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The Count of the Sahara
From the scorching desert to the freezing Midwest… a man struggles against the elements, himself and those around him
Leading a motley crew of ‘experts’ deep into the Sahara, Count de Prorok is about to make a great discovery. The acclaim of the finding the missing tomb of an ancient queen will set him and his family up for life. But, when plotted against, the money dries up as quickly as the goodwill of his team, and in more ways than one, the Count appears to be stranded, and left to the elements.
The COUNT OF THE SAHARA is the story, recounted by his young assistant, of Count Byron de Prorok, a little known gentleman explorer of Africa in the 1920s.
Leading a motley crew of ‘experts’ deep into the Sahara, Count de Prorok is about to make a great discovery. The acclaim of the finding the missing tomb of an ancient queen will set him and his family up for life. But, when plotted against, the money dries up as quickly as the goodwill of his team, and in more ways than one, the Count appears to be stranded, and left to the elements.
The COUNT OF THE SAHARA is the story, recounted by his young assistant, of Count Byron de Prorok, a little known gentleman explorer of Africa in the 1920s.
309 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2015
147 people are currently reading
402 people want to read
About the author
Wayne Turmel
24 books127 followersWayne Turmel lives and writes in Las Vegas. Originally from Canada, he came to Los Angeles to become a famous comedian. You can see how well that went.
He's a well-known speaker and author and the founder of the Remote Leadership Institute, writing11non-fiction titles including "The Long-Distance Leader-Rules for Remarkable Remote Leadership," and its sequels "The Long-Distance Teammate- Stay Engaged and Connected Working Anywhere," and The Long-Distance Team- Design Your Workplace for Everyone's Success."
He's also the author of six novels, "The Count of the Sahara," "Acre's Bastard," and its sequel, "Acre's Orphans." His latest series is the Urban Fantasy "Werewolf PI" series. Johnny Lycan and the Anubis Disk, Johnny Lycan and the Vegas Berserker, and the finale, "Johnny Lycan & the Last Witchfinder" out May 2, 2024.
He's a well-known speaker and author and the founder of the Remote Leadership Institute, writing11non-fiction titles including "The Long-Distance Leader-Rules for Remarkable Remote Leadership," and its sequels "The Long-Distance Teammate- Stay Engaged and Connected Working Anywhere," and The Long-Distance Team- Design Your Workplace for Everyone's Success."
He's also the author of six novels, "The Count of the Sahara," "Acre's Bastard," and its sequel, "Acre's Orphans." His latest series is the Urban Fantasy "Werewolf PI" series. Johnny Lycan and the Anubis Disk, Johnny Lycan and the Vegas Berserker, and the finale, "Johnny Lycan & the Last Witchfinder" out May 2, 2024.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
June 16, 2017
An Entertaining Read - Adventure in the Desert
In 1925, Byron de Prorok , self-proclaimed ‘Count’ de Prorok, led an expedition into the Sahara desert seeking the resting place of the ancient Queen Tin Hanan of the Taureg Tribe. In his novel The Count of the Sahara, Wayne Turmel recounts not only the adventure but also the midwestern lecture tour that followed in 1926 as well as the Count’s personal life and the business “mis-adventures” that dogged him during the time.
In “The Count” we find an intriguing mixture of a serious archeologist in the mold of Indiana Jones with a more prominent side akin to P.T. Barnum. A lecture tour filled with home-made costumes and props passed off as the real thing seems now more like a self-promoting sideshow than a culturally enlightening experience. Such a show was probably common in the days of vaudeville and tent shows that preceded television but hardly the fare of National Geographic.
Turmel brings us the story in a quite interesting fashion that works well. Chapters move back and forth between the exploration, told in third-person, and the lecture tour presented in first person by the Count’s projectionist, stage-prop, and personal assistant.
“The Count of the Sahara” is a highly entertaining read that I can easily recommend to all of my friends. I rate it five stars. I look forward to reading Wayne Turmel’s newest release, a novel of the middle ages, Acre’s Bastard.
In 1925, Byron de Prorok , self-proclaimed ‘Count’ de Prorok, led an expedition into the Sahara desert seeking the resting place of the ancient Queen Tin Hanan of the Taureg Tribe. In his novel The Count of the Sahara, Wayne Turmel recounts not only the adventure but also the midwestern lecture tour that followed in 1926 as well as the Count’s personal life and the business “mis-adventures” that dogged him during the time.
In “The Count” we find an intriguing mixture of a serious archeologist in the mold of Indiana Jones with a more prominent side akin to P.T. Barnum. A lecture tour filled with home-made costumes and props passed off as the real thing seems now more like a self-promoting sideshow than a culturally enlightening experience. Such a show was probably common in the days of vaudeville and tent shows that preceded television but hardly the fare of National Geographic.
