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দ্য ভার্জিন অভ দ্য সান
বাস্তুহারা হয়ে লন্ডনে এসে কপালগুণে ধনী ব্যবসায়ী হয়ে গেল হুবার্ট অভ হেস্টিংস, কিন্তু অভিজাত বংশের সুন্দরী অথচ রহস্যময়ী ব্লাশকে ভালোবেসে সব হারাতে হলো। পালিয়ে চলে গেল সে তাভানতিনসুয়ু-তে (পেরু), হয়ে গেল “সমুদ্র-দেবতা”। পরিচয় হলো কুইলার সঙ্গে, প্রেম আবার এল জীবনে, কিন্তু বিদ্রোহের আগুন আলাদা করে দিল দুজনকে। বাধল চ্যাকা-য়ুক্কা বনাম ক্যাছুয়া যুদ্ধ, ঝলসে উঠল হুবার্টের তরবারি “শিখা-তরঙ্গ”, ক্যাছুয়াদের সিংহাসনে বসার সুযোগ পেল কারি। একদিন এই লোকের জীবন বাঁচিয়েছে হুবার্ট, কিন্তু আজ রাজা হয়ে সেই কারিই বলছে দরকার হলে কুইলাকে পুড়িয়ে মারবে তারপরও কোনোদিন তুলে দেবে না হুবার্টের হাতে। পাতা হলো নিশ্ছিদ্র ফাদ, অপহৃত হলো মেয়েটা, ওকে বাঁচাতে মরিয়া হয়ে উঠল হুবার্ট। কিন্তু শেষ রক্ষা বোধহয় হলো না, মৃত্যু-উপত্যকায় সদলবলে হাজির হলো প্রতিশোধপরায়ণ কারি। সুতরাং আরও একবার শিখা-তরঙ্গ হাতে নিতে হলো হুবার্টকে।
হ্যাগার্ড এর আরেকটি চমকপ্রদ উপন্যাস। নিয়তির কাছে মানুষের অসহায় আত্মসমর্পণের আরেকটি অনন্যসাধারণ কাহিনি।
হ্যাগার্ড এর আরেকটি চমকপ্রদ উপন্যাস। নিয়তির কাছে মানুষের অসহায় আত্মসমর্পণের আরেকটি অনন্যসাধারণ কাহিনি।
405 pages, Paperback
First published April 26, 2015
32 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
H. Rider Haggard
1,567 books1,090 followersSir Henry Rider Haggard, KBE was an English writer of adventure novels set in exotic locations, predominantly Africa, and the creator of the Lost World literary genre. His stories, situated at the lighter end of the scale of Victorian literature, continue to be popular and influential. He was also involved in agricultural reform and improvement in the British Empire.
His breakout novel was King Solomon's Mines (1885), which was to be the first in a series telling of the multitudinous adventures of its protagonist, Allan Quatermain.
Haggard was made a Knight Bachelor in 1912 and a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1919. He stood unsuccessfully for Parliament as a Conservative candidate for the Eastern division of Norfolk in 1895. The locality of Rider, British Columbia, was named in his memory.
His breakout novel was King Solomon's Mines (1885), which was to be the first in a series telling of the multitudinous adventures of its protagonist, Allan Quatermain.
Haggard was made a Knight Bachelor in 1912 and a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1919. He stood unsuccessfully for Parliament as a Conservative candidate for the Eastern division of Norfolk in 1895. The locality of Rider, British Columbia, was named in his memory.
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January 20, 2024
আরো একবার পাহাড়ে, উপত্যকায়, যুদ্ধে, প্রেমে হারিয়ে গেলাম।
‘… মানুষের জীবন আসলে শূন্যতা ছাড়া আর কিছুই না। পুরো পৃথিবীটা করায়ত্ত করার পর একজন মানুষ যদি মরেই যায় তা হলে আসলে কী পেল সে?’
হ্যাঁ, পূর্ণতা না পেলেও তাই মানুষের জীবন হয়তো অভিযান আর সংগ্ৰামেই কাটে; সেই সংগ্ৰাম যেকোনো কিছুর জন্যই হতে পারে। মনোবাসনা থেকেই যায়, দেখাই যাক না এরপর কী হয়!
সেই বাসনা– অর্থাৎ পুরো পৃথিবী করায়ত্ত করা নিয়েই এই রোমাঞ্চকর উপন্যাস। বিরতিহীন, বিরক্ত হওয়া ছাড়াই পড়া যায়। আর রূপান্তর বরাবরের মতোই ভালো লেগেছে।
‘… মানুষের জীবন আসলে শূন্যতা ছাড়া আর কিছুই না। পুরো পৃথিবীটা করায়ত্ত করার পর একজন মানুষ যদি মরেই যায় তা হলে আসলে কী পেল সে?’
হ্যাঁ, পূর্ণতা না পেলেও তাই মানুষের জীবন হয়তো অভিযান আর সংগ্ৰামেই কাটে; সেই সংগ্ৰাম যেকোনো কিছুর জন্যই হতে পারে। মনোবাসনা থেকেই যায়, দেখাই যাক না এরপর কী হয়!
সেই বাসনা– অর্থাৎ পুরো পৃথিবী করায়ত্ত করা নিয়েই এই রোমাঞ্চকর উপন্যাস। বিরতিহীন, বিরক্ত হওয়া ছাড়াই পড়া যায়। আর রূপান্তর বরাবরের মতোই ভালো লেগেছে।
August 19, 2020
আহা!!!!!
