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3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
Old-timey adventure story with old-timey views on race and gender norms. Also some very questionable ideas about evolution and anthropology. I enjoyed the nonsense of the action but couldn’t quite get past the way Tarzan had a code against killing animals for sport, but seemed to be okay killing the “savage men” he came across in his jungle.
Another amazing tale from ERB. Written in a tongue that knows no age. It read as exiting and fast as any action film of or time. While also crafting characters of such depth that when they ache you ache with and for them. Overall a wonderful read.
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
not very readable today: would recommend the Johnny Weismuller movies instead (though the racism there is rampant :( )
This was the book that launched my love of reading when I was a child. I was 6 and found a first edition (1914), complete with original wood-cut chapter illustrations, at a garage sale for 25 cents. Unfortunately it doesn't really stand the test of time. Burroughs' writing can be racist, relies too much on fantastic coincidence, and the dialog is often horrendous, but I have to admit he can write action and adventure like nobody's business. A great piece of adventure fiction for its time.
Kind of an abrupt ending, but I enjoyed finally reading the original. Warning: it is an older book and with it comes dated ideas and thoughts. The narrator for this audio edition did a great job, until the Porters came into play. She became a little monotone when doing the dialogue for this section of the book.
The concept of this story is so captivating- evident in the many adaptations of this work. The plot is incredibly fast-paced, filled with twists and turns and surprises throughout, carrying the reader through with the masterful skill of Burroughs’ writing.
Despite clearly being a product of its time in its depictions of racism and sexism, the story does still manage to hold a timeless mirror to society through Tarzan’s view. Barely knowing the Porters and their crew, he continually goes above and beyond in protecting the entire group, even extending to D’Arnot whom he has not even met yet. Contrast this with some of the characters who grew up in society (namely the two sets of ship crews who abandoned the Greystrokes and the Porters along with Canler, Jane’s lamentable intended), there is much to contemplate of the impact civilization’s money and associated greed has on the human character.
Despite clearly being a product of its time in its depictions of racism and sexism, the story does still manage to hold a timeless mirror to society through Tarzan’s view. Barely knowing the Porters and their crew, he continually goes above and beyond in protecting the entire group, even extending to D’Arnot whom he has not even met yet. Contrast this with some of the characters who grew up in society (namely the two sets of ship crews who abandoned the Greystrokes and the Porters along with Canler, Jane’s lamentable intended), there is much to contemplate of the impact civilization’s money and associated greed has on the human character.
I in no way expected to like this book as much as I did. I didn’t expect, either to be as struck by the romance in the latter half as I was.
They beginning was very slow, as my entire prior knowledge of the Tarzan story revolved around his interactions with Jane and the others. To have the entire first half have nothing to do with them surprised me and opened my eyes to how little I actually knew of the original Tarzan story.
They beginning was very slow, as my entire prior knowledge of the Tarzan story revolved around his interactions with Jane and the others. To have the entire first half have nothing to do with them surprised me and opened my eyes to how little I actually knew of the original Tarzan story.