Turmel brings us the story in a quite interesting fashion that works well. Chapters move back and forth between the exploration, told in third-person, and the lecture tour presented in first person by the Count’s projectionist, stage-prop, and personal assistant.
“The Count of the Sahara” is a highly entertaining read that I can easily recommend to all of my friends. I rate it five stars. I look forward to reading Wayne Turmel’s newest release, a novel of the middle ages, Acre’s Bastard.
September 12, 2015
The lives of men often fail to go as planned.
Count Byron Khun de Prorok expected his remarkable discovery in the Sahara would propel him to the pinnacle of archaeological success and assure his financial future. Willy Brown escapes a domineering father and the rural doldrums when he accepts a job assisting Prorok on a midwestern lecture tour.
The immediate hopes of both men are dashed by a combination of the count's sloppy record keeping, professional jealousy, misinterpretations of the definition of "treasure" and a vindictive father-in-law. Willy proves himself an able ally.
The narrative switches back and forth in time to portray the count's Saharan expedition and the lecture tour, both of which are fraught with problems emanating from his careless attention to detail and naive assessment of the people he's dealing with.
An entertaining fictional account of a phase in the life of an actual Philadelphia born amateur archaeologist who might have been the model for the tomb-raider Indiana Jones.
Count Byron Khun de Prorok expected his remarkable discovery in the Sahara would propel him to the pinnacle of archaeological success and assure his financial future. Willy Brown escapes a domineering father and the rural doldrums when he accepts a job assisting Prorok on a midwestern lecture tour.
The immediate hopes of both men are dashed by a combination of the count's sloppy record keeping, professional jealousy, misinterpretations of the definition of "treasure" and a vindictive father-in-law. Willy proves himself an able ally.
The narrative switches back and forth in time to portray the count's Saharan expedition and the lecture tour, both of which are fraught with problems emanating from his careless attention to detail and naive assessment of the people he's dealing with.
An entertaining fictional account of a phase in the life of an actual Philadelphia born amateur archaeologist who might have been the model for the tomb-raider Indiana Jones.
November 1, 2015
The Storyteller
I chose 4 stars because this story kept me fascinated to learn what happened next. The author' s use of switching time and setting was a bit confusing near the end, but mostly added to the interest, as the story of the larger than life archaeologist unfolds in the desert, and then back in America telling the story on stage. Somewhat sad but with redeeming value.
I chose 4 stars because this story kept me fascinated to learn what happened next. The author' s use of switching time and setting was a bit confusing near the end, but mostly added to the interest, as the story of the larger than life archaeologist unfolds in the desert, and then back in America telling the story on stage. Somewhat sad but with redeeming value.
September 27, 2017
I enjoyed this unique spin on fiction based on facts. The two main characters: the real-life flamboyant Count who, to paraphrase, “had all the tools for success and still managed to get in his own way;” and his still wet-behind-the-ears assistant, fictional Willy Braun, are portrayed successfully with all their merits and flaws.
Both thumbs up!
Both thumbs up!
October 4, 2015
Byron de Prorock is a fascinating character, slightly crazed, obsessive and yet charming, almost like Jay Gatsby. Very interesting historical fiction book. Very good read.
January 26, 2016
The Count of the Sahara is a well-written novel based on a real historical figure. The Flamboyant Count was a consummate speaker and presenter, but lacked attention to detail in recording & planning his archaeological expedition. As the book progressed, reading about de Prorok was like pulling back the curtain and seeing the Wizard of Oz for the first time – the reality did not match the expectation. The author paints a vivid picture of the excitement and thrill of an archaeological dig, but the manifest flaws in the Count’s character ensured that nothing ran smoothly and the final outcome was not as I expected. The attention to detail was excellent and the book was very well researched. As soon as I finished it, I googled the Count for more information on his life. It’s that kind of book – it leaves you wanting more. Highly recommended.
September 17, 2015
Wayne Turmel's insight into the character of the historical Byron Kuhn de Prorock is amazing. Part Indiana Jones and part Jay Gatsby, Prorock is the Count of the Sahara, fully realized in this excellent historical novel. Willy Braun is the perfect observer (like Nick Carraway), devoted to Prorock and giving us the tragic portrait of Prorock in his Midwest tour of 1926. As the book moves in parallel between the freezing cold of the Midwest and the fierce heat of the Sahara, I just wanted Prorock to, somehow, against the odds, prevail.
