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Allan Quatermain #9
ফিনিশ্ড্
Excerpt from Finished
This book, although it can be read as a separate story, is the third of the trilogy of which Marie and Child of Storm are the first two parts. It narrates, through the mouth of Allan Quatermain, the consummation of the vengeance of the wizard Zikali, alias The Opener of Roads, or "The-Thing-that-should-never-have-been-born," upon the royal Zulu House of which Senzangacona was the founder and Cetewayo, our enemy in the war of 1879, the last representative who ruled as a king. Although, of course, much is added for the purposes of romance, the main facts of history have been adhered to with some faithfulness.
With these the author became acquainted a full generation ago, Fortune having given him a part in the events that preceded the Zulu War. Indeed he believes that with the exception of Colonel Phillips, who, as a lieutenant, commanded the famous escort of twenty-five policemen, he is now the last survivor of the party who, under the leadership of Sir Theophilus Shepstone, or Sompseu as the natives called him from the Zambesi to the Cape, were concerned in the annexation of the Transvaal in 1877. Recently also he has been called upon as a public servant to revisit South Africa and took the opportunity to travel through Zululand, in order to refresh his knowledge of its people, their customs, their mysteries, and better to prepare himself for the writing of this book. Here he stood by the fatal Mount of Isandhlwana which, with some details of the battle, is described in these pages, among the graves of many whom once he knew, Colonels Dumford, Pulleine and others.
This book, although it can be read as a separate story, is the third of the trilogy of which Marie and Child of Storm are the first two parts. It narrates, through the mouth of Allan Quatermain, the consummation of the vengeance of the wizard Zikali, alias The Opener of Roads, or "The-Thing-that-should-never-have-been-born," upon the royal Zulu House of which Senzangacona was the founder and Cetewayo, our enemy in the war of 1879, the last representative who ruled as a king. Although, of course, much is added for the purposes of romance, the main facts of history have been adhered to with some faithfulness.
With these the author became acquainted a full generation ago, Fortune having given him a part in the events that preceded the Zulu War. Indeed he believes that with the exception of Colonel Phillips, who, as a lieutenant, commanded the famous escort of twenty-five policemen, he is now the last survivor of the party who, under the leadership of Sir Theophilus Shepstone, or Sompseu as the natives called him from the Zambesi to the Cape, were concerned in the annexation of the Transvaal in 1877. Recently also he has been called upon as a public servant to revisit South Africa and took the opportunity to travel through Zululand, in order to refresh his knowledge of its people, their customs, their mysteries, and better to prepare himself for the writing of this book. Here he stood by the fatal Mount of Isandhlwana which, with some details of the battle, is described in these pages, among the graves of many whom once he knew, Colonels Dumford, Pulleine and others.
463 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1917
39 people are currently reading
502 people want to read
About the author
H. Rider Haggard
1,589 books1,101 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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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 23, 2011
"Finished" comprises the third book in H. Rider Haggard's so-called Zulu trilogy, the first two novels being "Marie" and "Child of Storm." This is a magnificent set of books that deals with the downfall of the Zulu people, as personally witnessed by Allan Quatermain, the hero of 14 of Haggard's novels, including "King Solomon's Mines." "Finished" has all the elements that Haggard's fans have come to expect from him: a great and fast-moving story, scenes of big-game hunting, interesting and amusing characters, bloody and well-described battles, all with a dash of mysticism and some supernatural elements thrown into the mix. It is a real rouser. In the first half of this book, our hero Quatermain gets personally involved in the problems of a young couple in the bush veld in Africa, but the entire second half of the book details his stay with the Zulus, their war councils, and the great battles that the Zulus fought against the English in the late 1870s. The tone of the book is suitably elegiac, mourning the passing of a proud people and culture. This is a magnificent trilogy of books, and it is a real shame that they are all out of print. But I heartily recommend that you seek them out.
May 8, 2012
This is the best if the Alan Quartermain books, at least that I have read to date. it is the third book of the story, but can be read as a stand alone story. I do suggest that you do read this series of stories as written by the author, as it does provide for the greatest enjoyment of this timeless work! I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, characterizations and writing that the author wove so skillfully that it was difficult to put down once started. The story, though set in the conflicts if the British Empire, is an eternal yarn of love and hate, loyalty and revenge, bravery and terror; all bound in a matrix of the supernatural and of adventure. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did!
June 27, 2017
How the last Zulu king and his Zulu kingdom was defeated by the English army.
Previous Zulu kings killed witch Zikali's family members & his whole tribe. So Zikali wanted a revenge on the Zulu kingdom. Zikali suggested the Zulu king, his advisors, generals to attack the English army rather sending peace proposal. Zulu couldn't succeed against the English army who had advanced weapons.
At the end both Zulu king & Zikali died.
