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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
I am disappointed.
First of all, I picked up this epic prequel to [b:Death in Zanzibar|732230|Death in Zanzibar|M.M. Kaye|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1312007779l/732230._SY75_.jpg|718421], because that was a fun murder mystery. I knew this had the same setting, but wasn't cheesy murder mystery, but instead historical fiction. I had also read the author's The Far Pavilions.
The historical fiction aspect was great. It had a fantastic setting, engaging characters, a lot of action and some history I hadn't previously known about. My problem comes in regards to the romance.
The ending just kind of ruined the whole thing for me and I'm sad I spent so much time on this book.
First of all, I picked up this epic prequel to [b:Death in Zanzibar|732230|Death in Zanzibar|M.M. Kaye|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1312007779l/732230._SY75_.jpg|718421], because that was a fun murder mystery. I knew this had the same setting, but wasn't cheesy murder mystery, but instead historical fiction. I had also read the author's The Far Pavilions.
The historical fiction aspect was great. It had a fantastic setting, engaging characters, a lot of action and some history I hadn't previously known about. My problem comes in regards to the romance.
Spoiler
SHE FALLS IN LOVE AND MARRIES HER RAPIST? BECAUSE NO ONE ELSE UNDERSTANDS HER OR WOULD ACCEPT HER? I'm not as sensitive about things like this as a lot of the culture right now, but this is just SUUUUUUPER cringe-y.The ending just kind of ruined the whole thing for me and I'm sad I spent so much time on this book.
I love this book so. The passage near the end where one of the main characters is imprisoned and very very thirsty is one of the finest and most vivid passages of writing I've ever read.
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
No doubt a lot of people will be able to enjoy this story. I enjoyed it myself for about 300 pages or so. It's adventurous and intriguing, although not as good as [b:The Far Pavilions|10222|The Far Pavilions|M.M. Kaye|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1311978089s/10222.jpg|114] or [b:Shadow of the Moon|560535|Shadow of the Moon|M.M. Kaye|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1309219262s/560535.jpg|702835]. There's just one sticking point that dropped this book down for me...
The reason for the one star isn't because of the quality of writing but because of a turn in the plot that made it difficult for me to stomach anything that came before or after it.
If there's a rapist in a story I feel like he should either be the villain of the story or else he better have quite the character growth in order to become the anti-hero, but God forbid he be the romantic hero of the story.
I've read books with rape in it. Rape is a reality, sadly, in many people's lives, and so it's fitting to have books about it, but I never want to see rape resulting in any sort of romantic coupling between the rapist and the victim. I just can't bring myself to find anything redeeming in a book wherein a girl "needs" to be raped in order to become a better person and then falls in love with her rapist, nor a book where the "hero" doesn't feel any regret for raping the girl beyond a moment of, "oh, maybe I shouldn't have done that". After all, he enjoyed it, so how could he regret it? Plus, he realizes that one of the reasons he raped her was because he wanted to take her before her fiancee could. And that conclusion is supposed to be his realization that he has loved her for a long time. Now that's swoon-worthy. I understand that what Rory did was probably very much in line with his character but it didn't have to be written off as justifiable or romantic or as if the action fell into the gray area. It was not a gray-area action. It was premeditated, for one thing, and just plain sick.
And after he rapes her? There's this little gem of a comment by him, "It's nice to know that you are unlikely to forget me." I'm not sure if that's how you want to be unforgettable. And the quote pops up later in the story as the girl remembers it fondly and realizes she’s in love. The whole thing leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I think I'll just stick with [b:Shadow of the Moon|560535|Shadow of the Moon|M.M. Kaye|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1309219262s/560535.jpg|702835] rereads to remind myself why I liked M.M. Kaye in the first place.
The reason for the one star isn't because of the quality of writing but because of a turn in the plot that made it difficult for me to stomach anything that came before or after it.
I've read books with rape in it. Rape is a reality, sadly, in many people's lives, and so it's fitting to have books about it, but I never want to see rape resulting in any sort of romantic coupling between the rapist and the victim. I just can't bring myself to find anything redeeming in a book wherein a girl "needs" to be raped in order to become a better person and then falls in love with her rapist, nor a book where the "hero" doesn't feel any regret for raping the girl beyond a moment of, "oh, maybe I shouldn't have done that". After all, he enjoyed it, so how could he regret it? Plus, he realizes that one of the reasons he raped her was because he wanted to take her before her fiancee could. And that conclusion is supposed to be his realization that he has loved her for a long time. Now that's swoon-worthy. I understand that what Rory did was probably very much in line with his character but it didn't have to be written off as justifiable or romantic or as if the action fell into the gray area. It was not a gray-area action. It was premeditated, for one thing, and just plain sick.
And after he rapes her? There's this little gem of a comment by him, "It's nice to know that you are unlikely to forget me." I'm not sure if that's how you want to be unforgettable. And the quote pops up later in the story as the girl remembers it fondly and realizes she’s in love. The whole thing leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I think I'll just stick with [b:Shadow of the Moon|560535|Shadow of the Moon|M.M. Kaye|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1309219262s/560535.jpg|702835] rereads to remind myself why I liked M.M. Kaye in the first place.
All the sea is not deep enough to wash away blood relationship.
What is written is written...
Visit those you love, though your abode be distant,
And clouds and darkness have arisen between you...
This is the extraordinary story of Hero Hollis and Rory Frost which is settled in Zanzibar. The author did a splendid work by describing the story of this not-well know island during slavery in the 19th century, showing the unfair game between France and England in order to profit of these workers.
For further information, please see the wonderful reviews by Misfit and Hannahr. Certainly this book will be included in my favorite books I have ever read, really magnificent!!
What is written is written...
Visit those you love, though your abode be distant,
And clouds and darkness have arisen between you...
This is the extraordinary story of Hero Hollis and Rory Frost which is settled in Zanzibar. The author did a splendid work by describing the story of this not-well know island during slavery in the 19th century, showing the unfair game between France and England in order to profit of these workers.
For further information, please see the wonderful reviews by Misfit and Hannahr. Certainly this book will be included in my favorite books I have ever read, really magnificent!!