কেন শেষ হয়ে গেল?😔 হাজার পৃষ্ঠা হলেও একটুও বিরক্তি আসত না। অথচ অসমাপ্তই থেকে গেল। এত ধীরে ধীরে পড়লাম তাও শেষ হয়ে গেল। এখন ইচ্ছে হচ্ছে চলে যাই তাভানতিনসুয়ুতে। গিয়ে সচক্ষে দেখে আসি হুবার্ট, কুইলা আর কারির শেষ পরিনতি😔
কেন শেষ হয়ে গেল?😔 হাজার পৃষ্ঠা হলেও একটুও বিরক্তি আসত না। অথচ অসমাপ্তই থেকে গেল। এত ধীরে ধীরে পড়লাম তাও শেষ হয়ে গেল। এখন ইচ্ছে হচ্ছে চলে যাই তাভানতিনসুয়ুতে। গিয়ে সচক্ষে দেখে আসি হুবার্ট, কুইলা আর কারির শেষ পরিনতি😔
February 10, 2023
Haggard's story unfolds as a "modern day" anitque hound translates 400-year-old letters found in an ancient chest. The letters tell the tale of Hubert - a fisherman working and living in England. Following a few small adventures and misadventures, our hero, Hubert, meets and befriends a strange man from a foreign land. After Hubert's wife of less-than-24-hours commit suicide and Hubert kills her former lover, he and his friend, Kari, are off into the Atlantic Ocean. Kari acts as a phyiscal and emotional guide to Hubert who's immediately declared a White God by the various natives they come across after finding landfall in South America.
In addition to the Victorian era-like romance that leads to his wife's death, Hubert also falls in love with a beautiful Indian princess, Quilla - daughter of the moon. While their loves develops rather abruptly, Haggard does a nice job of using a surprisingly touching romance to further Hubert and Kari's adventure.
The story is enjoyable, but takes a little effort to get used to Haggard's writing style. The pace of the story picks up considerably about 1/3 through following Hubert and Kari's flight from England across the Atlantic. Consider this a strong historical adventure.
In addition to the Victorian era-like romance that leads to his wife's death, Hubert also falls in love with a beautiful Indian princess, Quilla - daughter of the moon. While their loves develops rather abruptly, Haggard does a nice job of using a surprisingly touching romance to further Hubert and Kari's adventure.
The story is enjoyable, but takes a little effort to get used to Haggard's writing style. The pace of the story picks up considerably about 1/3 through following Hubert and Kari's flight from England across the Atlantic. Consider this a strong historical adventure.
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May 3, 2017অসমাপ্ত বই। শুরুটা নিঃসন্দেহে ভাল কিন্তু দুম করে শেষ করে দিয়েছে। বই শেষে ইচ্ছা হচ্ছিল হ্যাগার্ড মিয়ারে কাঁচা খাইয়া ফেলি -_-
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July 24, 2018Another galloping story of romance, adventure, and lost-world adventure from H. Rider Haggard, best know for his novels "She" and "King Solomon's Mines." Recommended for those who enjoy a good saga of past civilizations. Haggard was inspired by the discovery of Machu Picchu and its Peruvian ruins in 1911.
I edited this work for modern publication, correcting numerous errors that existed in the 1922 first edition. Haggard has a wonderful way of using antique language and phrasing to really make us feel that we're experiencing a bygone age.
I edited this work for modern publication, correcting numerous errors that existed in the 1922 first edition. Haggard has a wonderful way of using antique language and phrasing to really make us feel that we're experiencing a bygone age.
July 14, 2020
৪০০+ পৃষ্ঠার একটা বই, একটা পৃষ্ঠাতেও বিরক্ত লাগেনি। বরং শেষ হওয়ার পর মনে হচ্ছে হাজার পৃষ্টা কেন লিখলেন না হ্যাগার্ড।
হ্যাগার্ড এর বই নিয়ে কিছু বলা দৃষ্টতা হয়ে যাবে। এই লোক একজন অতিমানব। এমন একের পর এক অসাধারণ কাহিনী বানিয়ে যাওয়া কোন সাধারণ মানুষের কর্ম না।
হ্যাগার্ড এর বই নিয়ে কিছু বলা দৃষ্টতা হয়ে যাবে। এই লোক একজন অতিমানব। এমন একের পর এক অসাধারণ কাহিনী বানিয়ে যাওয়া কোন সাধারণ মানুষের কর্ম না।
October 5, 2020
সত্যি চমৎকার একটি গল্প আর তার থেকেও বেশি চমৎকার সেই মানুষটির রুচি যিনি আমায় এত সুন্দর বই গুলা পরার জন্য নিয়মিত সাজেশন দেন🙂 কারন বই পরার মাঝে,কোন গল্পকে জানার মাঝেও যে এতটা আনন্দময় অনুভূতি থাকতে পারে তা হয়ত তার সাহায্য ছাড়া আমার নিজের পক্ষে জানা কখনওই সম্ভব হত নাহ🙂