Previous Zulu kings killed witch Zikali's family members & his whole tribe. So Zikali wanted a revenge on the Zulu kingdom. Zikali suggested the Zulu king, his advisors, generals to attack the English army rather sending peace proposal. Zulu couldn't succeed against the English army who had advanced weapons.
At the end both Zulu king & Zikali died.
March 27, 2018
Finished reading 'Finished' :-) This is the third book in the Zulu trilogy within the Allan Quatermain series, the other two being 'Marie' and 'Child of Storm'. I did not have much expectations from this book and planned to read it in order to preserve the continuity of the Allan Quatermain series (the last book I read was 'The Ivory Child'), but it turned out to be quite good. The Zulu trilogy is a bit different from the other books in the series, from the aspect that they do not have any treasure hunt or search for a hidden place or race, but concern themselves with a bit of history, politics, intrigue, romance and war. This book is perhaps most closely aligned with history.
Another thing which surprised me was the hint of lesbianism in the character of Nombe. As natural for the authors of that time, it was portrayed as something unnatural, but not with as much derision as one would expect. In fact, I have noticed that Haggard's portrayal of the native culture and people of Africa is often quite free from prejudice, considering the general notion of white supremacy that was prevalent among the colonizers of that age.
Another thing which surprised me was the hint of lesbianism in the character of Nombe. As natural for the authors of that time, it was portrayed as something unnatural, but not with as much derision as one would expect. In fact, I have noticed that Haggard's portrayal of the native culture and people of Africa is often quite free from prejudice, considering the general notion of white supremacy that was prevalent among the colonizers of that age.
October 13, 2018
The third and final novel in the Zulu trilogy, this covers the Anglo Zulu War (in which two of my Great-Great-Grandfathers fought) and ends with the overthrow of the Zulu Royal House and the subjugation of the country by the British Empire. Many historical characters have walk on parts here, and are vividly described. The portrayal of King Cetewayo is nuanced and although he is treated as flawed and badly advised, we sense the narrator's sympathy for his impossible position and the injustices committed against his nation. The most intriguing character, though, is the (non historical) dwarf witch doctor Zikali - grotesque, sinister, powerful, and unforgettable.
I've read a lot of D H Lawrence lately, and this is not in the same league, of course. In fact, apart from the fact that they wrote at the same time, there is no comparison at all (although both authors could be said to share a right-wing political viewpoint). But D H Lawrence is so ponderous and worthy and earnest that it was a relief to turn to something much lighter like this. Lighter, yes, but not exactly froth either - it still made me ponder issues of justice and power.
I've read a lot of D H Lawrence lately, and this is not in the same league, of course. In fact, apart from the fact that they wrote at the same time, there is no comparison at all (although both authors could be said to share a right-wing political viewpoint). But D H Lawrence is so ponderous and worthy and earnest that it was a relief to turn to something much lighter like this. Lighter, yes, but not exactly froth either - it still made me ponder issues of justice and power.
November 14, 2018
The final volume in Haggard's Zulu Trilogy balances between the realistic and the spiritual, albeit ultimately siding with the latter towards book's end. While it contains the final history of the undoing of the Zulu Empire and King Cetewayo, it allows its vivid battle scenes, which dominated the earlier two novels in the trilogy, to give way to meditative reflections on the futility of seeking power and revenge. There often seems to be an air of melancholy in Haggard's Quatermain books, but it is especially true in Finished. Time seems to be slipping away, an epoch vanishing, for the Zulus and the characters who have filled the pages of the series, Quatermain, the wizard Zikali, Mameena, and the ghosts of Zulu kings of the past. Allan is drawing near to his time, his own exhaustion, and to the final adventures that Haggard described in Allan Quatermain, some thirty years earlier. So, too, was Haggard himself.
May 4, 2019
Прекрасная памятью, ужасная кровожадностью, империя зулусов катилась к закату. Она была обречена подпасть под власть британской короны, стоило англичанам проявить насущный интерес к южной оконечности Африки. У власти над объединением племён тогда стоял последний из независимых верховных правителей (инкоси) Кетчвайо каМпанде, прозываемый рядом источников Непокорным. Именно к нему в лагерь будет введён Аллан Квотермейн, должный показать читателю изнутри, как обстояло дело среди зулусов. И увидел читатель подъём патриотических чувств, желание убивать всякого, чьё происхождение выдаёт в нём англичанина. Мог испытать над собой расправу и главный герой повествования, не будь он дружен с Кетчвайо.
(c) Trounin
(c) Trounin
May 21, 2021
And so this trilogy about the fall of the Zulu nation ends. I was looking forward to reading 'Marie' and 'Child of Storm' and 'Finished' for a long time. Still I felt like something was missing. Haggard his writing is still top notch, but the stories lacked pace, actionscenes and more. The unofficial 4th novel 'Nada the Lily', which doesn't feature A.Q. but many other familiar characters from these stories, is the best for me.
