Marie [Hardcover]

H. Rider Haggard (Author), 1stWorld Library (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 15, 2007

Although in my old age I, Allan Quatermain, have taken to writing-after a fashion-never yet have I set down a single word of the tale of my first love and of the adventures that are grouped around her beautiful and tragic history. I suppose this is because it has always seemed to me too holy and far-off a matter-as holy and far-off as is that heaven which holds the splendid spirit of Marie Marais. But now, in my age, that which was far-off draws near again; and at night, in the depths between the stars, sometimes I seem to see the opening doors through which I must pass, and leaning earthwards across their threshold, with outstretched arms and dark and dewy eyes, a shadow long forgotten by all save me-the shadow of Marie Marais.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Stephen Coan is an assistant editor of The Natal Witness.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From AudioFile

Allan Quatermain may be British born, but that doesn't stop him from loving Marie Marais, a Boer maiden in South Africa. Nor does it stop her from returning his love, although their marriage ends in tragedy born of racial hatred. Shelly Frasier transitions easily among British, French, Dutch, and American accents in her sober performance of this classic, sometimes within the scope of the same character. While this occasionally leads to confusion, her thoughtful narration of the sad and frustrating story keeps the listener riveted from one distressing scene to the next. While the cultural disputes of 1830s Africa seem insurmountable, Frasier's compassionate portrayal of Haggard's text makes the listener yearn for a peaceful solution. R.P.L. © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 332 pages
• Publisher: 1st World Library - Literary Society (June 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1421841657
• ISBN-13: 978-1421841656
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,487,091 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Beginning of the Quatermain books, August 3, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Marie (Hardcover)

Marie is the first book in the series of the Allan Quatermain books. It tells the story of Allan as a youth, his talent as a shot, his experiences with the mighty tribe of the african Zulus and his reckoning with their even mightier king, Dingaan. And of course, as at any novel, a love story is added to the mix. A thrilling book. Suggested background books: Nada the Lily. You only have to get past the first couple of pages and you can't stop. The story goes with Allan saving the life of dutch born Marie, they fall in love and ask permission to get married whereas the Marie's father says Marie is promised to her cousin. After many adventures, after Allan saving Marie's life for many times, after Marie's cousin has attempted to assinate Allan twice, and has planned and plotted with the Zulu king, Dingaan, Allan and Marie get married for two reasons: A, Marie is of age and can give herself away without the permission of a parent. B, Marie's cousin has plotted to assasinate the commandant, and was therefore exiled from society. However, a week after Allan and Marie get married an event happens which ruins the marriage and in which Marie does something for Allan that nothing but true love could have done. A suggested base for the rest of the 13 Allan Quatermain books.