MALAIKA [Kindle Edition]

Van Heerling (Author)

Book Description

Synopsis:
A middle-aged man with the crushing weight of his American past seeks peace and a simpler life in rural Kenya. Armed with only his smokes and coffee he discovers a friendship with the most unlikely of friends--a lioness he rightfully names Malaika ("Angel" in Swahili). But she is no ordinary lioness nor is he an ordinary man. Between them they share a gift. But not all embrace their bond and some seek to sever it. Discover this new world rich in human truth and sensibility.

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Author note:

If you enjoyed MALAIKA, you may also be interested in Dreams of Eli. 

Editorial Reviews

Review

I am not sure that I can adequately describe what a great book this is. It is a book that should become a highly acclaimed classic and be required reading in every school. I have read it twice already. ~Carol in Ohio 

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I'm afraid I will not be able to do this amazing novella justice in my review. To put it short, MALAIKA was quite simply beautiful and haunting. It is a powerful story woven by the author in masterful prose--one that is thought provoking and speaks of the power of forgiveness. This is by far the best piece of literature, under full novel length, I have EVER read, and I cannot wait to read this author's next work. ~Author T.M Souders

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Soulful yet primal, mystical and hauntingly moving - Malaika is a wonderfully memorable novel [novella] which is impossible to put down. From the sweeping vistas of Africa to the richly developed characters, this work will surprise and delight. Its message is compelling, inspirational and timely. A beautiful reminder to 'tune in' to the transcendent beauty and spirit in our lives, be it found in nature or the love of friends and family. I look forward to more from this writer!

~Blogger Pondhopper

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THANK YOU readers! With well over 53,000 copies of MALAIKA downloaded, I am eternally grateful and have only unending appreciation to give. 

From the Author

MALAIKA is dedicated to my father, I wish you were here. 

I wish you could have read this story.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• File Size: 292 KB
• Print Length: 94 pages
• Publisher: Outskirts Press (October 20, 2010)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B004GNFTIK
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #70,298 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

56 of 57 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Malaika May 1, 2011

By Cheryl Keast

Format:Paperback

This novella is deceptively simple in its voice, but "Malaika" captures all the subtlety of man's need for honesty and truth in an unconditional friendship. This is more than a friendship between a man and a lioness. Their bond transcends reality into the world of dreams where communication is possible when language and prejudice prevent the simple joys of just being in this world. Thoreau's idea of "simplify, simplify, simplify!" works for the crazy American who has jetisoned his family and creature comforts and needs a catalyst (excuse the pun) in order to see that he is running away from his life rather than facing it. Emerson and Thoreau, as well as Thomas's friends in the village at the edge of the Serengeti, see what Malaika sees--that the ways of the world are cruel, troubling, and complicated. The lioness becomes a mother symbol of strength and hope for mankind even though it takes man time to see beyond his own selfish tendencies. This is a lovely book in which the simplicity of the text allows the reader to see the complexity of the human condition.

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful read! December 7, 2010

By dpp

Format:Paperback

For several days, I found myself completely absorbed in this novella. In fact, I actually read it twice.

Man's relationships take center stage in this story about love and the many expected and unexpected ways that it manifests itself in our lives...`Malaika' is a hartwarming, multi-faceted tale. On the surface it is a simple `read', beneath the surface It is the story of finding meaning in life when life seems to have pulled you into a shadow.

I was greatly impressed by Van Heerling's use of language and the flow of his sentences. The narrative is vivid and the dialogue is strong. The delightfully descriptive language gives one a sense of place and successfully conveys a great deal with a clear economy of words.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a cozy read about an exotic place. A story filled with stories.
I anxiously await the next work to fall off of the pen of this very talented new author.

42 of 43 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars BEAUTIFUL & HAUNTING... January 17, 2012

By Teresa M. Souders

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I'm afraid I will not be able to do this amazing novella justice in my review. To put it short, MALAIKA was quite simply beautiful and haunting. It is a powerful story woven by the author in masterful prose--one that is thought provoking and speaks of the power of forgiveness. This is by far the best piece of literature, under full novel length, I have EVER read, and I cannot wait to read this author's next work.

More About the Author

-As a writer-

I don't just make stuff up.
I imagine new worlds and the people within them. And then quietly and with a curious eye, I spy on them to see what they will do next.