Wilbur Smith Message Board
posts on 5/25/2006 12:46:53 AM
Just finished reading Triumph of the sun. Altho I enjoyed it I found it a bit dif from his previous. After all the efforts to save Karthoum it just fell leaving the characters to split up and head in different directions, seemingly without purpose. the final fight between Penrod and the Emir- a couple of pages- seemed an anti climax after half the book building up to its enivitability. Ryder and Penrod didnt have much depth, and i think Rebecca had the most in terms of characterisation (and suffered for it). Just felt the build up didnt lead to much but the usual gore and action scenes were worth it overall. Hmmm...
posts on 5/10/2006 1:32:20 PM
Well I''m Glad to see the comments are flowing again! I guess it's hard to keep up the chat with no new W.S. books about. I've read all 29 of his books and it's pretty obviouse that his writing has developed and matured during his career.
I was given "River God" about 15 years ago and it sat on the shelf for ages. Then one day in 1997 I saw "Birds of Prey" in the book store. That started me off as W.S. fan and I await every new one. Monsoon was my #1 favourite.
One day I'd like to re-read them all in order.
posts on 5/10/2006 12:10:30 PM
I've only been on to WS for two years but in that time I've read just about all that he's written. I have not reached the point of re-reading any of his fabulous stories but I'm sure that will happen before his next one comes out next spring. If I had to list my favourites in any order it would go like this: The Egyptian Series, The Courtneys of South Africa and then The Ballentynes... How about you Steve, et al....
posts on 5/10/2006 12:59:36 AM
Funnily enough I had just finished reading Gm when you posed your question. Ive been reading our man for as long as I can remember, so its good to hear from other enthusiasts. Cant wait for the next one.
posts on 5/9/2006 11:29:29 AM
Thanks Steve, yeah, this is one I saved for last. I've already read all his other books and am now awaiting his next one. WS even references Sean Courtney in this book by describing a portrait hanging at the mining company.
I thinks it's from When The Lion Feeds.
posts on 5/9/2006 1:03:06 AM
Quaint, is close. Still rivetting stuff but definitely early WS. I felt parts of Goldmine were in parts of subsequent Sagas....eg courtneys. WS started writing short storys, this is one and as always a good read.
posts on 5/7/2006 12:10:06 PM
I've just finished reading Gold Mine and would like to know if anyone else read it and how they liked it.
posts on 5/7/2006 11:20:22 AM
Can you tell me the chronological order of the Wilber Smith "Courtney" series. I have read a few and would like to go through them all from the start. Many thanks
SteveW posts on 4/4/2006 4:34:42 AM
The maps are not the best but if you, as I do have a decent Atlas handy all will be revealed, well nearly all. I must be getting old I still love real books.
uncle john posts on 4/2/2006 1:45:48 PM
Almost done reading it. Another page turner as usual. Also, a god-awful map that is impossible the read even with a magnifying glass. Am I the only person that wishes WS would put interesting maps or diagrams in his books? I would have liked an enlarged drawing of Khartoun showing both Nile rivers and where they merged. I have heard the younger generation isn't too interested in geography. I'm afraid my daughter couldn't tell you which direction an airplane had to fly to get from Los Angeles to New York!
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