আসলে মানুষের ভাগ্য যে তাকে কখন কোন পরিস্থিতিতে নিয়ে ফেলবে তা একমাত্র উপরওয়ালা(আল্লাহ) ছাড়া কেউই বলতে পারে নাহ কারন যতই হোক দিন শেষেতো আমাদের ভাগ্য তিনিই রচনা করেন আর আমরা তার ইশারায় সেইদিকটাই যাই অথবা বলতে পারেন যে যেতে বাধ্য হই আর সেরকমই একটি গল্প বা ঘটনা তুলে ধরা হয়েছে এখানে বলা হয়েছে কিভাবে হুবার্ট (গল্পের নায়ক) সামান্য জেলে থেকে একজন নামকরা ধনি ব্যক্তিতে পরিনত হন আবার সব হারান এবং তার অবাক করা ভাগ্যের কারনে আবার তিনি পরিনত হন একজন রাজায় কিন্তু তার এই জেলে থেকে রাজা হয়ার মাঝে যেই যাত্রা তিনি পার করেছেন তা সত্যিই অসাধারন এবং অভাবনীয়🙂🖤
আসলে মানুষের ভাগ্য যে তাকে কখন কোন পরিস্থিতিতে নিয়ে ফেলবে তা একমাত্র উপরওয়ালা(আল্লাহ) ছাড়া কেউই বলতে পারে নাহ কারন যতই হোক দিন শেষেতো আমাদের ভাগ্য তিনিই রচনা করেন আর আমরা তার ইশারায় সেইদিকটাই যাই অথবা বলতে পারেন যে যেতে বাধ্য হই আর সেরকমই একটি গল্প বা ঘটনা তুলে ধরা হয়েছে এখানে বলা হয়েছে কিভাবে হুবার্ট (গল্পের নায়ক) সামান্য জেলে থেকে একজন নামকরা ধনি ব্যক্তিতে পরিনত হন আবার সব হারান এবং তার অবাক করা ভাগ্যের কারনে আবার তিনি পরিনত হন একজন রাজায় কিন্তু তার এই জেলে থেকে রাজা হয়ার মাঝে যেই যাত্রা তিনি পার করেছেন তা সত্যিই অসাধারন এবং অভাবনীয়🙂🖤
November 28, 2023
ধরে নিন আপনার প্রিয় একজন রাইটা যার নাম পছন্দের লিস্টে সবার উপরে রাখবেন আপনি,
তার একটা বই মনোযোগ সহকারে পড়ছেন,
বা বইয়ের ভিতরে একেবারে নিজে কে হারিয়ে ফেলছেন।
এবং বইটা যখন পড়া শেষের দিকে তখন গিয়ে দেখলেন
শেষের বেশ কিছু পৃষ্ঠা নেই, নেই মানে নেই
কোন প্রকাশনী বা কারো কাছে এই বইয়ের আর একটা কপিও নেই, রাইটার সাহেব কে ধরবেন সে বহুকাল আগে মারা গেছে।
এই বইটা ঠিক তেমন, কি ছিলো না প্রেম,ভালোবাসা,ভ্রাতৃত্ব,যুদ্ধ, এডভেঞ্চার,সবই আছে,
এবং শেষটাও ছিলো সুন্দর আশাজাগানিয়া।
কিন্তু ওই যে বললাম না শেষের পৃষ্ঠা মিসিং।
তার একটা বই মনোযোগ সহকারে পড়ছেন,
বা বইয়ের ভিতরে একেবারে নিজে কে হারিয়ে ফেলছেন।
এবং বইটা যখন পড়া শেষের দিকে তখন গিয়ে দেখলেন
শেষের বেশ কিছু পৃষ্ঠা নেই, নেই মানে নেই
কোন প্রকাশনী বা কারো কাছে এই বইয়ের আর একটা কপিও নেই, রাইটার সাহেব কে ধরবেন সে বহুকাল আগে মারা গেছে।
এই বইটা ঠিক তেমন, কি ছিলো না প্রেম,ভালোবাসা,ভ্রাতৃত্ব,যুদ্ধ, এডভেঞ্চার,সবই আছে,
এবং শেষটাও ছিলো সুন্দর আশাজাগানিয়া।
কিন্তু ওই যে বললাম না শেষের পৃষ্ঠা মিসিং।
March 11, 2010
H. Rider Haggard's "The Virgin of the Sun", like his classic "King Solomon's Mines", is not written in the mold of a modern wam-bam action adventure. First, Haggard's writing style is more classical, which tends to be a bit verbose. Second, he is not particularly focused on exposition. He doesn't spend much typeface detailing location which is in some regards a shame considering the romantic locations he tends to write on - in this case a virginal South America. Third, his stories are deep and exploratory. Haggard doesn't write to get to an ending, but rather his stories have multiple layers that sit underneath the core narrative. In the case of "Virgin", Haggard explores love, friendship, and women, all while Adventuring across the Atlantic and over South America.
Historically, Haggard does a nice job blending Inca history and myth into his adventure tale. In "The Virgin of the Sun", he explores the Inca myth surrounding the rise of one of the Americas greatest pre-columbian leaders - Pachacuti. Now, Pachacuti is most well known for mountain retreat - one of the most recognizable icons in the world - Machu Picchu. "Virgin of the Sun" was published in 1922, only a scant 11 years after explorer Hiram Bingham rediscovered the lost city nestled in the Peruvian mountains. Bingham hadn't yet connected Machu Picchu to Pachacuti, but myth had already surrounded the Inca ruler who's credited with expanding Inca rule to cover a huge swath of territory on South America's western coast.
Haggard's story unfolds as a "modern day" anitque hound translates 400-year-old letters found in an ancient chest. The letters tell the tale of Hubert - a fisherman working and living in England. Following a few small adventures and misadventures, our hero, Hubert, meets and befriends a strange man from a foreign land. After Hubert's wife of less-than-24-hours commit suicide and Hubert kills her former lover, he and his friend, Kari, are off into the Atlantic Ocean. Kari acts as a phyiscal and emotional guide to Hubert who's immediately declared a White God by the various natives they come across after finding landfall in South America.