December 6, 2015
The author did a nice job of capturing my interest with a well-written story. There is plenty of character conflict, but portrayed in a style that wasn't overly dramatic. He captured the tension between characters in an authentic manner while displaying a smooth storytelling talent. The content of the tale took me to an unfamiliar subject matter that was presented in a context that kept the pages turning until the end. It was an ending that I didn't see coming and added the final layer of realism to a nice work of historical fiction.
June 25, 2019
This book was a surprise to me because I was expecting an adventure story based in the Sahara Desert. It was actually a character study of a man whose motives and means were misunderstood, or perhaps understood too well. The story is told through the eyes of a young assistant with flashbacks into an archeological dig that was minimally successful after a poorly-managed expedition. The narrator was likeable and the protagonist interesting, and left the reader to draw some of his own conclusions. The relationship between the Count and his assistant was well described and compelling. The book was interesting on multiple levels, and I recommend it.
March 22, 2021
I have read some of the reviews and what some people did not like I really enjoyed. In other words I found the jumping in time and locations kept the suspense going. I also liked the asides of the Count's wife and her family that ultimately change the course of each character's life. I enjoyed the historic dig depiction and the scenes in the US.
The end was a huge surprise and very satisfying.
The end was a huge surprise and very satisfying.
September 11, 2016
In the glamorous early days of archaeology when Schliemann sought the walls of Troy, the public was enraptured by tales of myth, romance and history. When Carter opened King Tut’s tomb, the world was dazzled by the shiny bits – golden masks, jeweled pendants, and silver bangles gracing the bones buried centuries before. Upon this stage struts the colorful subject of Wayne Turmel’s historical novel, The Count of the Sahara.
Byron Khun was an American expatriate who styled himself as Count De Prorok. Apparently he did some serious archaeology in the early 1920’s on the ruins of Carthage in North Africa. But as Turmel’s book relates, the Count ran into problems as the leader of an expedition to Libya in 1925. He set out to discover the tomb of Tin Hinan, Legendary Mother of the Tuareg tribespeople. But DeProrok returned to the U.S. with his career challenged and his character vilified.
Looking back on a life such as this, how can we know the truth? Was DeProrok a legitimate scientist, a mere snake-oil salesman, or a real-life Indiana Jones?
The author has done his research. Turmel cites DeProrok’s own writings, particularly his account of that Sahara Expedition central to his claim to fame. But Turmel also gained access to the archives at Beloit College in Wisconsin, the academic sponsor of the excavations.
Turmel’s interesting narrative choices give the reader an expanded view of DeProrok’s character as well. The author alternates scenes from the Sahara with a timeline months later, depicting DeProrok on tour in the frigid American Midwest giving lectures of the expedition.
The Sahara scenes are written in the third person, shifting point of view from DeProrok himself to others who collaborated with him: the French military leader, the journalist, the representative from Beloit College. From this cast of characters we get a vivid sense of the dangers and difficulties of field work in the desert, and different assessments of how DeProrok handled the situations. We are also entertained by this story line and colorful characters such as the tall blue-robed rifle-toting Tuaregs and war-weary legionnaires.
For the U.S. timeline, Turmel gives us a first-person narrative from the point of view of Willy from Milwaukee, a big city kid who ends up as DeProrok’s “technical director” assisting him with the films and slide shows in lecture halls from Iowa to Chicago. This angle allows the reader to see the vulnerable side of the archaeologist, his worries and doubts. Willy also sheds light on DeProrok’s personal problems, his affection for his wife and children, and conflicts with his wealthy and antagonistic father-in-law.
Turmel keeps the suspense up by running the two timelines in parallel, so we don’t discover the truth of the Sahara Expedition until the end, when we also see the consequences to DeProrok’s career and family life. This clever plotting is just one of the ways the author demonstrates mastery of the material, along with intelligent use of research, colorful period detail, and excellent writing with warm and good-humored prose throughout.
I highly recommend the book.
Byron Khun was an American expatriate who styled himself as Count De Prorok. Apparently he did some serious archaeology in the early 1920’s on the ruins of Carthage in North Africa. But as Turmel’s book relates, the Count ran into problems as the leader of an expedition to Libya in 1925. He set out to discover the tomb of Tin Hinan, Legendary Mother of the Tuareg tribespeople. But DeProrok returned to the U.S. with his career challenged and his character vilified.
Looking back on a life such as this, how can we know the truth? Was DeProrok a legitimate scientist, a mere snake-oil salesman, or a real-life Indiana Jones?
The author has done his research. Turmel cites DeProrok’s own writings, particularly his account of that Sahara Expedition central to his claim to fame. But Turmel also gained access to the archives at Beloit College in Wisconsin, the academic sponsor of the excavations.
Turmel’s interesting narrative choices give the reader an expanded view of DeProrok’s character as well. The author alternates scenes from the Sahara with a timeline months later, depicting DeProrok on tour in the frigid American Midwest giving lectures of the expedition.
The Sahara scenes are written in the third person, shifting point of view from DeProrok himself to others who collaborated with him: the French military leader, the journalist, the representative from Beloit College. From this cast of characters we get a vivid sense of the dangers and difficulties of field work in the desert, and different assessments of how DeProrok handled the situations. We are also entertained by this story line and colorful characters such as the tall blue-robed rifle-toting Tuaregs and war-weary legionnaires.
For the U.S. timeline, Turmel gives us a first-person narrative from the point of view of Willy from Milwaukee, a big city kid who ends up as DeProrok’s “technical director” assisting him with the films and slide shows in lecture halls from Iowa to Chicago. This angle allows the reader to see the vulnerable side of the archaeologist, his worries and doubts. Willy also sheds light on DeProrok’s personal problems, his affection for his wife and children, and conflicts with his wealthy and antagonistic father-in-law.
Turmel keeps the suspense up by running the two timelines in parallel, so we don’t discover the truth of the Sahara Expedition until the end, when we also see the consequences to DeProrok’s career and family life. This clever plotting is just one of the ways the author demonstrates mastery of the material, along with intelligent use of research, colorful period detail, and excellent writing with warm and good-humored prose throughout.
I highly recommend the book.
December 23, 2015
The Count Of The Sahara, by Wayne Turmel is uniquely interesting and
entertaining. I loved the historical features and the inspiration behind the story, and I
loved the characters, especially the Count Prorok and Brown his assistant. The author’s
skillful writing gave these characters true feelings that reached out to me. I also liked the
way Prorok came about getting his stories across to the community from each town or
city he visited. Through his unique talent and his assistant Brown’s skillful use of the
projector, each image told a story about what happened through his journey. He
enthralled everyone who listened.
Once Prorok and his crew started into the Sahara, I pictured the hot, parched sand
dunes and the blistering sun beaming down on their heads as the motor car chugged along
on the hot desert floor. While the car spit and scattered the scorching sand through the air,
I heard the sand smacking the car as it bounced from the wheels causing a cloud of dust to
form behind them.
As the plot thickened Count Prorok had received a letter from his wife Alice
wishing him luck with his lectures, and from the way she stated it, she sounded sincere,
and seemed as though she was expecting him home soon. And through her words he felt
better about himself, and felt more like going on stage. Without her and his family to
back him up, he didn’t know if he could get in front of the people and carry on with each
presentation.
Once Prorok presented a few of his lectures, he was visited by his father-in-law.
This made Prorok angry, because of the reasoning behind the visit. So he and his assistant
Brown got into a heated conversation about it, and he told Brown that he no longer
needed him and showed him an artifact that he had found in the desert that was actually
from a queen. Would the artifact be known as a counterfeit or real? And will Prorok be
found a fake, or will people think he had stolen the artifact? Will he be judged harshly?
Will Brown try and stay with the Count to help him, or go back home? A very absorbing
read.
entertaining. I loved the historical features and the inspiration behind the story, and I
loved the characters, especially the Count Prorok and Brown his assistant. The author’s
skillful writing gave these characters true feelings that reached out to me. I also liked the
way Prorok came about getting his stories across to the community from each town or
city he visited. Through his unique talent and his assistant Brown’s skillful use of the
projector, each image told a story about what happened through his journey. He
enthralled everyone who listened.
Once Prorok and his crew started into the Sahara, I pictured the hot, parched sand
dunes and the blistering sun beaming down on their heads as the motor car chugged along
on the hot desert floor. While the car spit and scattered the scorching sand through the air,
I heard the sand smacking the car as it bounced from the wheels causing a cloud of dust to
form behind them.
As the plot thickened Count Prorok had received a letter from his wife Alice
wishing him luck with his lectures, and from the way she stated it, she sounded sincere,
and seemed as though she was expecting him home soon. And through her words he felt
better about himself, and felt more like going on stage. Without her and his family to
back him up, he didn’t know if he could get in front of the people and carry on with each
presentation.
Once Prorok presented a few of his lectures, he was visited by his father-in-law.
This made Prorok angry, because of the reasoning behind the visit. So he and his assistant
Brown got into a heated conversation about it, and he told Brown that he no longer
needed him and showed him an artifact that he had found in the desert that was actually
from a queen. Would the artifact be known as a counterfeit or real? And will Prorok be
found a fake, or will people think he had stolen the artifact? Will he be judged harshly?
