Subject
Sahara -- Fiction Books
Best books
William Le Queux
Zoraida: A Romance of the Harem and the Great Sahara
"Zoraida: A Romance of the Harem and the Great Sahara" by William Le Queux is a novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative is set against the backdrop of the Sahara Desert and follows the adventures of Cecil Holcombe, an Englishman who becomes embroiled in the culture and intrigue of the region. The book explores themes of love, danger, and the clash between Western civilization and Eastern mystique, particularly through the enigmatic character of Zoraida, a woman who plays a pivotal role in Holcombe's journey. The opening of the novel introduces Cecil Holcombe as he traverses the harsh landscape of the Sahara in search of a caravan headed to the Touat Oasis. We learn of his severe trials in the desert, including a dangerous attack by marauders that decimates his companions, leaving him as the sole survivor. The tension escalates when he encounters Ali Ben Hafiz, a merchant who takes him under his protection. As the chapter progresses, Ali shares his ominous views on love and superstition, foreshadowing a significant event in Holcombe's life regarding the beautiful and mysterious Zoraida, who later becomes the focal point of his fate. The opening effectively sets the stage for a tale of adventure, intrigue, and prophetic warnings about love in a world steeped in tradition and danger.
Mayne Reid
The Boy Slaves
"The Boy Slaves" by Captain Mayne Reid is a novel written in the mid-19th century. The story follows a group of young boys, midshipmen in the British navy, who find themselves shipwrecked and drifting at sea after their corvette sinks. As they navigate the challenges of survival, they also face the imminent threat of enslavement, intertwining themes of adventure and peril within a narrative set against the backdrop of Africa's treacherous coast. The opening of the tale introduces the boys—Harry Blount, Terence O'Connor, and Colin Macpherson—three young midshipmen who find themselves on a topsail-yard, having escaped their sunken ship. They are accompanied by Old Bill, a sailor who cannot swim. Their struggle against the sea is marked by desperation and a fight for survival, which culminates in their eventual landing on a barren sand-spit. Exhausted and soaked, they feel the looming dangers of both the ocean and the encroaching tide, only to soon awaken from a deep sleep to discover their precarious situation further complicated by a rising storm. Their initial encounter with a dromedary and the discovery of its water supply set the stage for their quest for food and shelter in an unknown land, highlighting the tension between adventure and the ever-present threat of capture.
George S. (George Shepard) Chappell
Sarah of the Sahara: A Romance of Nomads Land
"Sarah of the Sahara: A Romance of Nomads Land" by Walter E. Traprock is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins with the captivating introduction of Sarah Wimpole, a strong and mysterious woman who captures the heart of the protagonist, Dr. Traprock, a nomadic sheik. As their lives intertwine amid the exotic backdrop of the desert, themes of love, adventure, and the clash of cultures unfold, drawing readers into a world of romance filled with danger and intrigue. The opening portion of "Sarah of the Sahara" introduces Dr. Traprock's passionate encounter with Lady Sarah Wimpole at Cannes, where her striking presence intrigues him. Traprock, an explorer at heart, is immediately captivated, abandoning his previous plans for adventure on whims of love and fate. Their second fateful meeting at a casino in Monte Carlo escalates the tension as Traprock finds himself entangled in not only passion but impending danger when he learns of attempts to rob Lady Sarah. As the narrative progresses, Traprock’s longing for Sarah leads him on a daring pursuit into the deserts of North Africa, where he intends to win her heart against the perils posed by her arrogant husband and the notorious bandit Azad. Thus, the stage is set for a captivating tale filled with romance and adventure.
Louise Gerard
A Son of the Sahara
“A Son of the Sahara” by Louise Gerard is a historical romance novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of colonial Africa, it explores themes of love, power, and cultural clash through the lives of its main characters, Colonel Raoul Le Breton, his young wife Annette, and the enigmatic Sultan Casim Ammeh. The story follows their tumultuous journey in a harsh desert landscape filled with intrigue and danger. The opening of the novel introduces Colonel Raoul Le Breton, a daring French officer leading an expedition into the Sahara, accompanied by his newlywed wife, Annette. Their journey takes a tragic turn when they encounter Sultan Casim Ammeh, who is drawn to Annette’s beauty. After a fierce conflict, Raoul is murdered, and Annette is taken captive by the Sultan. The narrative sets up a powerful tale of Annette's struggle for freedom and her efforts to conceal the true parentage of her son, all while navigating the brutal world of the Sahara and its complex social dynamics. The book promises a gripping exploration of love and betrayal in a richly layered historical context.
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.
Mack Reynolds
Farmer
"Farmer" by Mack Reynolds is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. It explores themes of environmental restoration and the complex interactions between modern agricultural techniques and traditional nomadic lifestyles. The narrative is set against the backdrop of the Sahara Desert, where a project aimed at reforestation encounters significant challenges posed by local tribes and their livestock. The story centers on Johnny McCord, an American involved in the Sahara Reforestation Commission, who grapples with the destruction caused by nomadic herds of goats and the sabotage of crucial water pumps. As McCord navigates the bureaucratic and logistical hurdles of the reforestation effort, he faces conflicts with local tribes and a visiting journalist, Hélène Desage, whose perspective threatens to undermine their work. As tensions escalate, it becomes evident that external forces are manipulating the situation for their gain. The plot weaves together themes of environmentalism, cultural conflict, and geopolitical intrigue, culminating in a confrontation that challenges McCord’s efforts to secure the future of the desert ecosystem while upholding the rights of the nomads.
Robert Hichens
Halima And The Scorpions 1905
"Halima And The Scorpions" by Robert Hichens is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of the Sahara Desert, it explores themes of magic, superstition, and cultural conflicts through the journey of Halima, a beautiful dancing-girl. The narrative delves into her possession of a hedgehog's foot, purportedly blessed with miraculous properties by a renowned marabout, which ignites envy and scandal in her city of Touggourt. The story follows Halima as she displays the magical hedgehog's foot, drawing envy and ire, particularly from Ben-Abid, a singer who challenges her claim of invincibility. In a dramatic encounter, he produces scorpions to test her belief in the foot's protective powers, ultimately leading to Halima's tragic demise during a dance performance. The narrative intricately weaves the motifs of fate, pride, and the superstitions prevalent in the cultural fabric of the desert, culminating in a poignant reflection on the consequences of belief and societal expectations.
Arthur Cosslett Smith
The Turquoise Cup, and, the Desert
"The Turquoise Cup, and, The Desert" by Arthur Cosslett Smith is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in Venice and portrays the intriguing dynamics between a cardinal and an English nobleman, Lord Vauxhall, who seeks a priceless artifact to win the heart of Lady Nora Daly. The narrative combines themes of love, ambition, and moral quandaries as it explores the lengths one might go to for love. The opening of the novel introduces the Cardinal Archbishop enjoying a peaceful moment on his balcony, where he reflects on the struggles of existence, shown through his amusing dialogue with a pair of pigeons. Soon, he is visited by the Earl of Vauxhall, who expresses a desperate need to acquire a beautiful turquoise cup believed to be housed in the chapel treasury. The Earl is humorously depicted as a man incurred in love who, despite understanding the absurdity of his request, is determined to win Lady Nora's affection. This first encounter establishes the intriguing plot, character dynamics, and a blend of humor and warmth that suggests a deeper exploration of both devotion and folly as the story unfolds.
Robert Hichens
The Desert Drum 1905
"The Desert Drum" by Robert Hichens is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story takes place in the Sahara Desert, revolving around themes of superstition, fate, and the clash between civilization and primal instincts. It explores the profoundly impactful and mystical nature of the desert, particularly focusing on the local belief in the foreboding "desert drum," which signals impending death. The narrative follows a European traveler as he journeys through the harsh landscape of the Sahara, encountering a Spahi (a French soldier) and a prisoner, M'hammed Bouaziz, who was convicted of murder. After a suspenseful evening marked by the haunting sound of a drum that foreshadows death, the traveler wakes to find the Spahi murdered. M'hammed Bouaziz, the prisoner, has escaped, leaving behind chilling evidence of a crime felt throughout the desert. The story emphasizes the inescapability of fate as Bouaziz's journey ultimately leads him back to the consequences of his actions while intertwining themes of love, desire, and the cultural weight of both the Sahara and its people.
Robert Hichens
The Figure In The Mirage 1905
"The Figure In The Mirage" by Robert Hichens is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of the Moroccan desert, the story explores themes of desire, illusion, and the stark contrasts between civilization and nature. The narrative follows a group of Parisians as they embark on a journey into the Sahara, inviting readers to contemplate the intertwining of dreams and reality. The tale begins with a stranger recounting the journey of three Parisians—an adventurous couple and the younger sister, Valérie—as they become entranced by the allure of the desert and its exotic culture. As they travel deeper into the Sahara, Valérie becomes fixated on a mysterious horseman seen in a mirage, sparking her imagination and desires. This figure, an Arab, symbolizes both her longings and the enchanting yet dangerous allure of the desert. The story culminates in a poignant revelation about love and fate, exploring how Valérie’s vision leads to connections between past and present, fantasy and reality, ultimately leaving her at a crossroads of her heart's desires. The narrative elegantly captures the magic of the desert while probing the complexities of human emotion and attachment.
Robert Hichens
Smaïn; and Safti's Summer Day 1905
"Smaïn; and Safti's Summer Day" by Robert Hichens is a narrative work likely set in the early 20th century. This book combines elements of a fictional tale with a vivid exploration of life in the Sahara Desert, conveying themes of love, longing, and the stark realities of daily existence. It offers a glimpse into the culture and rhythms of Sahara life through the eyes of its two main characters, Smaïn and Safti. The story introduces Smaïn, a young and passionate boy who expresses his love through music played on a flute, as he yearns for his beloved Oreïda. The narrative highlights Smaïn's soul through the melodies he creates, portraying an unrefined yet poignant love story set against the backdrop of the desert's beauty. Safti, a wise and practical man, serves as both a guide and a scholar of life in the Sahara, providing a stark juxtaposition to Smaïn’s romanticism. Through Safti’s account of his leisurely summer days, the reader learns about local customs and societal expectations, giving deeper insight into the simple yet profound lives of those in the Sahara.
Robert Hichens
Desert Air 1905
"Desert Air" by Robert Hichens is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story explores the effects of climate and environment on human nature, particularly focusing on the psychological transformation that individuals experience in exotic and extreme settings. Set against the backdrop of the Sahara Desert, the narrative delves into human behavior under the influence of such an intense atmosphere. The plot follows the narrator and his acquaintance, Henry Marnier, as they embark on a journey to Beni-Kouidar, a remote town in the Sahara. The narrator observes Marnier, who is depicted as a serious and intellectual young man, undergo a significant change upon exposure to the exhilarating desert air. As they navigate their experiences in the town, including encounters with local culture and a strange dancer named Algia, Marnier becomes increasingly entranced by the atmosphere, leading to a tragic outcome when he is found murdered in a sandstorm. The story culminates in a chilling reflection on how the elements can reshape a person's desires and actions, ultimately resulting in unforeseen consequences.
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