In addition to the Victorian era-like romance that leads to his wife's death, Hubert also falls in love with a beautiful Indian princess, Quilla - daughter of the moon. While their loves develops rather abruptly, Haggard does a nice job of using a surprisingly touching romance to further Hubert and Kari's adventure.
The story is enjoyable, but takes a little effort to get used to Haggard's writing style. The pace of the story picks up considerably about 1/3 through following Hubert and Kari's flight from England across the Atlantic. Consider this a strong historical adventure.
Historically, Haggard does a nice job blending Inca history and myth into his adventure tale. In "The Virgin of the Sun", he explores the Inca myth surrounding the rise of one of the Americas greatest pre-columbian leaders - Pachacuti. Now, Pachacuti is most well known for mountain retreat - one of the most recognizable icons in the world - Machu Picchu. "Virgin of the Sun" was published in 1922, only a scant 11 years after explorer Hiram Bingham rediscovered the lost city nestled in the Peruvian mountains. Bingham hadn't yet connected Machu Picchu to Pachacuti, but myth had already surrounded the Inca ruler who's credited with expanding Inca rule to cover a huge swath of territory on South America's western coast.
Haggard's story unfolds as a "modern day" anitque hound translates 400-year-old letters found in an ancient chest. The letters tell the tale of Hubert - a fisherman working and living in England. Following a few small adventures and misadventures, our hero, Hubert, meets and befriends a strange man from a foreign land. After Hubert's wife of less-than-24-hours commit suicide and Hubert kills her former lover, he and his friend, Kari, are off into the Atlantic Ocean. Kari acts as a phyiscal and emotional guide to Hubert who's immediately declared a White God by the various natives they come across after finding landfall in South America.
In addition to the Victorian era-like romance that leads to his wife's death, Hubert also falls in love with a beautiful Indian princess, Quilla - daughter of the moon. While their loves develops rather abruptly, Haggard does a nice job of using a surprisingly touching romance to further Hubert and Kari's adventure.
The story is enjoyable, but takes a little effort to get used to Haggard's writing style. The pace of the story picks up considerably about 1/3 through following Hubert and Kari's flight from England across the Atlantic. Consider this a strong historical adventure.
November 2, 2017
পৃথিবীর অনেক যুদ্ধ, বিরোধ, উথ্থান-পতন এর পিছনে রয়েছে নারীর প্রেম-ভালোবাসা। নারীর মন জয়ের খেলায় কেউ কেউ জিতে যায়, কেউ কেউ বার বার ধ্বংস হয়েও অাবার সে পথে এগিয়ে যায়। হুবার্ট অভ হেস্টিংস। ইংল্যাল্ড থেকে একটু দূরে যার জন্ম, সমুদ্রে মাছ ধরেই ভালোই কেটে যাচ্ছিল তার প্রতিটি দিন। একদিন ফরাসিরা আক্রমণ করে তাদের গ্রামে। নিজের মাকে হারানোর পাশাপাশি গ্রামের অনেক কিছুই ধ্বংস হয়ে যায়। সে সময়ে লেডি ব্ল্যানশ এর সাথে পরিচয় হয় তাঁর। একটা সময় পরে নিজের মামার দেওয়া সম্পত্তি এবং নিজের গুণে অনেক সম্পদের মালিক হয় হুবার্ট। ব্ল্যানশকে বিয়েও করেন তিনি। কিন্তু ভাগ্য খারাপ। বিয়ের রাতেই মরতে হয় ব্ল্যানশকে। পালিয়ে আসতে হল ইংল্যান্ড থেকে। এ সময় তাঁর সাথে ছিল কারি নামক এক যুবক।
কাহিনী এবার অন্যদিকে মোড় নেয়। পালিয়ে আসার পর বর্তমান পেরু অর্থাৎ তাভানতিনসুয়ু-তে সে হয়ে গেল “সমৃদ্র-দেবতা”। কুইলা নামক এক মেয়ের সাথে প্রেম হয় এই দেবতার। কিন্তু তখনই চ্যানকা-য়ুঙ্কা বনাম ক্যাছুয়াদের যুদ্ধ শুরু হয়। একপাশে নেতৃত্ব দেন হুবার্ট। তাঁর “শিখা-তরঙ্গ” এর সামনে দাঁড়াতে পারে নি অনেকেই। একদিন যে কারিকে বাঁচিয়েছিল হুবার্ট, সে কারি ছিল এই ক্যাছুয়াদের রাজপুত্র। সিংহাসনে বসল কারি। কিন্তু তারপরও কুইলার কাছে যেতে পারছিলা হুবার্ট। কারণ কারির ধর্মমতে সে এখন সূর্যকুমারী। তাকে দেখা বা ছোয়ার সাধ্য কারো নাই। বাঁধল এবার হুবার্ট আর কারির যুদ্ধ। নিয়তির কাছে মানুষের অসহায় আত্নসমর্পণের কাহিনী নিয়ে হ্যাগার্ডের আরেকটি অসাধারণ উপন্যাস।
কাহিনী এবার অন্যদিকে মোড় নেয়। পালিয়ে আসার পর বর্তমান পেরু অর্থাৎ তাভানতিনসুয়ু-তে সে হয়ে গেল “সমৃদ্র-দেবতা”। কুইলা নামক এক মেয়ের সাথে প্রেম হয় এই দেবতার। কিন্তু তখনই চ্যানকা-য়ুঙ্কা বনাম ক্যাছুয়াদের যুদ্ধ শুরু হয়। একপাশে নেতৃত্ব দেন হুবার্ট। তাঁর “শিখা-তরঙ্গ” এর সামনে দাঁড়াতে পারে নি অনেকেই। একদিন যে কারিকে বাঁচিয়েছিল হুবার্ট, সে কারি ছিল এই ক্যাছুয়াদের রাজপুত্র। সিংহাসনে বসল কারি। কিন্তু তারপরও কুইলার কাছে যেতে পারছিলা হুবার্ট। কারণ কারির ধর্মমতে সে এখন সূর্যকুমারী। তাকে দেখা বা ছোয়ার সাধ্য কারো নাই। বাঁধল এবার হুবার্ট আর কারির যুদ্ধ। নিয়তির কাছে মানুষের অসহায় আত্নসমর্পণের কাহিনী নিয়ে হ্যাগার্ডের আরেকটি অসাধারণ উপন্যাস।
February 25, 2018
First published in 1922, it is a story within a story. The framing story has an antique collector buys an old “Marriage Chest” that contains items from a old tomb in Peru. A crumbling manuscript is one of the items which the owner has decipered. This manuscript, by Hubert of Hastings, becomes the main story with him as the narrator. He flees England sometime around 1400 and finds his way to Inca Peru. It is part adventure and part Victorian era-like romance.