Will Brown try and stay with the Count to help him, or go back home? A very absorbing
read.
January 12, 2016
I enjoyed this book enough.
Technical things: Some confusing use of pronouns. Occasionally, the dates at the chapter heads showed the wrong year (which is additionally problematic when the book takes place between two timeframes and so keeping track is necessary).
The second quarter of the book was rather slow and uneventful, but then I finished it smoothly enough.
I felt the story was less about the history and more about the character. That said, the book's best aspect was its well-rounded picture of the title character. You love him and hate him simultaneously, and, importantly, you understand why everyone has such strong feelings about him, one way or another. Ultimately, I felt for him but also for everyone's frustration with him.
The characters were human and not too overly dramatic. The circumstances were frustrating without feeling contrived. It was an interesting piece of historical fiction revolving around relatable characters and a real bit of under-hyped history. I can see myself thinking of this book for a while and coming back and adding a star. At the very least, it has already gotten me researching the source material!
Technical things: Some confusing use of pronouns. Occasionally, the dates at the chapter heads showed the wrong year (which is additionally problematic when the book takes place between two timeframes and so keeping track is necessary).
The second quarter of the book was rather slow and uneventful, but then I finished it smoothly enough.
I felt the story was less about the history and more about the character. That said, the book's best aspect was its well-rounded picture of the title character. You love him and hate him simultaneously, and, importantly, you understand why everyone has such strong feelings about him, one way or another. Ultimately, I felt for him but also for everyone's frustration with him.
The characters were human and not too overly dramatic. The circumstances were frustrating without feeling contrived. It was an interesting piece of historical fiction revolving around relatable characters and a real bit of under-hyped history. I can see myself thinking of this book for a while and coming back and adding a star. At the very least, it has already gotten me researching the source material!
September 18, 2021
Part thriller and part period piece, The Count of the Sahara takes an insightful view of a time when intrepid-explorer-jungle-adventures were the rage. The insight offered is from consideration of adventuring versus the adventuring personality.
HELPING THE COUNT TELL HIS STORY
In January of 1925 Count Byron de Prorok, noted explorer of the ruins of Carthage, has returned from his expedition in the Sahara where he discovered the tomb of the Tuareg queen, Tin Hinan. Though of some academic importance, the discovery has yielded little in the way of valuable artifacts or new knowledge. Mostly it has yielded fuel for Count de Prorok’s lecture tour.
The Count’s lectures are well-received by the common folk in a time of vaudeville and silent movie entertainments. His ability to be entertaining in his self-promotion allows him to make money. His talks, however, depend much on movies and slides, so he needs technical help. Such help comes in the form of Wilhelm Braun, a young German-American who knows how to work projection equipment. Willy takes over one night when the Count’s college-supplied assistant proves incompetent. He does so well, that de Prorok offers him a job.
Willy is glad for the paycheck and the chance to leave his Milwaukee home. As he travels between northern cities with de Prorok, he also assumes the role of personal assistant. For all de Prorok’s eccentricities, Willy is compelled to help his boss fight off detractors, a vengeful father-in-law, and governments that consider him a grave-robber.
ENTHUSIASTIC AMATEUR
I had never heard of Count Byron de Prorok before reading The Count of the Sahara. He was a real person, though. His Wikipedia page describes him as a “Hungarian-American amateur archaeologist, anthropologist, and author of four travelogues.” His title was not real but, according to him, honorary. It seems this book’s author, Wayne Turmel, has a fascination with de Prorok, who apparently was an interesting character. He is depicted by Mr. Turmel as smart with a love for archaeological adventuring (treasure hunting) but with little patience for the science. His talent is for promotion and he knows it, saying at one point:
“I take history and all those dates and facts and all that boring…science and translate it for the brainless masses in a way they can actually comprehend. Do you think anyone really cares about science or history unless it comes with a good story?”
And that is the Count’s life in a nutshell, according to Mr. Turmel. The reader is left with the impression of di Prorok being his own worst enemy and probably in the wrong profession. He may have been great in public relations or movie producing. Self-promotion was his driver, though, with a narcissistic desire to be seen as the intrepid explorer. In that, he may not have been so unusual. Thor Heyerdahl comes to mind.