February 23, 2020
I really enjoy the Quatermain books. This one weaves Quatermain into the demise of the Zulu nation. Even though Quatermain ends up being a pawn in the hands of the witch-doctor Zukali (The Opener of Roads) he is very relatable.
January 20, 2023
I am finished with this book(horrible pun intended).
Well what to say, I am happy with this book as with all previous books I have read about Allan.
Some plot twists I was able to predict(and some not), but that did not take out the enjoyment out of reading.
Well what to say, I am happy with this book as with all previous books I have read about Allan.
Some plot twists I was able to predict(and some not), but that did not take out the enjoyment out of reading.
May 7, 2018
very good but a bit long !
May 30, 2020
This is the Last of the Trilogy in the Zulu wars. This is a great read full of adventure.
December 29, 2021
The 9th book in the Allan Quatermain series. Entertaining.
April 22, 2023
A good adventure se in the time of the Anglo-Zulu Wars.
June 28, 2013
A surprising entry in the Haggard saga of Allan Quatermain. If you're reading these books in order, as I am, you've discovered Haggard's format very quickly: Allan goes on a journey for a friend, who has some baggage, a lost/new city is discovered, there's a white woman being held under some kind of duress, there's betrayal of one member of the party who wants the woman for himself, and the natives and wildlife contribute to Allan's troubles.
Yes, this is here, but then, the new city (or is this case "home") is left early in the story and what I got was a study, fictional naturally, in politics and magic of the Zulus. This was better than I expected. This novel brought more magic into the Quatermain saga.
This might be a little slow for those who want the non-stop action that previous novels have had, but this was a nice change up for me and has re-energized me to continuing with this series of books. I read the entire novel on plane ride from coast to coast.
Easy to read and nice change up from what I assumed was going to be the standard format.
Yes, this is here, but then, the new city (or is this case "home") is left early in the story and what I got was a study, fictional naturally, in politics and magic of the Zulus. This was better than I expected. This novel brought more magic into the Quatermain saga.
This might be a little slow for those who want the non-stop action that previous novels have had, but this was a nice change up for me and has re-energized me to continuing with this series of books. I read the entire novel on plane ride from coast to coast.
Easy to read and nice change up from what I assumed was going to be the standard format.
June 17, 2016
One of the finest of the Allan Quartermaine stories. It had been a while since I had read one of them. Allan is a paradox. His treatment of the native peoples can be ridiculously harsh and flippant at times, and at others he's representing them as a defender of sorts from modernity, and from other invaders to Africa whose interests are more ambitious than his. You can't read these stories with modern mores in mind, but always keeping in mind the day & time in which they were released.
Either way, I love these adventure stories of bravery, escape, war & treachery, and the wily ways of Zikali...the thing-that-should-never-have-been-born.
Either way, I love these adventure stories of bravery, escape, war & treachery, and the wily ways of Zikali...the thing-that-should-never-have-been-born.
December 26, 2013
Stock stuff from HR Haggard but enjoyable none the less. Allan walks through an historic battle, reveal some of the less pleasant aspects of colonial African history and tries to resist the path of mysticism. The highlight for me was getting to know Zikali a little better, following outline encounters in previous books, and hoping that Allan's growing familiarity with the 'spirit world' will bring some interesting future developments in his career...
July 20, 2016
#9 in the Allan Quatermain adventure series set in Africa covering the period 1877 - 1884 starting with the British annexation of the Transvaal. It is the third of the trilogy starting with Marie and then Child of Storm covering 20 plus years. The main story thread is the vengeance of the wizard Zikali upon the royal Zulu House because of what it had done to him in which Quatermain is involved at various times.
September 30, 2025
The-Thing-That-Never-Should-Have-Been-Born, Zikali, is fun to read about. This Third in the Zulu Trilogy is a great book. Happy to have read it for the second time. Allan Quatermain finds himself mixed up in the Zulu downfall, with Cetewayo being conquered.
March 21, 2019
বেশি ভাল লাগেনি। অনেক জায়গাতেই অতি নাটকীয়, অতি বর্ণনা, অতি বীরত্ব মনে হয়েছে। এখন আর টিনেজ নই, এটা একটা কারণ হলেও এই বইয়ের কাহিনী, বর্ণনা সবকিছুই বেশ দুর্বল ছিল। চরিত্রগুলোও একপেশে। সব মিলিয়ে বইটা পড়ে বিশেষ ভালো লাগল না। দুক্ষজনক।
January 24, 2009
Not as good as King Solomon's Mines. But what is?
March 7, 2012
Great adventure novel with Alan Quartermain.
July 11, 2023
ভালো লেগেছে
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews