Long Odds   By: Henry Rider Haggard (1856-1925)

Long Odds by Henry Rider Haggard is a captivating tale that combines adventure, romance, and supernatural elements into a thrilling narrative. Set in the late 19th century, the story follows the journey of Allen Quatermain, an intrepid hunter and explorer, as he sets out on a perilous quest to find his missing brother, Harry.

Haggard's writing style instantly immerses readers into the richly detailed world he has created, evoking a sense of the untamed African wilderness and its inherent dangers. Quatermain's character is well-developed, portraying him as a flawed yet resilient protagonist, driven by the desire to uncover the truth about his brother's mysterious disappearance.

The plot unfolds gradually, taking unexpected turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. What starts as a search for Harry soon becomes entangled with ancient legends and mystical forces lurking in the shadows. As the story progresses, Quatermain finds himself engaged in a desperate race against time, facing deadly adversaries and uncovering long-lost secrets.

The book skillfully combines elements of action and suspense with a touch of romance. Quatermain's encounters with the beautiful Portuguese lady, Juanna, add a layer of emotional depth to the narrative, as their relationship evolves amid the dangers they face together. Their interactions reveal Haggard's ability to interweave tender moments amidst the fast-paced adventure.

One of the book's strengths lies in Haggard's vivid descriptions of the African landscape and its vibrant inhabitants. From treacherous jungles and expansive savannahs to indigenous tribes and exotic wildlife, the author paints a vivid picture that transports readers to another time and place. These atmospheric descriptions lend an air of authenticity to the story, enhancing the immersive reading experience.

Moreover, Long Odds presents thought-provoking themes, such as the clash of civilizations, the conflict between tradition and progress, and the exploration of human ambition and greed. Haggard cleverly utilizes these themes to add layers of complexity to the narrative, prompting readers to contemplate deeper issues while enjoying the thrilling adventure.

Overall, Long Odds is a compelling novel that should appeal to fans of adventure and historical fiction. Haggard's masterful storytelling, well-drawn characters, and evocative descriptions make for an engrossing read. As the first book in a series featuring Allan Quatermain, it sets the stage for future adventures that promise to further captivate readers. Whether you are a fan of the genre or new to Haggard's works, Long Odds is a book worth embarking on.

First Page:

The story which is narrated in the following pages came to me from the lips of my old friend Allan Quatermain, or Hunter Quatermain, as we used to call him in South Africa. He told it to me one evening when I was stopping with him at the place he bought in Yorkshire. Shortly after that, the death of his only son so unsettled him that he immediately left England, accompanied by two companions, his old fellow voyagers, Sir Henry Curtis and Captain Good, and has now utterly vanished into the dark heart of Africa. He is persuaded that a white people, of which he has heard rumours all his life, exists somewhere on the highlands in the vast, still unexplored interior, and his great ambition is to find them before he dies. This is the wild quest upon which he and his companions have departed, and from which I shrewdly suspect they never will return. One letter only have I received from the old gentleman, dated from a mission station high up the Tana, a river on the east coast, about three hundred miles north of Zanzibar. In it he says that they have gone through many hardships and adventures, but are alive and well, and have found traces which go far towards making him hope that the results of their wild quest may be a "magnificent and unexampled discovery... Continue reading book >>