The Count of the Sahara’s narrative bounces between di Prorok’s lectures assisted by Willy in 1926 and the account of his Saharan expedition in 1925. The expedition part shares its point-of-view between di Prorok and Alonzo (Lonnie) Pond. This is where the book’s “adventure” segments come in, though they are not of the Indiana Jones sort. Rather, they are episodes of dangers and close calls stemming from di Prorok’s incompetence and inexperience. They earn the Count chastisement a few times for screwing up. Even so, he is cut some slack. As one character puts it, referring to di Prorok:
"...And, to be fair, it’s not all his fault. Poor S.O.B’s been lied to and snowed since the beginning. Didn’t really know what he was getting into, Just naïve… a green pea. I’ve seen lots of guys like that… ya see them in business all the time. Smart, talented, but they have no business being in charge. He needs a boss to keep him in line. Not everyone’s cut out to be king.”
This touches on a theme of competency and belief-in-oneself. It is expressed in di Prorok’s relation to two characters. One is his assistant, Willy Braun (totally fictional), who is a working class guy with no interest in the Count’s imagined world of exploration and adventure. Willy is self-effacing as a counterpoint to the Count’s proud self-serving. But he turns out to be a good technician and smart in helping the Count out of some dicey situations.
Another counterpoint to di Prorok is Lonnie Pond (a real person who was a real archaeologist). Pond is precise and scientific where the Count is not. He is, in fact, horrified at the Count’s disregard for protocol and method in dealing with the Tin Hinan dig. Even so, Pond has a grudging regard for di Prorok and admits the man is personable, able to attract attention and funding.
WELL-WRITTEN, FOLLOWING THE BASIC FACTS
I found The Count of the Sahara well-written with engaging prose, a good feel for its time-period, compelling characters, and enough action and complications to keep my interest. It also presents Count di Prorok as an interesting character study, so much so that I had to look up the historical record on the man.
There is an error with dating in the expedition sections. Some of these chapters begin with a heading noting the year as 1926 when it should have been 1925 (chapter 18, for instance). The chapter text, however, is clear as to the where and when for the setting. So the error is only a minor annoyance.
As far as I can tell, Mr. Turmel has faithfully followed the basic facts of Count di Prorok’s life. Knowing how “right” he got the Count’s personality would require some research. My hunch, though, is that he came pretty close.
MORE THAN A TRUE ADVENTURE TALE
I picked up The Count of the Sahara expecting a “Jungle Jim” adventure tale. Instead, I found a period piece and character study. I was not disappointed, however, but much enjoyed the book. I highly recommend it as a bit of insight into a time that is long gone. Also, you may find some inspiration for times of self-doubt, when you need to just forge ahead anyway, even if your only support is dreams.
HELPING THE COUNT TELL HIS STORY
In January of 1925 Count Byron de Prorok, noted explorer of the ruins of Carthage, has returned from his expedition in the Sahara where he discovered the tomb of the Tuareg queen, Tin Hinan. Though of some academic importance, the discovery has yielded little in the way of valuable artifacts or new knowledge. Mostly it has yielded fuel for Count de Prorok’s lecture tour.
The Count’s lectures are well-received by the common folk in a time of vaudeville and silent movie entertainments. His ability to be entertaining in his self-promotion allows him to make money. His talks, however, depend much on movies and slides, so he needs technical help. Such help comes in the form of Wilhelm Braun, a young German-American who knows how to work projection equipment. Willy takes over one night when the Count’s college-supplied assistant proves incompetent. He does so well, that de Prorok offers him a job.
Willy is glad for the paycheck and the chance to leave his Milwaukee home. As he travels between northern cities with de Prorok, he also assumes the role of personal assistant. For all de Prorok’s eccentricities, Willy is compelled to help his boss fight off detractors, a vengeful father-in-law, and governments that consider him a grave-robber.
ENTHUSIASTIC AMATEUR
I had never heard of Count Byron de Prorok before reading The Count of the Sahara. He was a real person, though. His Wikipedia page describes him as a “Hungarian-American amateur archaeologist, anthropologist, and author of four travelogues.” His title was not real but, according to him, honorary. It seems this book’s author, Wayne Turmel, has a fascination with de Prorok, who apparently was an interesting character. He is depicted by Mr. Turmel as smart with a love for archaeological adventuring (treasure hunting) but with little patience for the science. His talent is for promotion and he knows it, saying at one point:
“I take history and all those dates and facts and all that boring…science and translate it for the brainless masses in a way they can actually comprehend. Do you think anyone really cares about science or history unless it comes with a good story?”
And that is the Count’s life in a nutshell, according to Mr. Turmel. The reader is left with the impression of di Prorok being his own worst enemy and probably in the wrong profession. He may have been great in public relations or movie producing. Self-promotion was his driver, though, with a narcissistic desire to be seen as the intrepid explorer. In that, he may not have been so unusual. Thor Heyerdahl comes to mind.