December 26, 2012
Unmistakable Rider Haggard, full of the sounds of conflict, personal loss, victorian christian morals and English patriotism. The pace is faster and the details are less elaborate. It flows slightly faster than some of his other books and the end is almost disappointing.
January 14, 2021
I became a fan of Sir Henry Rider Haggard, KBE, the creator of the 'lost world' literary genre when I was in high school. Watching the movie, 'She,' and 'King Solomon's Mines' convinced me to read his adventure and sumptuous novels. The experience has been rewarding and I regularly search for his books.
(WARNING: PLOT DETAILS FOLLOW)
The tale of Hubert of Hastings, a 14th-15th century adventurer is revealed through an ancient manuscript found in a Peruvian tomb. We are told that Hubert Hastings, a fisherman and soldier by trade and a merchant by inheritence of Viking stock became a key player in the political and religious drama of the Incan kingdom of the 13th century. Wrapped in mystery and high drama, this is a captivating tale of adventure in the Incan land of TtahuatinSuyu (Tavantinsuyu), meaning “The Four Corners of the World.” The tale of how he became of member of the royal family, a warrior, married Quilla, the Virgin of the Sun, and had to fight his once 'Incan brother,' Kari Upanqui makes this an outstanding novel. It is clear that Hubert's life's story is one of tragedy.
Hubert, a common soldier first gained fame by virtue and use of his sword, 'wave-flame' and his bow at the Battle of Hastings against the French. His chance meeting and defense of the Lady Blanche Aleys leads to a long period of unrequited love and eventual tragedy. Hubert is mentored by his uncle, John Grimmer and learns goldsmithing. Upon Grimmer's death, Hubert inherits the business which also included trading, shipping, and money lending. One day on the docks, he befriends a foreigner, Kari from Tavantinsuyu. Kari relates he is a royal prince who was cheated of his rightful inheritance and wife by a half-brother, Urco and their father, King Upanqui. Kari relates being banished and lost at sea. Kari relates tales of his land, language, and faith to Hubert does the same in regard to his culture and faith. The two form a bond like brothers and learn other's language (Quechua and English). Kari applies his goldsmith and jewelry-making talent and works with Hubert. In time, Hubert is able to affiance and marry Lady Blanche but their marriage is threatened by deceitful Lord Deleroy, a distant cousin and supposed husband of Blanche's. Tragedy and death sets Hubert's course to leave England on one of his ships, the 'Blanche.' Kari takes Deleroy's ivory-handled sword as his weapon.
Hubert carries his family's honor, personal destiny and duty in his heart. Having seen the savagery of battle, the evil of vanity, and man's inhumanity, Hubert believes he must give an account of his life's actions and strives to live a noble life even in battle. Unfortunately, his heart often leads him to make choices that end in tragedy. This cycle plays out again in the lands of South America.
The fugitive Hubert and Kari set sail for the southern seas where their under-manned ship is battered by foul seas and wrecked upon the shores of South America. After a long journey during which Hubert is called a 'white god,' the two end up on an island where Hubert meets Quilla ('daughter of the moon'), a daughter of King Huaracha of the Chancas and an envoy to the Yuncas (both are enemies of the Incas). Out of fear, Kari hides assumes a different identity as a servant to Hubert. Hubert is greeted as 'Hurachi' (god or lord of the sea) and presented as such. Quilla is a relunctant pawn in the plan of her father to spy on the Incas as their queen. Tragically, love develops Quilla and Hubert. Once again, Hubert has fallen for an unattainable woman whos is a betrothed princess and Kari warns Hubert of the futility of interfering in the plans of the gods. The night before King Upanqui of the Incas is to arrive to claim Lady Quilla for his his son, Prince Urco, Hubert asks Quilla to run away with him to escape her unsavory fate with Urco but her love for her people prevents her.
