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ahsimlibrarian's review
3.0
Library Journal: Departing from the African setting of his previous novels (The Abyssinian ), this Prix Goncourt–winning author uses the French colonization of Brazil in 1555 as the catalyst for his latest historical adventure. The expedition begins with the rounding up of children so that they may learn the natives' language and act as interpreters upon arrival. Orphan siblings, Just and Colombe, are thrown into a motley mix of soldiers, ex-convicts, and religious fanatics. The harsh realities of seafaring and the complications of conquering and converting a foreign jungle landscape and its cannibalistic natives bring the colonials to a roiling boil. Tempers flare between Catholics and Protestants, and Rufin illustrates how the conflagration of politics and theology among the Europeans heralds the Wars of Religion that will follow ten years later. But the orphans' personal discoveries and the chaos that engulfs the enigmatic yet flawed colony leader, Villegagnon, provide the true emotional axis. Rich period detail, compassionately drawn characters, and mounting tension create an atmosphere in which history and ideas come to life. Recommended for most collections. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 4/1/04.]—MishaStone, Seattle P.L. --MishaStone (Reviewed July 15, 2004) (Library Journal, vol 129, issue 12, p74)
khrys's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
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