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A review by fantasytravelerxv
Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs
4.0
Tarzan of the apes: The adventures of Lord Greystoke Book One by Edgar Rice Burroughs
Years ago I found one of the the original Tarzan books and have wanted to read the series ever since. But considering how long ago it was written, it's been difficult to find any of the books. My brother finally found this book and I'm so happy for it.
The book starts of with Lord and Lady Greystoke on a ship, full of treacherous sailors planning mutiny. A good deed sees them spared from murder, but still marooned in an Africa still mostly unexplored by colonial influences. Here they face the dangers of a wild untamed world and soon perish. Except for their young son, who instead is saved by the big ape Kala, who has lost her own son. Tarzan grows up between the apes, and as he realises how different he is from the rest of the jungle animals, he also learns that he is of superior reasoning and intellect, which along with the strength and agility from living as a primeval man, eventually ensures his dominion over the jungle. As an adult he begins to yearn for others like himself and when he finally does meet such a group, he falls in love with the enigmatic Jane. But unlike the story that you might know, this Tarzan still has some surprises.
The book differs a lot from the movies. It's filled with prejudiced views about race and gender, but given the time it was written in, this isn't that strange. Just take note of this if you do intend to read the series. It does however explore topics about colonial times from somewhat multi-faceted views. It also juxtaposes the expectations of the time with the wants of living a life more free and unburdened. And shows how a coming together of the two different worlds could prove impossible. The wording used is beautiful though and I did really like the unfolding story and mystery of Tarzan's origins. The story doesn't have the idilic romantic ending from the Disney version but the adventure and passion in the story still makes for very compelling reading and is just as enjoyable. Definitely recommend.
Years ago I found one of the the original Tarzan books and have wanted to read the series ever since. But considering how long ago it was written, it's been difficult to find any of the books. My brother finally found this book and I'm so happy for it.
The book starts of with Lord and Lady Greystoke on a ship, full of treacherous sailors planning mutiny. A good deed sees them spared from murder, but still marooned in an Africa still mostly unexplored by colonial influences. Here they face the dangers of a wild untamed world and soon perish. Except for their young son, who instead is saved by the big ape Kala, who has lost her own son. Tarzan grows up between the apes, and as he realises how different he is from the rest of the jungle animals, he also learns that he is of superior reasoning and intellect, which along with the strength and agility from living as a primeval man, eventually ensures his dominion over the jungle. As an adult he begins to yearn for others like himself and when he finally does meet such a group, he falls in love with the enigmatic Jane. But unlike the story that you might know, this Tarzan still has some surprises.
The book differs a lot from the movies. It's filled with prejudiced views about race and gender, but given the time it was written in, this isn't that strange. Just take note of this if you do intend to read the series. It does however explore topics about colonial times from somewhat multi-faceted views. It also juxtaposes the expectations of the time with the wants of living a life more free and unburdened. And shows how a coming together of the two different worlds could prove impossible. The wording used is beautiful though and I did really like the unfolding story and mystery of Tarzan's origins. The story doesn't have the idilic romantic ending from the Disney version but the adventure and passion in the story still makes for very compelling reading and is just as enjoyable. Definitely recommend.