As the novel builds towards its climax, Huaracha asks Hubert not to marry off Quilla and offers his military prowess to him. Huracha declines because of his word of honor. When Upanqui arrives, he demands that the 'god of the sea' (Hubert) accompany him to his capital city of Cuzco. The Incan High Priest and Councillor, Larico (a deceitful ally of Urco's) accuses the Chancas of planning a war and prophesizes that the Inca wil be overlords of the Chancas once Quilla becomes queen of the Incas. Larico's attempts to antagonize the Chancas fail and the planned marriage betrothal goes forward. Hubert stays with the Chancas, building up and training a massive army and schooling the captains of their 30,000+ Yancas allies. Simultaneously, Quilla has begged Upanqui to release her form a vow to marry the vile Urco whom the king also now distrusts. The king declares her a Virgin of the Sun, making her untouchable by any man. An angry Urco assaults the king and tries to poison Quilla, leaving her blind instead. Kari relates all to Hubert and also warns him that he must give up the 'untouchable' Virgin of the Sun now. Kari also asks Hubert and Huaracha to lend the Chancan army to support his loyalists against Prince Urco. The twists and turns in this novel continue with the brutal Battle of Xaqui ('Field of Blood') between massive armies on the plain outside Cuzco; Huaracha is injured in battle; the Incan 'capture' and 'release' of Hubert; the request and denial to have the blinded Quilla returned to her father and lands; Larico abandoning Urco and agreeing to help Hubert and Aquilla; and Upanqui making peace with Kari. All this political maneuvering brings an uneasy peace and a brewing conflict as Kari is declared heir to the throne and Urco withdraws to Huarina, a fortified island city. The murder of Upanqui by Urco and the rise of Kari as the 'Inca' (king) begins the months-long civil war that devastates the land and people. Kari, again warns Hubert not to take Quilla or in sorrow and duty he would pursue and kill all who commit this sacrilege. The military defeat of Urco and the unveiling of the deceit and double-cross of Larico (who was still loyal to Urco) which results in his death during the abduction of Quilla from the 'death house' of Upanqui. Even though Hubert finally dispatches Urco during his abduction of Quilla, the Virgin of the Sun he has committed a religious affront to the gods of the Inca. Kari, in sorrow condemns Quilla and Hubert. In a duel, Hubert spares Kari and leaves the choice to kari while placing his fate in God's hands. Quilla (whose sight has returned) and Hubert return to her lands and after Huaracha dies, the two marry and lead their people to the west to the legendary home of their ancestors, escaping the wrath of Kari.
As I read this novel, I saw the endless tragic life of wandering, loss, sorrow and sacrifice that was Hubert Hastings' fate. This a formula of most of Haggard's novels reflects the sojourn of man in this vile and cruel world. The romantic in me cannot help but hope that they found paradise. But, alas, one does not know for this is where the parchment ends due to the rest being rotted away. This a formula of most of Haggard's novels reflects the sojourn of man in this vile and cruel world. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
(WARNING: PLOT DETAILS FOLLOW)
The tale of Hubert of Hastings, a 14th-15th century adventurer is revealed through an ancient manuscript found in a Peruvian tomb. We are told that Hubert Hastings, a fisherman and soldier by trade and a merchant by inheritence of Viking stock became a key player in the political and religious drama of the Incan kingdom of the 13th century. Wrapped in mystery and high drama, this is a captivating tale of adventure in the Incan land of TtahuatinSuyu (Tavantinsuyu), meaning “The Four Corners of the World.” The tale of how he became of member of the royal family, a warrior, married Quilla, the Virgin of the Sun, and had to fight his once 'Incan brother,' Kari Upanqui makes this an outstanding novel. It is clear that Hubert's life's story is one of tragedy.
Hubert, a common soldier first gained fame by virtue and use of his sword, 'wave-flame' and his bow at the Battle of Hastings against the French. His chance meeting and defense of the Lady Blanche Aleys leads to a long period of unrequited love and eventual tragedy. Hubert is mentored by his uncle, John Grimmer and learns goldsmithing. Upon Grimmer's death, Hubert inherits the business which also included trading, shipping, and money lending. One day on the docks, he befriends a foreigner, Kari from Tavantinsuyu. Kari relates he is a royal prince who was cheated of his rightful inheritance and wife by a half-brother, Urco and their father, King Upanqui. Kari relates being banished and lost at sea. Kari relates tales of his land, language, and faith to Hubert does the same in regard to his culture and faith. The two form a bond like brothers and learn other's language (Quechua and English). Kari applies his goldsmith and jewelry-making talent and works with Hubert. In time, Hubert is able to affiance and marry Lady Blanche but their marriage is threatened by deceitful Lord Deleroy, a distant cousin and supposed husband of Blanche's. Tragedy and death sets Hubert's course to leave England on one of his ships, the 'Blanche.' Kari takes Deleroy's ivory-handled sword as his weapon.
Hubert carries his family's honor, personal destiny and duty in his heart. Having seen the savagery of battle, the evil of vanity, and man's inhumanity, Hubert believes he must give an account of his life's actions and strives to live a noble life even in battle. Unfortunately, his heart often leads him to make choices that end in tragedy. This cycle plays out again in the lands of South America.
The fugitive Hubert and Kari set sail for the southern seas where their under-manned ship is battered by foul seas and wrecked upon the shores of South America. After a long journey during which Hubert is called a 'white god,' the two end up on an island where Hubert meets Quilla ('daughter of the moon'), a daughter of King Huaracha of the Chancas and an envoy to the Yuncas (both are enemies of the Incas). Out of fear, Kari hides assumes a different identity as a servant to Hubert. Hubert is greeted as 'Hurachi' (god or lord of the sea) and presented as such. Quilla is a relunctant pawn in the plan of her father to spy on the Incas as their queen. Tragically, love develops Quilla and Hubert. Once again, Hubert has fallen for an unattainable woman whos is a betrothed princess and Kari warns Hubert of the futility of interfering in the plans of the gods. The night before King Upanqui of the Incas is to arrive to claim Lady Quilla for his his son, Prince Urco, Hubert asks Quilla to run away with him to escape her unsavory fate with Urco but her love for her people prevents her.
As the novel builds towards its climax, Huaracha asks Hubert not to marry off Quilla and offers his military prowess to him. Huracha declines because of his word of honor. When Upanqui arrives, he demands that the 'god of the sea' (Hubert) accompany him to his capital city of Cuzco. The Incan High Priest and Councillor, Larico (a deceitful ally of Urco's) accuses the Chancas of planning a war and prophesizes that the Inca wil be overlords of the Chancas once Quilla becomes queen of the Incas. Larico's attempts to antagonize the Chancas fail and the planned marriage betrothal goes forward. Hubert stays with the Chancas, building up and training a massive army and schooling the captains of their 30,000+ Yancas allies. Simultaneously, Quilla has begged Upanqui to release her form a vow to marry the vile Urco whom the king also now distrusts. The king declares her a Virgin of the Sun, making her untouchable by any man. An angry Urco assaults the king and tries to poison Quilla, leaving her blind instead. Kari relates all to Hubert and also warns him that he must give up the 'untouchable' Virgin of the Sun now. Kari also asks Hubert and Huaracha to lend the Chancan army to support his loyalists against Prince Urco. The twists and turns in this novel continue with the brutal Battle of Xaqui ('Field of Blood') between massive armies on the plain outside Cuzco; Huaracha is injured in battle; the Incan 'capture' and 'release' of Hubert; the request and denial to have the blinded Quilla returned to her father and lands; Larico abandoning Urco and agreeing to help Hubert and Aquilla; and Upanqui making peace with Kari. All this political maneuvering brings an uneasy peace and a brewing conflict as Kari is declared heir to the throne and Urco withdraws to Huarina, a fortified island city. The murder of Upanqui by Urco and the rise of Kari as the 'Inca' (king) begins the months-long civil war that devastates the land and people. Kari, again warns Hubert not to take Quilla or in sorrow and duty he would pursue and kill all who commit this sacrilege. The military defeat of Urco and the unveiling of the deceit and double-cross of Larico (who was still loyal to Urco) which results in his death during the abduction of Quilla from the 'death house' of Upanqui. Even though Hubert finally dispatches Urco during his abduction of Quilla, the Virgin of the Sun he has committed a religious affront to the gods of the Inca. Kari, in sorrow condemns Quilla and Hubert. In a duel, Hubert spares Kari and leaves the choice to kari while placing his fate in God's hands. Quilla (whose sight has returned) and Hubert return to her lands and after Huaracha dies, the two marry and lead their people to the west to the legendary home of their ancestors, escaping the wrath of Kari.
As I read this novel, I saw the endless tragic life of wandering, loss, sorrow and sacrifice that was Hubert Hastings' fate. This a formula of most of Haggard's novels reflects the sojourn of man in this vile and cruel world. The romantic in me cannot help but hope that they found paradise. But, alas, one does not know for this is where the parchment ends due to the rest being rotted away. This a formula of most of Haggard's novels reflects the sojourn of man in this vile and cruel world. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
December 28, 2023
This very late work of Haggard's holds some interest. It has plenty of good action passages, and the adventure from England to the land of the Incas is full of atmosphere. It makes a very good companion to Haggard's much earlier (1892) other pre-Columbian novel, Montezuma's Daughter. That earlier work came while Haggard was at the height of his powers. Filled with philosophical treatises on the temporary nature of life and the ultimate melancholy of existence, Montezuma is a first class work that Virgin fails to match. The same preoccupations exist. Maybe even more so. "Vanity. Vanity. All is vanity," cries Hubert of Hastings' uncle. And the novel proceeds to hammer that message home.
The first book of the novel describes Hubert's rise from humble fisherman in Hastings to merchant prince in London. But he's brought low by his infatuation with a woman who has already given herself to Hubert's high-born enemy. A duel between the two results in the death of the aristo and Hubert fleeing with his servant, Kari, an Inca prince washed ashore through unimaginable circumstances in London. Somehow, some way, a storm washes them to the narrow isthmus of the Americas, which the two cross and then manage to find themselves back in Kari's home country.
Civil wars, betrayals, lust, greed for power, all come into play. Haggard's is not a bad or uninteresting portrayal of these things, it's just that it pales in comparison to his earlier work, especially Montezuma. What the two books do show, however, is that Haggard's obsession with the brief existence allowed to people persisted over the entirety of his career. Virgin is a much bleaker work, no doubt as Haggard saw his own end much closer, and its imagery darker and in many ways much more hopeless. The miraculous appearance of Hubert's written legacy back in England is just that, a miracle. And even once read and catalogued, Hubert's life is seen as a mystery, lost somewhere in the dark recesses of a deep cavern.
The first book of the novel describes Hubert's rise from humble fisherman in Hastings to merchant prince in London. But he's brought low by his infatuation with a woman who has already given herself to Hubert's high-born enemy. A duel between the two results in the death of the aristo and Hubert fleeing with his servant, Kari, an Inca prince washed ashore through unimaginable circumstances in London. Somehow, some way, a storm washes them to the narrow isthmus of the Americas, which the two cross and then manage to find themselves back in Kari's home country.
Civil wars, betrayals, lust, greed for power, all come into play. Haggard's is not a bad or uninteresting portrayal of these things, it's just that it pales in comparison to his earlier work, especially Montezuma. What the two books do show, however, is that Haggard's obsession with the brief existence allowed to people persisted over the entirety of his career. Virgin is a much bleaker work, no doubt as Haggard saw his own end much closer, and its imagery darker and in many ways much more hopeless. The miraculous appearance of Hubert's written legacy back in England is just that, a miracle. And even once read and catalogued, Hubert's life is seen as a mystery, lost somewhere in the dark recesses of a deep cavern.
April 6, 2024
I had a lot of fun reading through this little book. The book starts out in a more modern time period and is the result of a collector of antiquities and a book he finds thanks to a certain ghost and an excentric old man who is also a collector of antiquities. There is an old and moldering tome discovered and the story within its pages is the actual story of interest. The story follows an Englishman who has Viking blood in his veins. There is plenty of treachery, mishaps, and adventure along the way, and there is even a romantic story of sorts woven into the fabric of the novel. Things I might have learned in this book include,
1. If a person proves to be your enemy, it might not be a great idea to conspire with them on any goals one would hope to be prosperous with.
2. Women don't want to marry hideous people.
3. Brotherhood has nothing to do with blood relations or skin color.
4. If a writer doesn't want to be forced to develop an ending to their story, they can always just say it was a translation of an old moldering tome and the ending was indecipherable. (I might have to use this idea someday for some of my unfinished work).
5. There is often a lot of blasphemous ideas presented in classic literature.
Happy reading.
1. If a person proves to be your enemy, it might not be a great idea to conspire with them on any goals one would hope to be prosperous with.
2. Women don't want to marry hideous people.
3. Brotherhood has nothing to do with blood relations or skin color.
4. If a writer doesn't want to be forced to develop an ending to their story, they can always just say it was a translation of an old moldering tome and the ending was indecipherable. (I might have to use this idea someday for some of my unfinished work).
5. There is often a lot of blasphemous ideas presented in classic literature.
Happy reading.
March 23, 2019
Создать подобие “Дочери Монтесумы” Хаггард не смог. Не хватило ему Эндрю Лэнга, почившего за десять лет до публикации “Девы солнца”. Вместо добротного начала, приводится история о ценителях антиквариата. Была обнаружена рукопись англичанина, причём располагалась она в вещице, куда никак не могла попасть, поскольку англичан тогда ещё не было в Южной Америке. Собственно, в “Деве солнца” Райдер опирался на умело созданное прежде повествование, сумевшее пережить века. Сам факт подобного обнаружения лучше оставить без дополнительного обсуждения, поскольку Хаггард добрую часть своих литературных изысканий начинал со схожего предисловия. Итак, как же англичанин оказался там, куда ещё не ступала нога европейца?
(c) Trounin
(c) Trounin
October 13, 2021
It had a very good storyline and to be honest I was really frustrated in the end because I wanted to know what exactly happened in the end. Like, why does the parchment paper have to be rotten when everything was coming together, everything was getting better !? Basically, it's a book that would make you stick to it till the very end. And that's exactly what happened to me ☺️.
Even though all these things are good but still just one thing was clicking in my mind through out the whole book. I felt that it was talking about females in a very disrespectful way, an inappropriate way. Especially when it was describing about them.
But except that the book was good. I was totally hooked on to it. And I never felt bored or anything, not even for once!
Even though all these things are good but still just one thing was clicking in my mind through out the whole book. I felt that it was talking about females in a very disrespectful way, an inappropriate way. Especially when it was describing about them.
But except that the book was good. I was totally hooked on to it. And I never felt bored or anything, not even for once!
March 30, 2024
This was a fine ancient Egyptian adventure by the inimitable H. Rider Haggard. It was full of adventure, although predictable for the most part, still fun. The story focuses on the Queen and her Kha mostly and not on her lover Rames, only early on. He disappears from the scene after being sent away to face his punishment for killing someone, only to reappear at the end of the story. I find this somewhat disappointing.
June 27, 2025
A bit formulaic in that HRH loves to have a couple be truly in love and have troubles to get to be together. But, the beginning portion of this book set in England was fabulous. Once the action moved to South America, it was more average. Yet, HRH can write like no other. I am glad I read this, but likely will not read it again.
May 29, 2023
রাইডারের লেখায় হারিয়ে গেলাম আরও একবার। এডভেঞ্চারের সাথে একজন যোদ্ধার জীবন পরিণতি অসাধারণ ভাবে ব্যাখ্যা করেছেন। রাইডারের লেখা সবসময় পড়ি একটানা কারণ একবার গল্পে হারিয়ে গেলে শেষ করা ছাড়া উপায় নেই।
May 22, 2019
Good escapist fare.
March 8, 2020
শেষটা একই সাথে বিষণ্নতা, ভালো লাগা আর শঙ্কার মধ্য দিয়ে অসমাপ্ত। স্যার হ্যাগার্ডের বই নিয়ে আালাদা করে কিছু বলার নেই। :)
May 8, 2022
অনেক আগে পড়েছি। প্রিয় বই।
May 30, 2017
স্যার হেনরির আরো একটি অসাধারণ বই।গল্পটা জেলে হুবার্টের।ফরাসি আক্রমণে মাকে হারিয়ে চলে যায় লন্ডনে মামার কাছে।হয়ে ওঠে এক সম্পদশালী ব্যবসায়ী। তবে তা স্থায়ী হয় না।প্রেমের সাগরে ডুব দিয়ে,সব হারিয়ে রওনা হয় এক অজানা,অচেনা স্বর্নরাজ্যের উদ্দেশ্যে।জীবনে আবার প্রেম আসে, পরিচয় হয় চাঁদের মেয়ের সাথে কিন্তু বাধা হয়ে দাঁড়ায় তার হবু স্বামী।শুরু হয় যুদ্ধ।হুবার্ট কি পারবে এই ধর্মান্ধ মানুষের বিরুদ্ধে যুদ্ধ করে তার প্রেমকে ফিরিয়ে আনতে।
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