দ্য উইজার্ড

by H. Rider Haggard, Tarok Roy (Translator)

অলৌকিক ঘটনার যুগ কি পুরোপুরি গত হয়েছে? নাকি মাটির বুকে দাঁড়িয়ে বিশ্বাসী যদি ঠিকভাবে ডাকতে পারে, তবে বোবা আকাশের কাছ থেকে তার প্রার্থনার শ্রবণযোগ্য উত্তর এখনও আদায় করা সম্ভব? বাইবেলে সর্বশক্তিমান ঈশ্বর প্রতিশ্রুতি দিয়েছেন, যারা তাঁর এবং তাঁর কাজের উপর বিশ্বাস রাখবে, তাদের সমস্ত মনোবাঞ্ছা পূর্ণ করবেন তিনি। সেই প্রতিশ্রুতি কি আজও অটুট রয়েছে? যাঁদের গরজ রয়েছে, তাঁদেরকে রেভারেণ্ড টমাস ওয়েনের ইতিহাস পড়তে দেয়া গেল। যাঁরা তাঁর এই কাহিনি পড়বেন, যাঁর-যাঁর নিজস্ব বোধ-বুদ্ধি ও বিচার-বিশ্লেষণ ব্যবহার করে উপরের প্রশ্নগুলোর উত্তর খুঁজে নেবেন।

Genres: Classics, Adventure, Fiction, Fantasy, Novels, British Literature, Ebooks

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1896

About the author

Sir 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.

Reviews

[Md. Al Fidah · Rating 4 out of 5]

অনেকদিন পর একটা সুখপাঠ্য অনুবাদ পড়লাম।

[Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Relatively short and didactic. The Reverend Thomas Owen, comfortably ensconced in his English countryside parish, hears tell of a central African tribe, the People of Fire, who booted out the last set of missionaries to try to convert them (well, one was booted and the other was handled more ... permanently), takes it into his head that he will be the one to bring the Word of the Gospel to these benighted heathens.

So off we go to Africa and, when he reaches the land of the People of Fire, complications (a dying king, feuding heirs to the aforementioned king, a witch doctor who's entirely unimpressed with the idea of his people converting en masse, etc.), and will the Power of Christianity Prevail?

Honestly, not one of Haggard's better works, although considering the subject matter, he manages to pepper in an adequate amount of action & adventure. Probably closer to a 2.5, really.

[Sagor Reza · Rating 3 out of 5]

এটা হ্যাগার্ডের সেরা কাজ গুলোর মধ্যে পড়ে না। গল্পের শেষটা ঠিক জমে নি। হোকোসাকে সবচেয়ে ভালো লেগেছে এই গল্পে। অনুবাদ অসাধারণ।

[Kawsar Mollah · Rating 4 out of 5]

হ্যাগার্ড এর অন্য বইগুলো থেকে একটু ভিন্ন এই বইটা। ফিনিশিং টা মনে আরো একটু গভীর হলে ভালো হতো

সেবার অনুবাদ তাই বরাবর এর মত ভালো ছিল
হ্যাপি রিডিং :)

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Wizard," H. Rider Haggard's 21st novel out of an eventual 58, was initially released as a serial in a publication called "The African Review" and then in its complete form in the October 29, 1896 "Arrowsmith's Christmas Annual for Boys." It was the third of four African novels that Haggard wrote from 1895-97, the others being "Black Heart and White Heart," "Swallow" and "Elissa," all of which I can highly recommend, by the way, especially "Swallow." "The Wizard" tells the story of Thomas Owen, a British missionary who ventures into the wilds of south central Africa to bring the Good Word to a tribe called the Amasuka, or the Children of Fire. A previous missionary had been killed by the tribe for his failure to work Christ-like miracles, but Owen, who Haggard eventually refers to as a saint, is undaunted. His advent at the tribe precipitates all manner of problems, including a poisoning attempt on its king, Umsuka; the seemingly inevitable conflict with head medicine man Hokosa; and a civil war between the princes Nodwengo and Hafela. I have yet to read a Haggard book (and I've read almost 40 at this point; the author can prove addictive!) that did not feature several action sequences, and "The Wizard" is no exception. Owen undergoes several trials by fire against the wizard guild--trials that resemble chicken runs with lightning--and the civil war that ultimately erupts in the land of the Amasuka features several exciting battle scenes and sieges. Haggard was a master at clearly describing these epic battle sequences to make them easily visualized by the reader, and his skill is in full flower here.

