Monsoon

Smith's solid, competent prose does not always avoid the hackneyed, but effectively conveys both the heat of battle and the savoury smells of lands experienced for the first time. Hal Franklin has four sons and the complex tragedy of their relationships dominates the book as brother is pitted against brother in love, and war, and treachery. The plot, though, is only a part of what is important here; the Indian Ocean trade was the site of one of the great confrontations between the English-speaking world and Islam--a conflict, between the brash mariners with their shiny new guns and the long-established, scholarly, brave, pious rulers of Arabia and the East African coast. A conflict whose outcome was open to doubt.--Roz Kaveney

Reader Reviews:

Rip-roaring! (0/0 people found this helpful)

Monsoon is by far the best novel by Wilbur Smith that I have read. It is an epic generation-spanning tale of war, violence, love, lust, deceit and despair, all rolled in to one. It's an endlessly gripping novel that follows the Courtney boys through childhood into manhood, through England, Africa into the Middle East and back to Africa again. Smith manages to paint a vivid picture of many different lands, cultures and personalities with apparent ease.

In my eyes, this novel stands apart from others by Smith, it is great escapism and a terrific read. Whether your a fan of Wilbur Smith or not, this is worth buying. At times I have been dissapointed by his books, but I certainly wasn't on this occasion.

Definitely worth your time and money!!!

The ultimate easy read (0/0 people found this helpful)

The ultimate long, lazy holiday read. Its fantasy with a bit violence, love and mystery all thrown in for good measure, set in a bygone age. Its a long read but perfect for a two week holiday in which you are comfortable putting the book down for a while. Its very easy to pick up the plot again and it is still enjoyable reading half a chapter at a time unlike many other novels.

Simply the best book I have ever read. (0/0 people found this helpful)

I have now bought four copies of this book, because I keep recommending to people, lending it to them and not getting it back. Everyone says the same thing "they didn't think it would be their cup of tea, but they were totally blown away by it".
This story is captivating, it has everything, wonderful characters, family rivalry, amazing locations, pirates, battles, passion, love, sadness, and joy. I have read this five times now; something I haven't done with any other book, this includes reading it to my wife who also adored it. Wilbur smith describes whatever he is writing about so vividly that you feel you aren't just watching, you are really there experiencing it with all your senses. Please read this book you will not regret it.

Brilliant! (1/1 people found this helpful)

This is the first book I have read by Smith and I thought it was superb. I must admit I had my doubts during the first few chapters but then the action started and didn't stop until the end! If I could read it all at once I would have, I really couldn't put it down.

Pure Adventure (2/2 people found this helpful)

What a brilliant story teller!,having read Birds of Prey i bought Monsoon as soon as it was published.I have since read it twice,and will probably read it again.If you like a good period adventure then it's a must.

Wilbur Smith

Editorial Review: