Subject
Africa, North -- Fiction Books
Best books
Rafael Sabatini
The sea-hawk
"The Sea-Hawk" by Rafael Sabatini is a novel published in 1915. Set between 1588-1593, it follows Sir Oliver Tressilian, a Cornish gentleman betrayed by his jealous half-brother and sold into slavery. After enduring months chained to a galley oar, Oliver is freed by Barbary pirates and becomes the feared corsair Sakr-el-Bahr. Now commanding the seas, he plots revenge against those who destroyed his life, leading to a dramatic confrontation that will determine his fate.
Robert Hichens
The Garden of Allah
"The Garden of Allah" by Robert Hichens is a novel published in 1904. Domini Enfilden, a devout English Catholic seeking peace in French Algeria, meets the mysterious and troubled Boris Androvsky in the desert oasis town of Beni-Mora. As their relationship deepens against the stark beauty of the Sahara, Boris struggles with a dark secret from his past that threatens their future together. Their journey south into the desert becomes a quest for redemption and truth.
H. Rider (Henry Rider) Haggard
Queen Sheba's Ring
"Queen Sheba's Ring" by H. Rider Haggard is a novel likely written during the late 19th century. The story seems to revolve around Richard Adams, an old man and skilled doctor, who embarks on a dangerous journey across North Central Africa in search of his kidnapped son, Roderick. Along the way, he encounters interesting characters, including his friend, Professor Ptolemy Higgs, and Captain Oliver Orme, and together they are drawn into a web of adventure involving ancient history, treasure, and the mysterious Queen of Sheba. At the start of the narrative, we meet Richard Adams as he shares the background of Professor Higgs and their shared fascination with archaeology and antiquities. The opening chapter details Adams' recent return to London after many years abroad, during which he communicates with the professor about the strange adventures of their past. When Adams reveals a mysterious ring he obtained from a descendant of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, Higgs becomes intrigued by the ring's significance. This conversation eventually sets the stage for their expedition to find Adams' son and confront threats from the Fung tribe, as well as a powerful idol that holds sway over the local people. The stakes are raised as they hope to save not only Roderick but also the lives of those around them by unraveling this historical enigma.
Magali-Boisnard
Les endormies
"Les Endormies" by Magali Boisnard is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story explores the intricate socio-cultural dynamics of Muslim women in North Africa, emphasizing the main character, Noura Le Gall, who embarks on a mission to uplift and emancipate her sisters under Islamic traditions. The themes of tradition versus modernity and the complexities of colonial influence are central to the unfolding narrative. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Noura, a young woman determined to bridge the gap between Western ideals and traditional Islamic practices. She arrives in Algeria with the goal of educating Muslim women and challenging the oppressive social frameworks they live under. Through her discussions with various characters, including Claude Hervis and the women of the region, we see Noura's idealism clash with the harsh realities of cultural expectations and resistant mindsets. The narrative vividly illustrates the societal divisions and personal struggles faced by women, framing Noura's journey as not just a physical relocation, but a quest for enlightenment and mutual understanding in a world rife with contradictions.
William Le Queux
The Veiled Man Being an Account of the Risks and Adventures of Sidi Ahamadou, Sheikh of the Azjar Maraude
"The Veiled Man" by William Le Queux is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Sidi Ahamadou, the Sheikh of the Azjar marauders in the Great Sahara, as he reflects on his risky adventures and the life of a bandit in the desert. The narrative portrays themes of romance, treasure hunting, and exploration against a backdrop of ancient mythology and conflict with colonial forces. The beginning of the novel introduces us to Ahamadou's character, detailing his rise from a common bandit to a feared leader. He shares his experiences of wandering across the Sahara, tribal feuds, and a life of hiding and theft among his people, the Touaregs. Also, he narrates a fateful journey that leads him to the ruins of the City of Saba, linking it to the legendary Queen Balkis. As he explores the splendor of the forgotten city and encounters the modern peril of colonial intrusion embodied by a lieutenant named Victor Gaillard, the story intertwines the adventure and mystique of the desert with personal tragedy, hinting at deeper conflicts and an unexpected bond with Balkis, the last descendant of the queen.
E. M. (Edith Maude) Hull
Sheikin pojat: Romaani aavikoilta
"Sheikin pojat: Romaani aavikoilta" by E. M. Hull is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against a backdrop of a harsh desert landscape, the narrative follows a young Arab leader and his two companions as they traverse the perilous terrain in search of adventure, confronting both external dangers and their own emotions. The story seems to explore themes of love, duty, and the complexities of fate entwined with the stark reality of their surroundings. The opening of the novel introduces three men riding cautiously across a rocky desert, led by a young Arab leader characterized by his youth and determination. As dawn breaks, the leader becomes increasingly absorbed in his own thoughts and feelings, suggesting a sense of internal conflict. The moment is punctuated by light exchanges between the companions that hint at a camaraderie tinged with tension, possibly foreshadowing future challenges. The scene shifts as the leader breaks away from his companions, revealing his intentions to seek something or someone significant, igniting a sense of impending adventure that intertwines with the backdrop of the mystique and dangers of the desert.
Rafael Sabatini
Merihaukka
"Merihaukka" by Rafael Sabatini is a novel published in 1915. Set during 1588-1593, it follows Sir Oliver Tressilian, a Cornish gentleman betrayed by his jealous half-brother and sold into slavery. After enduring months as a galley slave, Oliver is freed by Barbary pirates and joins their ranks, becoming the feared corsair Sakr-el-Bahr. Now commanding his own vessel, he returns to England seeking vengeance against those who wronged him, capturing his brother and former fiancée to settle old scores.
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