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MALAIKA
"This is by far the best piece of literature, under full novel length, I have EVER read..." T.M SoudersA middle-aged man with the crushing weight of his American past seeks peace and a simpler life in rural Kenya. Armed with only his smokes and coffee he discovers a friendship with the most unlikely of friends--a lioness he rightfully names Malaika, "Angel" in Swahili. But she is no ordinary lioness nor is he an ordinary man. Between them they share a gift. But not all embrace their bond and some seek to sever it. Discover this new world rich in human truth and sensibility."An excellent piece of writing that I enjoyed immensely..." --S. Warfield (TOP 1000 REVIEWER) (VINE VOICE)"INTRIGUING STORY, TALENTED WRITER, AS GOOD AS IT GETS,""...Heering has [an] exceptional ability for finding the soul of realism." --Schuyler T Wallace (VINE VOICE)"Soulful yet primal, mystical and hauntingly moving..." --BP"It is a book that should become a highly acclaimed classic and be required reading in every school. I have read it twice already." --CIO"...it is a gift to relish and savor...a keeper to the nth degree."--HJ"...it will stay with me forever. I promise you will feel the same. Very profound." Kindle Customer
117 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2010
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858 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
September 9, 2012
MALAIKA by Van Heerling is masterfully written. A love story of sorts between a man and a lioness, it speaks of loss and hope and unconditional love. It is a ‘short’ that says everything it needs to say and is well worth the read. I highly recommend it!
March 8, 2012
I saw the book on the 'Best Indie Books' list on Goodreads and decided to read it. I read it in two days. It is a very beautiful, simple and touching story. A human story that is easy to read and relate to, and most importantly not condescending to Africans, which is very refreshing. There are many life lessons in this story. I would recommend this book to everyone.
June 11, 2016
I really wanted to like this story as the theme of a simple life and a lion really appealed to me. When I first downloaded the book, I had the impression that it was written from the perspective of a lioness named Malaika and it wasn't until I got more serious about reading it that I discovered that the narrator was human.
My first issue was getting past the writing style because I really, really dislike this type of writing style in general. The sentences were all very short and choppy and the language was trying very hard to feel "literary" but in a raw, contemporary way. This writing style makes it extremely difficult for me to feel immersed in a book or relate well to the characters.
My second issue is that I just didn't really like the guy who was doing the narrating, and what made it worse is that the narration was done in first person. I'm not anti-first person point of view, but it's more intimate than third person and thus makes it even more crucial for me to like the character doing the narrating. The extreme, overly-large emphasis and descriptions of this man's smoking and coffee-drinking habits were also negatively distracting to me and did not warm me to the character at all. I felt like I didn't even want to go near the guy much less remain inside of his mind for the story.
The very best part of the story was Malaika, the lioness. Though I found her very unrealistic in a story that otherwise didn't give me any indication of being fantasy or otherworldly, she was furry and cute and liked to be petted. I love animals, so they are nearly always going to be a positive. (I'll make an exception for Cujo-types!) There was some switching back and forth between the reality of her and dreams about her that I found a bit confusing.
Unfortunately, it seems this story just wasn't for me even though I really wanted it to be. At least it was short, so didn't turn out to the drudgery that other books in this style have been.
(As a note, since this book is a short novella or long short story, I don't want to include it in my Goodreads books read for 2016 challenge as it would feel like cheating since it's not really a "book" in my view. So I'll just add my date read here as June 6, 2016.)
My first issue was getting past the writing style because I really, really dislike this type of writing style in general. The sentences were all very short and choppy and the language was trying very hard to feel "literary" but in a raw, contemporary way. This writing style makes it extremely difficult for me to feel immersed in a book or relate well to the characters.
My second issue is that I just didn't really like the guy who was doing the narrating, and what made it worse is that the narration was done in first person. I'm not anti-first person point of view, but it's more intimate than third person and thus makes it even more crucial for me to like the character doing the narrating. The extreme, overly-large emphasis and descriptions of this man's smoking and coffee-drinking habits were also negatively distracting to me and did not warm me to the character at all. I felt like I didn't even want to go near the guy much less remain inside of his mind for the story.
The very best part of the story was Malaika, the lioness. Though I found her very unrealistic in a story that otherwise didn't give me any indication of being fantasy or otherworldly, she was furry and cute and liked to be petted. I love animals, so they are nearly always going to be a positive. (I'll make an exception for Cujo-types!) There was some switching back and forth between the reality of her and dreams about her that I found a bit confusing.
Unfortunately, it seems this story just wasn't for me even though I really wanted it to be. At least it was short, so didn't turn out to the drudgery that other books in this style have been.
(As a note, since this book is a short novella or long short story, I don't want to include it in my Goodreads books read for 2016 challenge as it would feel like cheating since it's not really a "book" in my view. So I'll just add my date read here as June 6, 2016.)
February 25, 2012
Simplicity is nearly always more powerful than people realise – or understand. Nowhere have I seen this more evident than in Van Heerling’s haunting, beautiful, and, yes, simple Malaika.
The story of the relationship that develops between an American man and a Serengeti lioness (no I’m not being metaphorical – I am referring to the animal) is quite simply stunning. The writing in this story is simple – not in the sense of unsophisticated but in that of uncluttered. Heerling gives you the words you need to feel the story, not just read it.
There is little surprising in the story but it does not need surprise – Malaika’s power comes from the emotion that is portrayed so powerfully in every phrase. We learn little about the characters, but it doesn’t matter – we know all we ever need to know.
It came as no surprise, when I read other reviews of this novella, to learn nearly everyone used the same words: beautiful, haunting, searing, simple, stunning.
Malaika is quite simply a delight to read and experience and I look forward to reading more from Van Heerling.
The story of the relationship that develops between an American man and a Serengeti lioness (no I’m not being metaphorical – I am referring to the animal) is quite simply stunning. The writing in this story is simple – not in the sense of unsophisticated but in that of uncluttered. Heerling gives you the words you need to feel the story, not just read it.
There is little surprising in the story but it does not need surprise – Malaika’s power comes from the emotion that is portrayed so powerfully in every phrase. We learn little about the characters, but it doesn’t matter – we know all we ever need to know.
It came as no surprise, when I read other reviews of this novella, to learn nearly everyone used the same words: beautiful, haunting, searing, simple, stunning.
Malaika is quite simply a delight to read and experience and I look forward to reading more from Van Heerling.
May 3, 2012
What a wonderful story!! Highly recommendable !!! I was moved to tears after I had finished it.
The story is about Thomas, a man who decides to spend some time in the Serengeti in Kenya to escape problems at home. He strikes up a friendship with a lioness and in the course of time they also become spiritually connected. In the end, the lioness teaches Thomas an important life lesson.
If you are a teacher, you can also use this book in the classroom since there is a lesson plan at the end of the book.
The story is about Thomas, a man who decides to spend some time in the Serengeti in Kenya to escape problems at home. He strikes up a friendship with a lioness and in the course of time they also become spiritually connected. In the end, the lioness teaches Thomas an important life lesson.
If you are a teacher, you can also use this book in the classroom since there is a lesson plan at the end of the book.
August 19, 2013
Malaika. Moving story
Van Heerling
I had heard so much about this short story that I just had read it and see what all the fuss was about.
Set in Kenya it certainly tugged at the heart strings, and was an awesome story. This is a story of a man from America who went to Africa to find the simple things in life.
I had read that the story has made some people cry, but I am a man so crying is not for me so why then was I sobbing like a baby towards the end of this story.
5 stars. 19 August 2013.
Van Heerling
I had heard so much about this short story that I just had read it and see what all the fuss was about.
Set in Kenya it certainly tugged at the heart strings, and was an awesome story. This is a story of a man from America who went to Africa to find the simple things in life.
I had read that the story has made some people cry, but I am a man so crying is not for me so why then was I sobbing like a baby towards the end of this story.
5 stars. 19 August 2013.
June 4, 2014
I love the conversational way the author shares his story. Takes me right in like a great big hug. MALAIKA by Van Heerling comforts you as the tale plays out. The writing is smooth and sharp. Never trying too hard. Written in a realistic familiar tone. I love that inviting feeling that was MALAIKA. I was entertained and captivated at the same time. I loved the telling of the story. Really grabbed my attention. A beautifully crafted adventure that was vivid and moving. Highly recommend!
February 16, 2016
What a sweet book. Really I don't know how to say it better. Ok , it is quite unbelievable, because such a friendship between a lion and a man sounds more like fantasy, but nevertheless it is lovely. Short, written well, cute and with a sad ending(spoiler). Loved it :)
February 15, 2012
What a wonderful story. I truly loves this book. It is short, so I read it in one day, but its so gripping and different. I laughed and cried while reading this book, which says A lot I believe!
August 16, 2024
What a beautiful story!! I have visited Kenya four times with my church. On the last three days of our trip, we go on a safari. This book took me back to the Serengeti. I felt the main character's love for the lioness.
October 23, 2023
Malaika is a lioness and she becomes friends with an American man. What a sweet book. Loved it
December 8, 2024
Powerful considering how short it is.
September 11, 2012
I was looking for free books to read and downloaded Van Heerling’s novella “Malaika” on a whim. I’m glad I did. It’s a fast but good read about an American expatriate named Thomas living in Kenya who escapes the West by immersing himself in the culture of the Serengeti and getting in touch with his wild side -- in this case, safari wildlife on the African plains. I don’t want to give the fantastic story away beyond mentioning that it revolves around his conflicting relationships with a lion pride and humans. The story is an allegory that links the two in an almost-mystical circle of life. Intrigued or confused? Read the story, and you’ll understand what I mean.
Having lived in Africa and visited the Serengeti, I related personally to the Africa portrayed in the novella. The imagery is good, although it could have been developed further with a more descriptive narrative that paints a fuller picture. At times the story was left wanting. As an American, I also found some of the dialogue too American in style and heavy on the American dream, although neither detracted from the story. In the end, I was left satisfied with an ending that brought the story to closure and left me pondering the deeper meaning proffered by the author.
I give Van Heerling’s “Malaika” 4 stars and recommend it. Not only is it free on Amazon (as of August 2012), but it’s a fast read that offers a quick and savory taste of Africa.
Having lived in Africa and visited the Serengeti, I related personally to the Africa portrayed in the novella. The imagery is good, although it could have been developed further with a more descriptive narrative that paints a fuller picture. At times the story was left wanting. As an American, I also found some of the dialogue too American in style and heavy on the American dream, although neither detracted from the story. In the end, I was left satisfied with an ending that brought the story to closure and left me pondering the deeper meaning proffered by the author.
I give Van Heerling’s “Malaika” 4 stars and recommend it. Not only is it free on Amazon (as of August 2012), but it’s a fast read that offers a quick and savory taste of Africa.
April 11, 2011
I would like to thank Dpp for this review. MALAIKA is my first released work. I am truly grateful for all the heartfelt reviews.
All Amazon Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Malaika-Van-Hee...
Amazon Review by Dpp:
"For several days, I found myself completely absorbed in this novella. In fact, I actually read it twice.
Man's relationships take center stage in this story about love and the many expected and unexpected ways that it manifests itself in our lives...`Malaika' is a heartwarming, multi-faceted tale. On the surface it is a simple `read', beneath the surface It is the story of finding meaning in life when life seems to have pulled you into a shadow.
I was greatly impressed by Van Heerling's use of language and the flow of his sentences. The narrative is vivid and the dialogue is strong. The delightfully descriptive language gives one a sense of place and successfully conveys a great deal with a clear economy of words.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a cozy read about an exotic place. A story filled with stories.
I anxiously await the next work to fall off of the pen of this very talented new author."
Thank you Dpp!
Much Love
V. Heerling
www.vanheerlingbooks.com
All Amazon Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Malaika-Van-Hee...
Amazon Review by Dpp:
"For several days, I found myself completely absorbed in this novella. In fact, I actually read it twice.
Man's relationships take center stage in this story about love and the many expected and unexpected ways that it manifests itself in our lives...`Malaika' is a heartwarming, multi-faceted tale. On the surface it is a simple `read', beneath the surface It is the story of finding meaning in life when life seems to have pulled you into a shadow.
I was greatly impressed by Van Heerling's use of language and the flow of his sentences. The narrative is vivid and the dialogue is strong. The delightfully descriptive language gives one a sense of place and successfully conveys a great deal with a clear economy of words.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a cozy read about an exotic place. A story filled with stories.
I anxiously await the next work to fall off of the pen of this very talented new author."
Thank you Dpp!
Much Love
V. Heerling
www.vanheerlingbooks.com
December 19, 2011
Malaika by Van Heerling is a story about an American man trying to run away from the problems in his life by immersing himself in the so called ‘simpler’ life of tribal wilderness in the Serengeti of Africa. Unexpectedly he finds himself befriended by a wild lioness who seems to be running away from her pride for unknown reasons. As the two grow closer until it almost seems they can communicate, the man an the beast find that their problems are eerily similar. As the narrator tries to help the feline overcome her rejection by the other lions, he cannot help but think about his family whom he feels he cannot face.
It is a story about healing, of people learning to face their own reality. The more the narrator tries to help everybody else, the more he is forced to look back at everything he is running away from. Abasi tries to jolt the storyteller past his perceived problems with his wife in America by explaining how she still lives so she’s not lost, unlike Absko’s mother who has been taken by death.
It is a story about healing, of people learning to face their own reality. The more the narrator tries to help everybody else, the more he is forced to look back at everything he is running away from. Abasi tries to jolt the storyteller past his perceived problems with his wife in America by explaining how she still lives so she’s not lost, unlike Absko’s mother who has been taken by death.
April 13, 2012
I read this novella in about an hour. It was quite short for me, but just right for the story. I was glued to the pages and engrossed in every word. The author has easily made his readers feel like they are right with Thomas and Malaika. I really appreciated how the allusion of their conversations is not so far fetched, it's something you easily accept as not only possible but likely.
I cried, no, I bawled unabashedly at the conclusion. I cried I think more because of the beauty of what was lost and at the ignorance of mankind's relationship with nature and Mother Earth. Those villagers had no idea what they did until they heard the anguish in Thomas' voice. Yet I realized the truth of what Abasi told Thomas near the beginning of his relationship with Malaika, "We belong to a system, and every piece has its place." Some animals are just too wild to be "domesticated". They should be appreciated and admired in their own habitats from a healthy distance - not just for the safety of humans, but for the wild as well.
I cried, no, I bawled unabashedly at the conclusion. I cried I think more because of the beauty of what was lost and at the ignorance of mankind's relationship with nature and Mother Earth. Those villagers had no idea what they did until they heard the anguish in Thomas' voice. Yet I realized the truth of what Abasi told Thomas near the beginning of his relationship with Malaika, "We belong to a system, and every piece has its place." Some animals are just too wild to be "domesticated". They should be appreciated and admired in their own habitats from a healthy distance - not just for the safety of humans, but for the wild as well.
September 8, 2012
This story has infinite depth because of the issues that are introduced. "Malaika", a beautiful gentle big cat who connects with the main character in such a way it tears at your heart. The beautiful Malaika communicates through telepathy and imparts knowledge and truth to his newly found human companion. This story is so eloquently written and so beautifully told I could visualize everything as if I was right there in the middle of the story myself. It makes you realize how precious life is. I cried a lot at the end of this book as it made me think a lot about how the human race treats these beautiful wild animals and not just lions but all the beautiful large beast that are just about existing in the wild today. To read such a story about a beautiful friendship between man and beast touched my heart. Well done to this talented author. I look forward to reading more of his work in the future. I highly recommend this unforgettable book.
January 7, 2012
A man running away from his problems runs to Kenya and develops an unlikely friendship with Malaika the Lioness.
She is a real lion peeps. This is a sweet story but it dragged a bit. I'm not sure if I was just really tired or what but it took me a while to get through this short story. It was well written I just felt it was a bit slow at times. It read as a memoir. I came to love the characters in the book. I have to say that the one thing the author was on point with was to capture the spiritual feeling, understanding and connection between Malaika and this man who is rather lost. This story can be intense and emotionally charged which is great because it adds to the realness of the story.
I think its an enjoyable read and think that it was pretty cool for a Kindle FREEBIE! Pick it up and read read read!
