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A review by acejolras
Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
To address the Tantor in the room - yes, the racism in this book is out of control. Black Africans are constantly dehumanized, and Esmeralda gets even worse treatment. I was initially surprised because at the very beginning the book does point out Black Africans are being cruelly abused by the Belgians and don’t deserve it (though the complexities of this animosity are dropped when it becomes a more important plot point later) but seems to circle around to the idea that even though they’re sub-human, Black Africans don’t deserve that treatment, which is certainly a take. Bonus points for the pro-Confederacy line.
As for the story itself, it was a fun adventure with plenty of peril and heroic rescue. I came to truly believe in Tarzan’s jungle prowess after seeing every other character blunder their way to what would have been certain death. The theme of civilization versus nature was interesting, if left unresolved to make way for more Tarzan stories. The subplot about Tarzan’s identity was unexpected and added some good dramatic tension. If I were a contemporary reader, I probably would’ve picked the next one up to continue the story.
As for the story itself, it was a fun adventure with plenty of peril and heroic rescue. I came to truly believe in Tarzan’s jungle prowess after seeing every other character blunder their way to what would have been certain death. The theme of civilization versus nature was interesting, if left unresolved to make way for more Tarzan stories. The subplot about Tarzan’s identity was unexpected and added some good dramatic tension. If I were a contemporary reader, I probably would’ve picked the next one up to continue the story.