As in so many of Haggard's other novels, fantastical elements come into play. Hokosa does indeed seem to be in command of some supernatural forces (he is able to commune with the spirits of the dead, for example), and Owen the saint is apparently capable himself of working miracles. He seems to be endowed with the power of far sight and the ability to deflect lightning, and like a true saint, sacrifices much over the course of the novel with a willing and forgiving heart. Like Haggard, he is a true Christian believer, whose faith he deems the only shield that is necessary. Similar to Haggard's 1920 short story "Little Flower," "The Wizard" is basically concerned with the battle between two opposing theologies (in the short story, the Rev. Thomas Bull goes up against the Zulu wizard Menzi), and although both wizards are shown to be truly adept at the mystical arts, both are ultimately swayed by the Christian missionaries, although for very different reasons. "The Wizard" also features still another of Haggard's strong native female characters: Hokosa's ambitious second wife, Noma. Though not nearly in the same league as Ayesha, from Haggard's seminal fantasy "She" (1887), or even as well drawn as Nada (from Haggard's superb 1892 novel "Nada the Lily") or Mameena (from 1913's "Child of Storm"), she is nevertheless a memorable creation, and is largely responsible for pushing the action along in the book's second half. "The Wizard" has been written in a simple, straightforward style by Haggard, and at less than 300 pages, is one of the author's shorter novels. It is filled with Christian allegory but never becomes preachy or polemical. Still, adherents of the Christian faith may be inclined to give it an extra star, if only for the presence in it of apparent modern-day miracles that are scattered throughout. Though little read today, "The Wizard" is a wonder-filled entertainment, and still another feather in Haggard's already crowded cap.

[Sumaiyah · Rating 4 out of 5]

বইটা সুন্দর, গতানুগতিক না। আমার সমস্যা এক জায়গাতেই, কেন জানি না আমার ধর্মের আদিম রূপটাকে ভালো লাগে, এর পরিবর্তন করাটা ভালো লাগেনা...
বইটার অনুবাদ অনবদ্য! শেষের পরিণতিটা কেমন যেন হয়েছে, ঠিক আশানুরূপ হয়নি।

[সারস্বত · Rating 4 out of 5]

হোকোসার চরিত্রটা আধ্যাত্মিকতায় একটা সময় টমাস ওয়েনকেও যেন ছাড়িয়ে গেছে


আর অসাধারণ অনুবাদ প্রতিভায় অভিজ্ঞ হলাম :)

[Brian Skinner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is similar to the story of King Lamoni in the Book of Mormon. It has a lot more magical lore in it though.

[Sazid Shahriar · Rating 3 out of 5]

টিপিকাল হ্যাগার্ড স্টোরি, সেই সাদামানুষ, সেই আফ্রিকা, সেই অলৌকিকতা।
তবে অনুবাদ বেশ ঝরঝরে, কিছু কিছু শব্দচয়ন একটু খটকা দেয় যদিও।

[Caleb Lagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether your looking for a thought provoking adventure concerning the nature of miracles and the supernatural or simply an entertaining story about pre-colonial Africa, The Wizard will meet and exceed your expectations. Truly a rare book that could be enjoyed by both adults and children alike while teaching them valuable lessons about courage, love and magic.

[Masum Billah · Rating 3 out of 5]

যুদ্ধটা অন্ধকার আফ্রিকার অগ্নিসন্তান উপজাতির কালো জাদুকরের সাথে ইশ্বরের আলোয় আলোকিত এক খ্রিস্টান ধর্ম যাজকের। যিনি এই ভয়ংকর উপজাতির মাঝে ধর্ম প্রচার করতে গিয়ে সম্মুখীন হন ভয়ংকর সব বিপদের। তার প্রধান বাধা উপজাতির প্রধান জাদুকর। কে জিতবে এই যুদ্ধে? ধর্ম নাকি শয়তান?

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little short novel.