The Count of the Sahara’s narrative bounces between di Prorok’s lectures assisted by Willy in 1926 and the account of his Saharan expedition in 1925. The expedition part shares its point-of-view between di Prorok and Alonzo (Lonnie) Pond. This is where the book’s “adventure” segments come in, though they are not of the Indiana Jones sort. Rather, they are episodes of dangers and close calls stemming from di Prorok’s incompetence and inexperience. They earn the Count chastisement a few times for screwing up. Even so, he is cut some slack. As one character puts it, referring to di Prorok:
"...And, to be fair, it’s not all his fault. Poor S.O.B’s been lied to and snowed since the beginning. Didn’t really know what he was getting into, Just naïve… a green pea. I’ve seen lots of guys like that… ya see them in business all the time. Smart, talented, but they have no business being in charge. He needs a boss to keep him in line. Not everyone’s cut out to be king.”
This touches on a theme of competency and belief-in-oneself. It is expressed in di Prorok’s relation to two characters. One is his assistant, Willy Braun (totally fictional), who is a working class guy with no interest in the Count’s imagined world of exploration and adventure. Willy is self-effacing as a counterpoint to the Count’s proud self-serving. But he turns out to be a good technician and smart in helping the Count out of some dicey situations.
Another counterpoint to di Prorok is Lonnie Pond (a real person who was a real archaeologist). Pond is precise and scientific where the Count is not. He is, in fact, horrified at the Count’s disregard for protocol and method in dealing with the Tin Hinan dig. Even so, Pond has a grudging regard for di Prorok and admits the man is personable, able to attract attention and funding.
WELL-WRITTEN, FOLLOWING THE BASIC FACTS
I found The Count of the Sahara well-written with engaging prose, a good feel for its time-period, compelling characters, and enough action and complications to keep my interest. It also presents Count di Prorok as an interesting character study, so much so that I had to look up the historical record on the man.
There is an error with dating in the expedition sections. Some of these chapters begin with a heading noting the year as 1926 when it should have been 1925 (chapter 18, for instance). The chapter text, however, is clear as to the where and when for the setting. So the error is only a minor annoyance.
As far as I can tell, Mr. Turmel has faithfully followed the basic facts of Count di Prorok’s life. Knowing how “right” he got the Count’s personality would require some research. My hunch, though, is that he came pretty close.
MORE THAN A TRUE ADVENTURE TALE
I picked up The Count of the Sahara expecting a “Jungle Jim” adventure tale. Instead, I found a period piece and character study. I was not disappointed, however, but much enjoyed the book. I highly recommend it as a bit of insight into a time that is long gone. Also, you may find some inspiration for times of self-doubt, when you need to just forge ahead anyway, even if your only support is dreams.
October 28, 2020
While I read mostly nonfiction (as evidenced by the books I recommend here), my favorite fiction form is historical fiction. I guess that along with the telling of the story, I like learning something about a person or a period of time in the past.
I could tell you that is why I started reading this book, but that wouldn’t be completely true. The reason I started reading it, and the only reason I was aware of it, was that it was written by my friend and colleague, Wayne Turmel. Wayne has written seven other books, but they are in the area of his day job expertise as an expert on communicating with technology.
The reason I continued reading it is that it is really good. I told him after finishing it that the best historical fiction leaves you wanting to learn more and wondering where the history ended and the fiction began. Such is the case with this book.
- See more at: http://blog.kevineikenberry.com/perso...
I could tell you that is why I started reading this book, but that wouldn’t be completely true. The reason I started reading it, and the only reason I was aware of it, was that it was written by my friend and colleague, Wayne Turmel. Wayne has written seven other books, but they are in the area of his day job expertise as an expert on communicating with technology.
The reason I continued reading it is that it is really good. I told him after finishing it that the best historical fiction leaves you wanting to learn more and wondering where the history ended and the fiction began. Such is the case with this book.
- See more at: http://blog.kevineikenberry.com/perso...
February 16, 2016
Interesting fiction of a controversial figure
First of all, this is a well written, creative historical fiction. The main character, "count" Byron de Proroc was a Polish American that portrayed himself as an anthropologist and archeologist. Many in the field considered him a delusional fraud. But he did do a great deal of archaeology work and most of it was in Northern Africa. And he authored several books that were contributory. Also, there was great doubt that Proroc was a count or even had any noble ancestors whatsoever.
Our author really makes this flawed character come to life - very entertaining. Additionally, I appreciated the format of this presentation - alternating chapters between Africa and America. This reminds me of two of my favorite books: Tears in the Darkness and Captured Honor. I can recommend this book.
