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3.16 AVERAGE
3.16 AVERAGE
Although I had heard relatively little of Haggard's She, it's certainly a novel that's had a great deal of impact on the cinema (I kept thinking of Indiana Jones as I read it) and on later fantasy novels (Lord of the Rings, Narnia, possibly Harry Potter).
Though the novel has those typically difficult Victorian qualities--being both racist and sexist--I absolutely loved it. She, a two thousand year old priestess of Isis, is the center of the action. Although her power and ambition is fascinating, what I think the novel portrays so well is the prevalence of masculine anxiety in Victorian England. Holly, the main narrator, notes his ward Leo Vincey's state when She (also called Ayesha, or "She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed") pushs him down: "He went staggering back towards me...utterly cowed, as if all the manhood had been taken out of him." The rise of woman as a threat to masculinity was a real danger in the minds of the Victorian audience--but I'm afraid I laughed anyway.
Regardless of Haggard's presentation of She as a goddess ultimately impotent without her "one true love," the novel is simply fascinating for its feminist, post-colonial, and psychological themes. Themes and critial theories aside, however, the novel is also a fast-paced, compelling narrative, complete with cannabalism, human torches, and immortality. Simply a great read on so many different levels.
Though the novel has those typically difficult Victorian qualities--being both racist and sexist--I absolutely loved it. She, a two thousand year old priestess of Isis, is the center of the action. Although her power and ambition is fascinating, what I think the novel portrays so well is the prevalence of masculine anxiety in Victorian England. Holly, the main narrator, notes his ward Leo Vincey's state when She (also called Ayesha, or "She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed") pushs him down: "He went staggering back towards me...utterly cowed, as if all the manhood had been taken out of him." The rise of woman as a threat to masculinity was a real danger in the minds of the Victorian audience--but I'm afraid I laughed anyway.
Regardless of Haggard's presentation of She as a goddess ultimately impotent without her "one true love," the novel is simply fascinating for its feminist, post-colonial, and psychological themes. Themes and critial theories aside, however, the novel is also a fast-paced, compelling narrative, complete with cannabalism, human torches, and immortality. Simply a great read on so many different levels.
A very good ride of a story but extremely dated in places. I like how the author handles some of the corners he wrote himself into and I can see how this develops into a series going forward. Good storytelling for its time.
While I did enjoy the story line of this one I cant say I loved the execution.
When things were happening it was interesting - sometimes even exciting - but these events were spread so far apart by long, rambling passages that the pace was very stop-start and not very engaging.
There were some scenes that seemed completely unnecessary and seemed to go on forever!
It's a story I wish I'd read an abridged version of, because I had to keep leaving this version and coming back to it every few days so that I wouldn't be bogged down and lose patience.
I know my review may not sound like it, but it was a good story... it was just also a slog!
When things were happening it was interesting - sometimes even exciting - but these events were spread so far apart by long, rambling passages that the pace was very stop-start and not very engaging.
There were some scenes that seemed completely unnecessary and seemed to go on forever!
It's a story I wish I'd read an abridged version of, because I had to keep leaving this version and coming back to it every few days so that I wouldn't be bogged down and lose patience.
I know my review may not sound like it, but it was a good story... it was just also a slog!
adventurous
medium-paced
yeah sorry I just can’t enjoy a book that is THIS sexist, racist, homophobic, imperialistic, and antisemitic
I read H. Rider Haggard for the sheer fun of his stories, and it would be hard to out-do this one. Ayesha, the ruler of a dark, mysterious kingdom, is a female character who represents (among other things) the destroyer side of the female psyche. Every woman who reads this book will find herself identifying with Ayesha at some point in the story. Along with the ability to nurture new life, woman is capable of implacable ferocity. "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned," is more than an adage, as Ayesha amply demonstrates.
This novel is significant because it was the first to use the idea of explorers stumbling across a lost world. This format became popular with other Victorian novelists, with good effect. Also, Ayesha is one of the most powerful female protagonists anywhere. The title is short for "She Who Must Be Obeyed," the honorific given to Ayesha by the people over whom she ruled. Although this story has been lampooned many times, including fictional character Horace Rumpole adopting She Who Must Be Obeyed to describe his wife Hilda, it still stands as a classic Victorian fantasy and adventure tale. It would also make a great beach book!
This novel is significant because it was the first to use the idea of explorers stumbling across a lost world. This format became popular with other Victorian novelists, with good effect. Also, Ayesha is one of the most powerful female protagonists anywhere. The title is short for "She Who Must Be Obeyed," the honorific given to Ayesha by the people over whom she ruled. Although this story has been lampooned many times, including fictional character Horace Rumpole adopting She Who Must Be Obeyed to describe his wife Hilda, it still stands as a classic Victorian fantasy and adventure tale. It would also make a great beach book!
I wish that I could give this 3.5 stars. Though it takes about 50 pages to get going this is a fun, if slightly ridiculous adventure tale. Owing to the fact that it was written in 1886 it has a decidedly colonialist/racist/misogynist tone to a lot of the characters, which makes it an interesting reflection of the time period. Definitely worth a read but compared to a lot of Victorian fiction, it's not a masterpiece.
I simply just did not like this one, and despite it being one of the first popular works of fun/adventure in the midst of the fin-de-siecle, I just could not look past its imperialist tones and did not find it riveting. Reminded me a bit of Salome, which I also had a difficult time enjoying, for whatever reason.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
God awful pile of garbage. Racist and blokey depictions aplenty. Wouldn't have read it if I didn't have to. Don't repeat my mistakes. Avoid this like the plague.