[Trounin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Пришло время разрушить прежде высказанное суждение. Хаггард всё-таки написал произведение про миссионера, отправившегося вглубь Африки для распространения веры в божественный промысел. Тому священнику предстояло выйти на племя огнепоклонников, дабы доказать силу своего Бога над силами стихии язычников. Должна была быть поставлена проблематика: сумеет ли миссионер преодолеть пещерные предрассудки и сообщить жителям Центральной Африки истинность заповедей божьих. Но Хаггард — есть Хаггард. Для него сюжет важнее какой-либо иной составляющей. Причём сюжет должен быть интригующим. Да оного не оказалось. Миссионер будет втянут в извечные распри за власть. Что среди англичан фигура короля может вызывать споры, особенно в моменты наступления наследования, то таковое случается и среди остальных народов, в том числе и населяющих африканский континент, на какой бы ступени развития они не стояли. Потому и будет замешан главный герой в соответствующие интриги. И читатель волен подумать: а когда у Хаггарда случалось иначе?

(c) Trounin

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published around in 1896 and it is a tale of victorious faith, so there is a strong Christian message running through the story.

The story opens in the 1890’s in the English Midlands where the Rev. Thomas Owen who receives substanial family funds and is in a comfortable parish when he decides to become a missionary to a hostile and remote African tribe, the Children of Fire, located in central Africa where white men don’t venture and the tribe killed an earlier missionary and has been declared off limits. After the opening, the story jumps 2 years finding Owen having spent 2 years just across the tribe’s boarder and just receiving permission to visit the king. He is now known as “The Messenger.” He’s able to foil a plot by the king’s oldest son, Hafela, to kill his father and become king with the help of the leading tribal wizard/medicineman, Hokosa, who is Owen’s main opponent along with Hafela who was fled.

There is quite a twist at the end

[Matt Kelland · Rating 1 out of 5]

I used to love Haggard when I was younger. Now I find most of his work almost unreadable racist, evangelical claptrap.

All black people are savages; simple, superstitious, cruel, cunning, naive heathens.
All white people are heroic, powerful, innately superior Christians who are protected by the power of Jesus and have the right - nay, the duty - to rule over the savages and convert them.

The Messiah part of this story is clumsy and ham-fisted, but it gets worse; the Africans convert to Christianity, which allows them to defeat a much larger force (because, uh, Jesus), while our reformed Judas hangs on a cross and gives his life for his people. It's just awful, horrible writing that is nothing but imperialist Christian propaganda. I'm not in favor of banning books simply because they're offensive by modern standards, but on the other hand, I'd happily shove this one in a box and forget about it for ever.

[Luella Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in tribal Africa, one man has the chance to change the lives of a people. But the wager is his life...

What a great Haggard! Normally I can only tolerate a little of his supernatural stuff, but even with much this was excellent. It wasn't one-sided this time, but rather two spiritual forces at war. And one man was the catalyst: not a great man, but simply a willing one. I can only wish Haggard wrote more of men like Pastor Owen.

'"Saturate me with the oil of the Spirit that I may be aflame. But flame is transient, often short-lived. Canst thou bear this, my soul – short life? … Make me thy fuel, Flame of God.” ~ Jim Elliot

[Md Tazri]

লেখক হেনরি রাইডার হেগার্ড।এই সেই লেখক নয়।বড় মানেরেই লেখক।এই গল্পটা ধর্ম নিয়েই।ধরেন আপনার উপর একটা দায়িত্ব নাযিল হলো।ধর্মের।সত্য প্রচারের দায়েত্ব।সেই দায়িত্বটা কী ভাবে মানুষের সামনে তুলে ধরবেন..?বিশেষ করে একটা মূর্খ সম্প্রদায় এর উপর।তখন সকলে প্রথমে আপনাকে পাগল বলবে।এটিও তেমন একটি গল্প।একজন এর উপর দায়িত্ব আসে ধর্ম প্রচারে।তাহলে তাকে কী কী বাধা অতিক্রম করতে হবে সেটা এখানে সন্দুর ভাবে তুলে ধরেছে।🤓🤓🤓

[Shaid Zaman · Rating 3 out of 5]

হ্যাগার্ড এর এখন পর্যন্ত সবথেকে দুর্বল বই। হ্যাগার্ড এর লেখার সাথে যারা পরিচিত তারা আমার কথা মেনে নিবেন আমার মনে হয়। তবে হ্যাগার্ড বলেই এরকম একটা দুর্বল উপন্যাস ও সুখপাঠ্য হয়ে ওঠে।

[Munem Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

এক কথায় অসাধারণ

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of a man...a Reverend. Upon hearing the tale of one missionary's frightening encounter with a native tribe in Africa, Reverend Thomas Owen feels the need to visit this tribe and teach them. He travels to Africa and endeavors to learn the language and teach the people of this tribe, but to do so, he must survive a plan set in motion by the wizard, Hokosa, to overthrow the king. This is the story of one man's ultimate faith and willingness to lay down his life for The Lord's work. It is also a story of deceit and forgiveness.

