3.58 AVERAGE


I always assumed this was a classic-- in the sense of being really well written-- because it's referred to so much. (Heck, it has a Disney movie based on it!) It's not really a classic in that sense. I mean, it's an interesting story and Tarzan is an interesting character. I was inspired to read this book after reading Jane Goodall's biography and learning that she loved all the Tarzan books as a child. As I said, a fun read, but not a favorite. *SPOILER* I read enough of the series to see Tarzan and Jane get together (and was completely taken by surprise that it didn't happen in this first book), but not really fascinated enough to go beyond that.
adventurous challenging inspiring reflective tense
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Enjoyed this book. It's a far cry from the Disney film version. "Tarzan of the Apes" comes complete with adventure, cannibalism, mutiny, murder, buried treasure and a love interest.

Burroughs develops his characters well and although the story is unbelievable you will find yourself immersed into the lives of
Tarzan and those who encroach upon his world.

"Tarzan of the Apes" is pure and simple escapism.

After seeing the many film and tv versions of Tarzan and knowing much of the story I wasn't expecting to enjoy this quite as much as I did. It has a lot more depth and detail than any of the versions I've seen and the interaction between Tarzan, his adopted ape family and the many other animals of the jungle is simply lost on screen. Burroughs writes fluidly and vividly and captures your imagination from the first page. Yes there is racism and sexism throughout the book but given the era in which it was written this is to be expected and for me it adds to the traditional feel of the story and makes it more of an escape to another time and place. Set in the jungles of the Congo region the animal life found is apt and accurate (even lions which are known to use the jungle habitats found on the African continent) and the social structure of the ape family is well researched and reflects what is known today about anthropod families the world over. A surprisingly insightful yet thoroughly enjoyable book and far and above the film/tv remakes that we have been subjected to.

This is my favorite book that I have ever read.
adventurous hopeful inspiring tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
adventurous fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: N/A
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: N/A

Book was kinda long though. 
adventurous fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
adventurous relaxing medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: N/A
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Exceptionally adventurous story with almost every chapter finding Tarzan fighting a battle. I've seen quite a few of the Tarzan movies (Johnny Weissmuller be still my heart), but as much as I love them, Tarzan can come across as a cliched, one dimensional character who is rather obtuse. In the novel, Tarzan has more depth and is very aware of his surroundings and smart. He learns how to read English through books but is taught to speak French by a French soldier.

Unlike the movie, the majority of this book is set in the jungle, Tarzan is unaware that he is the true Lord Greystoke, and he does not end up with Jane. That's all for us to read in the second Tarzan book.

I did find some of the passages about Africa and the natives rather cringe worthy as they came across as derogatory and disparaging.