First of all, this is a well written, creative historical fiction. The main character, "count" Byron de Proroc was a Polish American that portrayed himself as an anthropologist and archeologist. Many in the field considered him a delusional fraud. But he did do a great deal of archaeology work and most of it was in Northern Africa. And he authored several books that were contributory. Also, there was great doubt that Proroc was a count or even had any noble ancestors whatsoever.
Our author really makes this flawed character come to life - very entertaining. Additionally, I appreciated the format of this presentation - alternating chapters between Africa and America. This reminds me of two of my favorite books: Tears in the Darkness and Captured Honor. I can recommend this book.
November 15, 2015
It took some doing for me to follow the story(s) because it jumped from the present to the past. If there were not dates at the top of the chapters to show when that chapter took place, I'd have been lost. A visual timeline would've been nice.
Having said all that, I liked the book. The main character, the explorer, was great. The young boy helping him was good as well. Sad ending though.
Having said all that, I liked the book. The main character, the explorer, was great. The young boy helping him was good as well. Sad ending though.
October 25, 2015
This is a real grabber.
Two stories wrapped around each other was the key to the success of this novel. You'll grow to find yourself in each of the two main characters. I found myself thinking that I had met them both in my life somewhere. Read it. You will not be disappointed.
Two stories wrapped around each other was the key to the success of this novel. You'll grow to find yourself in each of the two main characters. I found myself thinking that I had met them both in my life somewhere. Read it. You will not be disappointed.
November 6, 2015
Sad story
Sad take but one side showed the growth of a talented props man the other the sad decline of a wannabe. Writing was jerky in places and wanting for more in others. Too short causeway too much was left for the reader to paste together.
Sad take but one side showed the growth of a talented props man the other the sad decline of a wannabe. Writing was jerky in places and wanting for more in others. Too short causeway too much was left for the reader to paste together.
November 16, 2015
A unique reading experience
I really enjoyed this book. The Count was a special personality. And the perspective of young Willy rings very true. The juxtaposition of the reality of the African adventure against the story in the Count's presentation makes the story entertaining.
I really enjoyed this book. The Count was a special personality. And the perspective of young Willy rings very true. The juxtaposition of the reality of the African adventure against the story in the Count's presentation makes the story entertaining.
August 6, 2016
Boring
I got half way thru and couldn't take one more page. The two main characters were idiots...and here I thought this book was going to be about a significant archaeological find. Snore.......
I got half way thru and couldn't take one more page. The two main characters were idiots...and here I thought this book was going to be about a significant archaeological find. Snore.......
August 20, 2015
Excellent tale that transports you do a different time and place.
October 30, 2015
I would not call it Historical Fiction but
After all the Count did live. You can read up on him on Wikipedia. Altogether an entertaining delightful book with a good ending.
After all the Count did live. You can read up on him on Wikipedia. Altogether an entertaining delightful book with a good ending.
January 20, 2024
this was a wobbler between 3-4 stars
This is a fun read, but I wish that I had kept track of the names when they were first introduced. The author goes back-and-forth between first names and last names, and I had trouble keeping up as to who was who, and what they were about. Nonetheless, it was an interesting read and entertaining. I don’t know if it was just my confusion, but it seemed like the timetable went awry toward the end.
This is a fun read, but I wish that I had kept track of the names when they were first introduced. The author goes back-and-forth between first names and last names, and I had trouble keeping up as to who was who, and what they were about. Nonetheless, it was an interesting read and entertaining. I don’t know if it was just my confusion, but it seemed like the timetable went awry toward the end.
April 2, 2019
I love HF and this book should be right up my alley, but after finishing my reaction was... meh. I enjoyed the characters but the book seemed very short and lacked meat on the bones. Having a feeling of entertainment and learning something after finishing a book is one of life's great joys for me. This book didn't quite fill either of those goals.
October 18, 2019
Count
Interesting but slow and honestly I shuffled keep on top of all th people in which timeline . I did not realize til reading the credits that this is based on a real person. Fascinating storyline and history.
Interesting but slow and honestly I shuffled keep on top of all th people in which timeline . I did not realize til reading the credits that this is based on a real person. Fascinating storyline and history.
February 2, 2021
I liked the way it was written; through the eyes of a young man serving as Byron’s technical assistant with flashbacks to the actual expedition in the Sahara. The time period was interesting also as it was in the 1920s when alcohol was prohibited and the people had to go to speakeasies.
February 9, 2019
A different type of tale
Interesting thriller. Story based on questionable archeological dig in North Africa. Kept my attention. A different type of ending. A good read!
Interesting thriller. Story based on questionable archeological dig in North Africa. Kept my attention. A different type of ending. A good read!
May 7, 2022
Sry dnf :(
November 30, 2024
Got bored and annoyed at the obtuseness of the main character.
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