spacecomics's review
5.0
This novel takes place in Africa at the beginning of World War II. It briefly (a few months in 400 pages) follows the lives of several interesting characters, primarily men surrounding one eccentric but beautiful woman, the wife of a scientist. They include a Nazi ostensibly there to capture wild animals; an elderly doctor who philosophizes much; a temperamental artist; a British hunter / storekeeper keeping an eye on the Nazi; and a divorced American sent to help the British spy. Of course the American falls in love with the woman, as just about everyone else already has. The woman keeps a pet gorilla (possibly to keep the men in check) and a pet snake to keep the gorilla in check.
Some details will have younger readers crying racism and misogyny, especially on the part of the artist who purchased his two African wives from their father; I might have rated it one star less for that but cut it slack for the time it was written in, and the setting.
Surprisingly good.
Some details will have younger readers crying racism and misogyny, especially on the part of the artist who purchased his two African wives from their father; I might have rated it one star less for that but cut it slack for the time it was written in, and the setting.
Surprisingly good.
More...