I love how Haggard begins this book...

"Has the age of miracle quite gone by, or is it still possible to the Voice of Faith calling aloud upon the earth to wring from the dumb heavens an audible answer to its prayer? Does the promise uttered by the Master of mankind upon the eve of the end-"Whoso that believeth in Me, the works that I do he shall do also . . . and whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do; "-still hold good to such as do ask and do believe? Let those who care to study the history of the Rev. Thomas Owen, and of that strange man who carried on and completed his work, answer this question according to their judgment."

This is why I love Haggard. His stories are exciting and thought provoking. He words things in a way that I could only dream of mastering. To be honest, I feel smarter just reading his stories, if I could only speak or write this way!

I enjoyed this story because it portrayed the most Christ-like of men. Reverend Owen had ultimate faith. He sincerely sought to teach and help those that others would turn from and run, he loved his enemy, he never gave up hope, and he was forgiving. This character reminded me of what kind of person I want to be. This story also portrayed the ability to change... and how hearts can be turned. A true story of redemption.

If you have not read any of Henry Rider Haggard's stories, I highly recommend you try one!

[for-much-deliberation ... · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a myriad of christian allegory, The Wizard, by Haggard tells the tale of a missionary Thomas Owen; a wizard or medicine man Hokosa; and two princes Nodwengo and Hafela.
After hearing an account of a former missionary's mishaps amongst an African tribe called Amasuka of Children of Fire, Owen decides despite all odds to take the 'good word' to these men. He is a success, but much discord arises. The old king dies his sons are at odds and Nodwengo wins. His follows convert to the christian belief but those aligned to Hafela remain in their darkness... Apart from all this jazz there is the Wizard, yes... the 'great' Wizard...

[michael foley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Timeless themes of faith, redemption, civil conflict, and betrayal
Mike’s review of H. Rider Haggard’s The Wizard- kindle edition.
This is a novel presenting timeless themes of faith, redemption, civil conflict, and betrayal. Set in the lost world of central Africa in the 1890’s, we encounter the Children of Fire and their visit from “ Messenger”, a missionary named Thomas Owen. Tribal mysticism and culture clash with Victorian era values of Christianity , with some intrigue, adventure, FORGIVENESS, and epic battle scenes thrown in for good measure. The story kept me interested. Give this one a try…
Rating B- Mike october-books

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of Haggard's most exciting novels exploring themes of beliefs and one with a strong Christian message. In the character of the wizard Hokosa, Haggard has created one of his most compelling and interesting figures. The pace of the novel is faster and in spite of its didactic nature, it feel much faster than some of his other adventures. Of course there is a powerful ruler, an ancient tribe and an enigmatic woman at the heart of the adventure.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is yet another wonderful tale by the renowned Haggard, although it doesn't pack in the travel and adventure detail of some of his other works. That is offset beautifully by the revealing of God's redeeming forgiveness and Grace in this work of Christian fiction.

[charles hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wizard

Very good story of faith, at all odds. When all is lost, it only seems that way. This was written from an eternal stand point. In the final analysis, that is all that really matters.

[John Velona · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow!

I didn't know that this book even existed. A very moving story. And so well done. I became completely wrapped up in the story and found myself crying through much of the book. Haggard is super special, don't you agree?

[Jim Bradford · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic tale of treachery and forgiveness - and above all, faith. Not at all what I expected, and yet beyond my expectations in the best way.

[Janelle]

I just lost interest in the story and couldn't be bothered finishing it.

[Courtney Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as other Haggard books.

[শুভঙ্কর শুভ · Rating 3 out of 5]

���ো সো। অনুবাদ ভালো লেগেছে। যদিও কিছু শব্দ চয়ন একটু চোখে লেগেছে। তবে সেটা আমার পড়ার অভ্যাসের কারণেই হয়তো। ছোট মাপের একটা বই, সময় কাটিয়ে দিছে ভালোই।