunter and trader in South Africa, meets Sir Henry Curtis and Captain Good. Sir Henry tells him that he had a dispute with his brother over some land. In his anger, Sir Henry refused to give any land to his brother. His brother went to Africa in search of fortune and went missing. Sir Henry wants to find his brother with the help of Allan. Allan knows the surrounding country well and agrees to help them.
The trio, and their servants Khiva, Ventovogel and Umbopa, journey across deserts and mountains in Africa. They come to a land cut off from the rest of the world. The land is ruled by the evil king Twala and equally evil with doctress Gagool. The king teats the people of the land badly and kills them as sacrifices.
The trio discover Umbopa’s background. This leads to a war between Twala’s army and the trio and their supporters. After the war, the trio force Gagool to take them to the diamond mines, a cave filled with diamonds.They think that the diamonds will make them rich men. However, all previous visitors to the mines have never returned…
Recommendation:
The language and behaviour is an indicator how old fashioned the book is. I would not recommend this book as I did not like the language and gory descriptions of war.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Review of the Book "Three Men In A Boat"
Thee Men In A Boat
By Jerome K Jerome
Genre: Humour
Publication: 1889. Prion Edition 1999
Number of Pages: 245, Prion Edition
Plot:
Three friends – George, Harris and Jerome decide that they are suffering from many diseases and feel tired and overworked. They conclude that they need to get away from the city. George suggests a restful week on the river. So they make arrangements for a boating trip.
While they are boating, they realise that camping out, rowing, sculling and various other outdoor activities are not their cup of tea. While on the trip, they have hilarious experiences and adventures. In the end, they discover that their trip was not like they thought it would be.
Setting:
The story is set in Victorian times. It is set in South England, around London.
Highlights:
I liked the book because the characters had a lack of common sense and got themselves into awkward situations.
Recommendation:
While the descriptions of scenery and Mother Nature and God are not captivating, the narratives and fixes they get themselves into are definitely worth a reread. I would recommend the book to those who like subtle humour.
By Jerome K Jerome
Genre: Humour
Publication: 1889. Prion Edition 1999
Number of Pages: 245, Prion Edition
Plot:
Three friends – George, Harris and Jerome decide that they are suffering from many diseases and feel tired and overworked. They conclude that they need to get away from the city. George suggests a restful week on the river. So they make arrangements for a boating trip.
While they are boating, they realise that camping out, rowing, sculling and various other outdoor activities are not their cup of tea. While on the trip, they have hilarious experiences and adventures. In the end, they discover that their trip was not like they thought it would be.
Setting:
The story is set in Victorian times. It is set in South England, around London.
Highlights:
I liked the book because the characters had a lack of common sense and got themselves into awkward situations.
Recommendation:
While the descriptions of scenery and Mother Nature and God are not captivating, the narratives and fixes they get themselves into are definitely worth a reread. I would recommend the book to those who like subtle humour.
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