She is a real lion peeps. This is a sweet story but it dragged a bit. I'm not sure if I was just really tired or what but it took me a while to get through this short story. It was well written I just felt it was a bit slow at times. It read as a memoir. I came to love the characters in the book. I have to say that the one thing the author was on point with was to capture the spiritual feeling, understanding and connection between Malaika and this man who is rather lost. This story can be intense and emotionally charged which is great because it adds to the realness of the story.
I think its an enjoyable read and think that it was pretty cool for a Kindle FREEBIE! Pick it up and read read read!
December 3, 2012
I found this work to be very descriptive of the modern human condition, as it is typified in the western world. We consider our choices to be events beyond our control when they are not. We estrange ourselves from people and feel the situation is irreparable when that is anything but the case. The author did a splendid job of blending people from two drastically different worlds together and relating not only their differences but their similarities as well. We, as human beings, are all the same on a basic level after all. We crave friendships and unconditional love but generally complicate the process of reaching these goals due to fear and doubt. This is a wonderful story examining such topics while speaking to the reader on a spiritual level. This is an excellent novella and I consider it a must read.
December 22, 2011
Malaika is not a genre that I normally read, but I enjoyed this book very much. Heerling is a painter with words. He builds beautiful scenes and allows us to take a peek inside the intimate lives of his characters. The story is a heartbreakingly enchanting tale of a unique relationship between a man and a lioness. If only the world and its one-dimensional perceptions could have stayed at bay, the story would've had a much happier ending! A quick read that lingers, Malaika is well worth your time.
January 21, 2012
Loved this novella about an American that moves to the Serengeti to embrace a simpler life and, it seems, to also run from his problems. He encounters a lioness who is living apart from her pack, and the two develop a 'friendship' that is absolutely lovely.
The story was very visual, and read much like a memoir. I became lost in the narration and the author's interesting use of language. Some of the lines made me laugh, other times I was shaking my head in amazement at the way words were combined.
A well-written and beautiful novella that I'm thrilled to have read!
The story was very visual, and read much like a memoir. I became lost in the narration and the author's interesting use of language. Some of the lines made me laugh, other times I was shaking my head in amazement at the way words were combined.
A well-written and beautiful novella that I'm thrilled to have read!
December 3, 2012
This was a surprising find. I like to download from Amazon's top 100 (free) best seller's list and I stumbled upon this novella. I didn't know what I was getting into and there's not many books that can bring a literal tear to my eye, but this one certainly did. It's short, yet touching.
I wish I could do this book (and author) justice by describing it the way it deserves, but I'm no wordsmith. All I know is, I was left with a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction when I least expected it. It was truly wonderful!
I wish I could do this book (and author) justice by describing it the way it deserves, but I'm no wordsmith. All I know is, I was left with a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction when I least expected it. It was truly wonderful!
August 2, 2012
As an animal-lover with a strong interest in Africa, I found this book to be hauntingly refreshing and inspirational. The friendship between man and lioness was incredibly moving, and the shocking (though predictable) climax brought me to tears. The powerful ending and the theme of forgiveness certainly left an impression that will not soon be forgotten. I defintely recommend this novella!
September 7, 2012
I read this book in a few hours. It's short but such a lovely tale! I found myself right there in the main character's camp, romping with this lion. What a beautiful story. Have your tissues handy. It's a great read for a lazy afternoon.
January 14, 2013
What an amazing story... Cultural, racial and social struggles combined with love, friendship and forgiveness. The novella is layered with rich visuals and an ethereal feel to the last word. Worthy of an hour or so of your time.
January 29, 2013
Just finished reading this book and I really enjoyed it. Van Heerling has written a story that will keep you turning the page in anticipation of what will happen next. I highly recommend getting a copy to read or for a friend.
April 2, 2012
I liked it. Good short read.
April 15, 2012
A magical book written by a master story teller. The author has been here himself or at least you feel that he has and is about to enter into that realm.
September 1, 2012
Excellent short story about a man who befriends a lioness. Very quick read but excellently done.
September 6, 2012
Very short book or "booklet", but the writing was beautiful and very touching.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews