She and Allan

Allan Quatermain #11

by H. Rider Haggard

"I believe it was the old Egyptians – a very wise people, probably indeed much wiser than we know for in the leisure of their ample centuries they had time to think out things – who declared that each individual personality is made up of six or seven different elements, although the Bible only allows us three, namely body soul and spirit..."

Wanting to learn if he can communicate with deceased loved ones, adventurer and trader Allan Quatermain seeks a meeting with the feared Zulu witch-doctor Zikali. He tells Allan he must seek out a great white sorceress who rules a hidden kingdom far to the north, and he charges Allan to take a message to her. En route, Quatermain encounters emigrant Scotsmen, cannibals, witch doctors, the beautiful Inez, and of course the mysterious She, or Ayesha.

Although third in order of publication, this book is first in the chronology of the adventures of She.

Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Fiction, Classics, Novels, Historical Fiction, Pulp

227 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1921

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

[Rifat · Rating 2 out of 5]

শী অ্যান্ড অ্যালান বইটিকে "শী" সিরিজের প্রিক্যুয়েল বলা চলে। "শী" এবং "রিটার্ন অভ শী" তে বর্ণিত জন্ম-জন্মান্তরের কাহিনী কেন ঘটেছে তার ব্যাখ্যা আছে এই বইটিতে।

অ্যালান কোয়াটারমেইন রাতের অতন্দ্র প্রহরী নামে পরিচিত সেই বিখ্যাত ভ্রমণকারী আর এডভেঞ্চাচারার। হোরেস হলি আর লিও যখন অপরূপা নারীর রহস্য উন্মোচন করে একটি পান্ডুলিপি প্রকাশ করে তখনই অ্যালান তার অতীত অভিজ্ঞতা প্রকাশ করার সিদ্ধান্ত নেয়। হ্যা, স্বয়ং অ্যালানও সেই রহস্যময়ী নারীর সাহচর্য পেয়েছিল।
প্রিয়জনদের স্মৃতিতেকাতর অ্যালান যায় জাদুকর যিকালির কাছে। সে জানতে চায় মৃত্যু পরবর্তী মানুষদের অবস্থা সম্পর্কে, ঠিক তখনি যিকালি তাকে বলে প্রাচীন কোর শহরের এক রহস্যময়ী শ্বেতাঙ্গিনীর কথা। যিকালি অ্যালানকে দেয় তার এক মাদুলি আর বলে তার সঙ্গী হিসেবে থাকবে কিছু লোক। কোর নগরীতে গেলেই সে তার উত্তর পাবে। এই ভাবে অ্যালান যাত্রা শুরু করে, উদ্দেশ্য সেই নারী- আয়শা!!

বরাবরের মতোই ভালো অনুবাদ আর হেনরি হ্যাগার্ডের দারুণ মানবীয় বর্ণনা।যেমনঃ

"আয়তাকার দুই চোখ, মণিতে মিশেছে নিকষ কালো ও গাঢ় নীল রঙ। আয়ত ভাসা ভাসা চোখে রাজকীয় অলস দৃষ্টি।"

সত্যি বলতে গেলে শুরুর দিকে অনেক উপভোগ করেছি, বেশ এডভেঞ্চারাস ছিল। কিন্তু আসল জায়গায় যাওয়ার পর শুরু হল বোরিং কাহিনী। মাঝের দিকে আর শেষের ৮০/৯০ পৃষ্ঠায় জীবন-মরণ নিয়ে আয়শা আর অ্যালানের ঘ্যান-ঘ্যানানিতে মাথা ধরে গেছিল।

And it was okay 🙄 (ভিতরে ভিতরে এই প্রায় ৪০০ পেইজের বইকে ২তারা দিতে হচ্ছে বলে কষ্ট পেলুম😑)

~১২ নভেম্বর, ২০২০

[Gypsi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Published in 1921, She and Allan brings together Haggard's two most popular characters: Allan Quatermain and Ayesha. Allan seeks out Ayesha, through the encouragement of the witch doctor Zikali, in hopes of finding answers about dead loved ones. He becomes involved in the rescue attempt of a young Portuguese-Scotch woman, as well as a battle between Ayesha's followers and her enemies.

I thoroughly enjoyed She, which introduces Ayesha, and am a long-standing fan of the Quatermain books. I found this one to be sub-par for Haggard, as there is frequent pseudo-philosophical screed that was often mind-numbingly dull for me. I did like, though, how different Ayesha's relationship was with Allan as compared to that with Leo and Holly. I also liked that she told Allan a just-sightly different version of her history that than which was told in both She and Ayesha.

Allan's skepticism, though, kept the preternatural abilities of Ayesha from being fully enjoyed, leaving the reader to figure out the truth in between her speeches and his thoughts.

The action was, as is usual with Haggard, excellent and exciting. Allan Quartermain is a hero I particularly enjoy reading about, and I think Haggard has done a wonderful job of developing his character. I also liked getting to know Umslopogaas and wish that I had read his story in Nada the Lilly prior to this, and look forward to reading it later.

Sadly, I can't rate She and Allan any higher than 3 stars, due to the long, dull speeches and explanations of Ayesha. If one is willing to skim over those bits, though, and focus on the rest of the plot, this is a good yarn.

[Farhan · Rating 1 out of 5]

যা-তা!!!

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

If SHE AND ALLAN were my first H. Rider Haggard novel, I would have enjoyed it a good deal more. It's a good book, but almost everything in it is a variation on other stuff Haggard had written. The end result is entertaining enough, but feels predictable and rote.
The most interesting thing about SHE AND ALLAN is that it pulls together characters from three different series. However, my feelings about this are mixed, as I've never been a big fan of Haggard's SHE novels. And, certainly, SHE AND ALLAN is frequently bogged down by She-who-commands' long, tiresome soliloquies.
And then there is Allan Quatermain, whose attempts to find rational explanations for everything become almost comical amidst She-who-commands' frequent and obvious usage of magic and witchcraft. As per usual, the story is narrated from Allan's perspective, and his occasional racist comment or description will no doubt offend sensitive readers, as will his wanton killing--er, "hunting"--of a herd of hippopotami.
On the book's plus side, it's got cannibals, crocodiles, magic talismans, the most beautiful woman in history, an enchanted axe, ancient prophecies, hidden cities, an epic battle, fortune-telling, and a journey to the land of the dead. With all that going for it, too bad SHE AND ALLAN isn't a more enjoyable read.

[Gilgamesh · Rating 2 out of 5]

শী আর রিটার্ন অভ শীর ধারে কাছেও নাই। নাই মানে কোনো দিক দিয়েই নাই। আয়েশা, যার রূপে গুনে আমি মুগ্ধ সেই আয়েশাকেও খুব ভালোভাবে কাহিনীতে ব্যবহার করতে পারে নাই। শুধু নামেই বইটার পরিচিতি আমার মতে। অনেকটাই হতাশ। 🥹

[Janet Logan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not only is this, as noted by others, the weakest of the She novels I have read so far, but truly it was often unpleasant. Allan is a man of his time, for certain. He is a true to his core misogynist. His frequent comments of the weakness and flaws of all women is at best distracting, and at worst disruptive, of what could have been a decent adventure tale.

[Riddhiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book stands out for various reasons. Firstly, that it is a crossover - the meeting of his two greatest characters - Allan Quatermain and She (Ayesha). Secondly, this one has a lot of philosophical and metaphysical reflections that I hadn't encountered in Haggard's writings. It is quite thrilling, like his other novels. An enjoyable read.

[Russell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Haggard combines two of his best creations into a crossover novel. I liked it, but not as much as his other novels.
The format didn't work as well as I thought it should have, Allan is too incredulous of anything not material and Ayesha is too otherworldly for them to mix together in a way that works as well as they do in their own novels.
However, that said, Haggard gets to tell another adventure story that he does so well, he can expand on Ayesha's mercurial character and let Allan do what he does best in making the best of a bad situation and keeping his head on his shoulders. Haggard also expanded on the character of Umslopogaas, the great Zulu chieftain, and his axe. He also played around with his personal metaphysics and thoughts on the afterlife, a Christian fusion with old African witch doctors and folklore.

The problems with the novel aren't many, but I felt they detracted from what should have been a solid adventure. One is that we know that nothing major is going to happen, mostly because it was written after the major events of Ayesha and Allan had already by decided in other books. The retrofitting of the timeline lessened the potential impact. Another problem was their world views are too differing to fit together in way that didn't feel somewhat forced.

Some of the best parts are when Haggard plays off of Ayesha the woman and Allan the man. For instance, during one discussion the topic of marriage between Allan and Ayesha comes up. Allan had already decided her beauty was beyond the reach of his desire and Ayesha had already alluded to her waiting for her one true love, so Allan shoots down the idea, naturally assuming that was what they both wanted. Ayesha is immediately annoyed he was dismissive of the idea of marrying her, even though she had no intention of marrying Allan herself.

Towards the end of the book, Ayesha plays on Allan's emotions, appearing vulnerable and distraught in front of him. Allan, being a man, naturally tries to comfort her and feels drawn to her. Ayesha the reveals she purposely tricked him as an object lesson. Allan was less than pleased but acknowledges the lesson.

All in all, though, it's a solid book in Haggard's already impressive works of two-fisted action in colonial Africa. If you are already a fan of his books this is a fun read, if you haven't yet had the pleasure of reading Haggard, don't start with this book.

[Adam Carnehl · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fate that Haggard's two most popular characters would meet (or, more accurately, clash) in an adventure novel set in the familiar central African city of Kor. "She and Allan" is, in many respects, typical Haggard: there is a massive hunting scene, desperate treks through the wilderness, an imperiled young girl, a climactic battle, and two or three prophecies along the way that are fulfilled by Quatermain or his friend, Umslopogaas. Perhaps because it seems so familiar, and contains basically all of the themes or tropes we expect from Haggard, it recedes into the background behind the works revolving around Ayesha which preceded it, namely, "Ayesha: The Return of She," and the absolutely brilliant novel "She."

Yet this is not to say that "She and Allan" is a waste of time. I found Haggard's description of Ayesha to be markedly different than in the earlier novels. In "She" Ayesha is the ancient philosopher-tyrant, ruling her people with an iron fist through her powers and genius. In "Ayesha" she is the alchemist: transmuting impassioned love from time immemorial into pure energy just as she easily changes common elements to pure gold. In "She and Allan" she is the witch - a shifty, beguiling, magical creature. I was surprised that in "She and Allan" Ayesha "stoops down" to the Amahaggars' level and openly converses with their captains, while also seems far too ready to meet Allan and even Hans. That is why I characterise her as a "witch" in this book; gone is the mystery and fascination in the earlier novels; in this tale she seems to be more like everyone else, though possessing greater abilities.

[Paul Cornelius · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is a somewhat grumpy Allan the reader encounters in She and Allan, a novel that brings together Haggard's two most enduring characters, Allan Quatermain and the ethereal Ayesha. Despite the promise such a meeting might inspire, Haggard failed to produce anything near the quality of his earlier works that dealt with the two. Instead of insight and introspection, we get repetitive harangues on life and what comes after. Ayesha plays the role of Allan's psychoanalyst, probing and testing him, albeit in unethical and deceitful ways. For his part, Allan is such a rationalizing grouch that you wish he hadn't bothered with the trip in the first place. We learn nothing new about either Allan or Ayesha. We do not even learn anything new about Kor or the people of the lost civilization among whose remains dwells Ayesha. Disappointing.

[Madhura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although it unites Haggards's two most popular characters, Allan and Ayesha, the book is predominantly of Allan's adventures. 3 stars only because you get to read about Ayesha again -- otherwise I'd rate it 2 because later in the book Allan's skepticism sounds more like stupidity to me. Looking forward to read the last book in "She" series. Hope to find more about Ayesha in it.

[Johnny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Allan Quartermain was “Indiana Jones” before the “Indy” franchise existed. H. Rider Haggard’s King Solomon’s Mines was The Librarian before Bob Newhart recruited the current protagonist of the television series. The goddess-like Ayesha was “She Who Must Be Obeyed” before Sir John Mortimer’s Rumpole of the Bailey co-opted the term for his spouse. In terms of fantastic pulp fiction, Haggard’s novels are the Ur-source. Naturally, in this volume entitled She and Allan, the “She” is Ayesha and the “Allan” is Quartermain. Modern readers may not be able to get past the colonial mindset and its racism inherent to these stories, but that would be their loss. One would hope to be thankful most of humanity has grown beyond some of that disgusting prejudice, but mentally mark that it is possible for it to rear its ugly head again.

She and Allan is not only solid pulp adventure, but it is full of Haggard’s philosophical ponderings as well. I very much enjoyed Quartermain’s concern about public confession of sin whaen an old drunken lecher turns around and becomes fanatical about confessing his sins loudly. “I did not in the least wish to hear all about Robertson’s sins which seemed to have been many and peculiar. It is bad enough to have to bear the burden of one’s own transgressions without learning of those of other people, that is, unless one is a priest and must do so professionally.” (p. 145) At one point, Ayesha dangles the idea of a longevity bordering upon immortality in front of Quartermain, but Quartermain suggests that she is imprisoned by the very thing with which she tempts him. She confesses: “Alas! That through the secret that was revealed to me I remain undying on the earth who in death might perchance have found a rest, and being human although half-divine, must still busy myself with the affairs of earth. Look you, Wanderer, after that which was fated had happened and I remained in my agony of solitude and sorrow, after too, I had drunk of the cup of enduring life and like the Prometheus of old fable, found myself bound to this changeless rock, whereon day by day the eagles of remorse tear out my living heart…” (p. 171). The last may not be altogether philosophical, but it is certainly poetic and memorable.

Or consider Ayesha’s summary of the need for faith: “Only those who believe nothing inherit what they believe – nothing.” (p. 174) Sometimes, Ayesha’s words remind one of the Old Testament prophets. For example, “…because you only see the scabbard [Ayesha’s appearance], you have forgotten the sword within [Ayesha’s power] and that it can shine forth and smite.” (p. 187) And then, there is simply the entertaining phrase such as when Ayesha tells Quartermain, “I think, O Allan, your sandals, which should be winged like those of the Roman Mercury, are weighted with the grey lead of fear.” (p. 251)

Quartermain is a strange fantasy protagonist. He neither goes mad like those characters of H.P. Lovecraft nor does he simply go with the flow like his counterpart Indy does. Rather, he is pulled kicking and screaming through his skepticism and denial into situations that he feebly attempts to explain away, though the narrative clearly indicates otherwise. Maybe, on some level, Quartermain is a cautionary version of Hamlet’s Horatio, needing to be reminded that some things in the universe/multiverse just can’t be explained.

In She and Allan, Quartermain seeks knowledge that humans should not have. So, naturally, he ends up dealing with supernatural threats and miraculous escapes. Naturally, he sees a terrific cost in human blood related to his expedition. And, as to be expected, the end of the journey was not what he had hoped it would be. I’m glad I read She and Allan but the end of the journey was not what I had hoped, either.

[Farhan Nayem · Rating 2 out of 5]

'মিথ্যা,শুধু মিথ্যা,সবই মিথ্যা! তবে বলব,মাকুমাযান,ওসব মিথ্যার ওপাশেই থাকে অপূর্ব এক চিরকালীন সত্য।'

— জাদুকর যিকালি

হেনরি রাইডার হ্যাগার্ডের লেখা "শী" সিরিজের প্রিকুয়েল "শী অ্যান্ড অ্যালান" বইটা মাত্রই পড়ে শেষ করলাম। বইটা পড়ে আমার কি অনুভূতি চলুন আলোচনা করা যাকঃ

◼️কাহিনী সংক্ষেপঃ দুর্ধর্ষ শিকারি অ্যালান কোয়াটারমেইন বুড়ো জাদুকর যিকালির পাতা ফাঁদে পা দিয়েই বুঝলো আর কোন উপায় নেই, এবার ওকে যেতেই হবে রোমাঞ্চকর এক অভিযানে। সাথে সহযাত্রী হিসেবে থাকল চাকর হ্যান্স,জুলু যোদ্ধারা এবং অতি অবশ্যই জাদুকরের দেওয়া মাদুলি। ওরা খুঁজে চলেছে এক শ্বতাঙ্গ ডাইনীকে,যে বলে দেবে প্রিয় মানুষগুলো মৃত্যুর পর ওপারের দুনিয়ায় কেমন আছে। সকল জীবিত প্রাণীদের জন্য কি অপেক্ষা করে আছে মৃত্যুর কোলে ঢলে পড়ার পর। কিন্তু অ্যালান কি জানত শুধু এই প্রশ্নের উত্তরই নয়,এর সাথে তাকে জানতে হবে আরও অনেক অনেক প্রশ্নের উত্তরের। জড়িয়ে পড়তে হবে মরণপন ভয়ংকর এক যুদ্ধে। এই অভিযান থেকে হয়তো আর কখনোই ফেরা হবে না তার। বেরিয়ে পড়া হবে না নতুন কোন অজানা গন্তব্যের দিকে। তাহলে ভাগ্যের সুঁতোয় কি শেষবারের মতো আটকা পড়বে রাতের অতন্দ্র প্রহরী অ্যালান কোয়াটারমেইন?


◼️পাঠ প্রতিক্রিয়াঃ "শী অ্যান্ড অ্যালান" বইটা পড়ার পর যদি এক শব্দে আমাকে রিভিউ দিতে হয় তাহলে বলব "হতাশাজনক"। এমনিতে হেনরি রাইডার হ্যাগার্ড আমার অত্যন্ত পছন্দের একজন লেখক। তার এডভেঞ্চার বইগুলো আমার দারুন প্রিয়। "শী" সিরিজটা আমি আগে পড়িনি বিধায় ভাবলাম প্রিকুয়েল দিয়েই শুরু করা যাক। বইটা পড়ে বেশ হতাশই হয়েছি বলা চলে। কারণ ভেবেছিলাম আফ্রিকার পটভূমিতে উপজাতি,জাদুমন্ত্র ও দুর্গম অভিযানের সংমিশ্রনে দারুন কিছু পাবো। বইয়ের প্রথম ভাগে অ্যালানের অভিযানের প্রস্তুতি,ইনেযের অপহরণ, তাকে বাচাতে গিয়ে মানুষখেকো আমাহ্যাগারদের ধাওয়া এবং শেষমেষ মানুষখেকোদের সাথে এক জমজমাট লড়াই বেশ উপভোগ করছিলাম। কিন্তু সমস্যাটা শুরু হলো দ্বিতীয় ভাগে এসে, অ্যালানের কোর শহরে যাওয়ার পর থেকে। সেখানে ওর সাথে দেখা হলো আয়েশার। আয়েশার প্রতিপক্ষ রেযুর সাথে যুদ্ধ করা ছাড়া কাহিনীর দ্বিতীয়ভাগে তেমন আর কিছুই ঘটে না। তাছাড়া আয়েশা ও অ্যালানের মধ্যে প্রচুর আধ্যাত্মিক ও দার্শনিক টাইপের কথাবার্তা রয়েছে,প্রথমদিকে এসব ভালো লাগলেও একপর্যায়ে বিরক্ত লাগছিল। শুধু বারবার মনে হচ্ছিল কাহিনীটা কেবল একই জায়গায় বারবার ঘুরপাক খাচ্ছে,সামনে এগোচ্ছে না। অনুমান করেছিলাম হয়তো কাহিনীর শেষটা খুব ভালোভাবে হবে, যেমনটা হ্যাগার্ডের অন্য বইগুলোতে হয়। কিন্তু সেখানেও আমাকে হতাশ হতে হয়েছে,খুব সাদামাটাভাবে সমাপ্তি টানা হয়েছে গোটা কাহিনীর।

সব মিলিয়ে,হেনরি রাইডার হ্যাগার্ডের এই বইটা আমার প্রত্যাশা পূরন করতে পারেনি। তবে "শী" সিরিজ পড়া শুরু করতে চাইলে এই বইটা দিয়েই পড়া শুরু করা উচিত বলে আমি মনে করি।


★ব্যক্তিগত রেটিংঃ ৪/১০ (বিলো এভারেজ)

[Janne Wass · Rating 3 out of 5]

35 years after his genre-making barnstormers "She" and "King Solomon's Mines", British adventure novelist and former missionary in Africa, H. Rider Haggard, finally teamed up his two most popular characters: the eternal witch queen Ayesha (She) and the great white hunter and adventurer Allan Quatermain.

Once again Quatermain teams up with the noble, axe-wielding warrior Umslopogaas, this time with long-lost loves as motivation, to set out on (another) final adventure. Haggard made the rookie mistake of both introducing and killing off one of his greatest characters, Umslopogaas, in his third adventure novel, "Allan Quatermain", so every subsequent book involving him had to be set before that one, making the Haggard fictional timeline somewhat confusing.

While Haggard's first adventure novels exploded in the literary world with new ideas, wonderful imagination and a raw, simple language free of the flowery wording of many contemporaries, by the twenties the quality of his books had been waning for some time, mostly due to a lack of new ideas. "She and Allan" mostly treads familiar grounds, more or less retreading stories from earlier novels, "She" in particular. Nevertheless, the book rises above most of his later output, simply because of the long-awaited meeting of his two iconic characters. However, Haggard milks the idea of this "prophesised" encounter to the point of absurdity.

"She and Allan" can't stand up to the quality of Haggard's first three adventures, but it is still an entertaining yarn, and a must for all Quatermain fans.

[নাঈম ইসলাম · Rating 3 out of 5]

অ্যালান কোয়াটারমেইন, যার উপাধি রাতের অতন্দ্র প্রহরী, যার শকুনি চোখ এড়িয়ে কোরনদিন কোন শিকার পালাতে পারেনি, যার বিচারবুদ্ধি এবং দক্ষতায় বার বার প্রান বেচেঁছে অনেক অনেক মানুষের, থেমেছে না জানি কতগুলো গৃহযুদ্ধ, সেই রাতের অতন্দ্র প্রহরী মাকুমাযান অ্যালান কোয়াটারমেইন এবারে এক যাদুকরের চক্রান্তে গিয়ে হাজির হয় আয়েশার দেশে।

সেই কোর নগরী, যেখানে আয়েশা রাজত্ব করছে দুই হাজার বছরের বেশি সময় নিয়ে। অ্যালান কোয়াটারমেইন আয়���শা তথা সাদা ডাইনীর সাথে তার এই সাক্ষাত এর কথা হয়ত সারাজীবনই গোপন রাখতেন, কিন্তু যখন বৃদ্ধ বয়সে তিনি জানতে পারলেন কি ঘটেছিল লিও ভিনসি এবং হলির ভাগ্যে, পড়তে পারলেন তাদের অভিযান, তিনি এই ঘটনা প্রকাশ করার সিদ্ধান্ত নেন।

আয়েশা ছলনাময়ী, সে জাদুর দিক থেকে অনেক ক্ষমতাবান, কিন্তু কিভাবে তিনগুন বেশি সৈন্যবাহিনীর বিরুদ্ধে জিততে হবে নেতৃত্ব দিয়ে, এই বিষয়টা যেন তার কাছেও কঠিন। আর তাই অ্যালান কোয়াটারমেইন যখন হাজির হলেন মৃত নগরী কোর এর দ্বারপ্রান্তে, আয়েশা সেই সুযোগকে কাজে লাগাতে চেষ্টা করে। পারে কি?

আয়েশা মন ভোলাতে পারে মানুষের, দেখাতে পারে যা খুশি তাই, রুপের ছটায় যে কোন পুরুষকে মুগ্ধ করতে পারে সে। কিন্তু আজীবন যুক্তির পথে চলে আসা অ্যালান কোয়াটারমেইনকে সে কি পারবে নিজের মোহে জড়াতে?

এই কাহিনী আসলে সেনাবাহিনী নিয়ে যুদ্ধের নয়, এই কাহিনী হেনরী রাইডার হ্যগার্ডের দুই কিংবদন্তী, দুই মহা সৃষ্টির মুখোমুখি এবং তাদের সংঘাতের কাহিনী।

যদিও আমার কাছে শী সিরিজ থেকে একটু স্লো মনে হয়েছে
তবে খারাপ না।

[Trounin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Совместить всех героев Хаггарда в одновременно существующей реальности невозможно. Конечно, речь не касается подобия американской фантастики в лице Филипа Фармера, умевшего подобное сочетать в измышленном им загробном мире. Но Хаггард к такой мысли не обращался, оставляя сюжетную канву в рамках допустимого. Что случилось с Алланом на этот раз? Теперь он повстречал Айешу. Она великолепна в доставшемся ей по праву проклятия могуществе. Её образу поклоняются тысячи лет, а она сама ожидает перерождения давным-давно любимого человека. Таковым мог оказаться и Квотермейн, додумайся до того Райдер раньше. Теперь же, увы, подобного сказать не получится. Минуло слишком многое, чтобы отправлять прежде написанные книги в забвение. Осталось позволить Аллану пообщаться с Айешей, вместив действие в рамки какого-нибудь отстранённого сюжета. И вот перед читателем снова Айеша – вечно живущий человек, обречённый существовать всегда, ибо воздано ему было за возведение хулы против богов.

(c) Trounin

[Paris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me parece mejor novela que las dos anteriores en cuanto a narración, elaboración de personajes secundarios y tramas de éstos. Es una historia más coral. La perspectiva es la de Allan: cosa que puede gustar más o menos. Ayesha sigue siendo fascinante e interesante pero el escepticismo del protagonista llega a la exasperación, dando lugar a una constante tensión entre Ella y Allan que resulta decepcionante e improductiva, en cierto punto: todo lo contrario de lo que ocurría con Holly, con el que la interacción era totalmente armónica. Lo bueno es que se puede leer de forma independiente a las demás partes y como historia autónoma está bien cohesionada internamente: de principio a final. Como novela de aventuras juvenil es estupenda y con un ritmo muy cinematográfico (creo que su adaptación al cine funcionaría muy bien). Desde el punto de vista esotérico también resulta especialmente interesante con más, y distinto, contenido al respecto que los primeros libros. Una maravilla, en suma.

[Patrick Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I continue to make way through all of Allan Quatermain's adventures after purchasing the entire set on Kindle when I first got a reader. This was another fun read.

Allan wishes to speak to loved one who has died and, following a witch doctor's visions--and taking his totem, goes on a quest to find She--from the equally famous Haggard novel--who will grant his wish. Along the way there are several encounters with dangerous animals (look out for that hippo hunt!), innocent settlers, cannibals, and a talk with the dead.

I wanted "old school" African adventure and this book had it all. I've not read any of the She novels, but didn't feel lost with this character, her surroundings, or abilities. I like that Allan didn't have to do all of the action, because two of his friends accompany him and shoulder some of the load. Yes, it is filled with dated cliches, but if one is aware of when this was published it shouldn't shock anyone.

I look forward to reading more of Allan's adventures.

[Frederick Heimbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yeah, it's a classic and it's impressive and all, but I didn't love it. It suffers from its wide influence, so modern readers can find plenty of books that build on and surpass it.

I found myself impressed at its invention and detail in the first part, then souring on the title characters as they both stubbornly failed to grow. Allan's refusal to accept the evidence of his eyes as She performs magic over and over is too stupid to be believed. And She: what the heck does she even want from Allan? Her conversations with Allan are tedious.

There's a hint of possible romance in two possible directions and that promise is unfulfilled. That's just bad expectation management.

The mystical vision at the end was an impressive act of imagination but that can't completely atone for the book's flaws.

This is my first HRH read and I'll be in no hurry to read another.

[Laura Janeiro · Rating 4 out of 5]

For most of the book I felt like I was reading a not bad book, but one that had a worn-out flavour, beeing a sequel of 'She' and 'Ayesha'. For those who have not read other books in this series, I think it could be more welcome.
But, there is a but, there is also the part of the metaphysical meditations, which are part of the narrative and validate the reading.
It is not an essential read, but it is still refreshing to read something that offers, behind the Indiana Jones-style adventure novel, a world in which the natural world, the world of human passions, and a higher reality that can be glimpsed through Maia's veil.
Note: H. Rider Haggard's 1885 novel 'King Solomon's Mines', its the first of Allan Quatermain novels and the 'muse' for Indiana.

[Ilya Papoudin · Rating 4 out of 5]

She and Allan was a book I truly looked forward to after reading other novels by H. Rider Haggard. It still carries that familiar sense of adventure, the pull of the unknown, and the sharp mind of Allan Quatermain. But this time, something felt slightly off for me.

Parts of the story moved slower than I expected, and there were moments that felt a bit too melodramatic. It didn’t have the same thrilling pace as King Solomon’s Mines or Allan Quatermain. That said, I’m still glad I read it. The romantic atmosphere added something unique to the series and gave more depth to the world I already admire.

This book may not have become a favorite, but i would deffinatly reccomend it.

[Gema Cantos · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bastante decepcionante después de leer los libros de "Ella" y "Las minas del Rey Solomon" :( No tiene nada de nuevo y sigue el mismo patrón que los otros libros: X hombre británico llega a África con un propósito, se encuentra a una mujer hechicera y hay una batalla.

Hay escenas que son tediosamente largas y, realmente, no cumplen un mayor propósito, como lo de la caza de animales, que con simplemente resumirlo en un párrafo habría servido.

Tampoco me han fascinado los diálogos de Ayesha en este libro y eso que su personaje me encanta.

No sé. Totalmente pasable.

[Jon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A crossover with plenty of things going on, even life after death, but nothing of any real significance. I have not read the other Quatermain stories, except for King Solomon's Mines, and there are many references to the other Quatermain stories in this work. And all of them seem like they would better than this one. In this, Allan meets the mysterious She (from the novel of the same name) and instead of learning from each other, they only distrust and mock each other and then go on their separate ways. I was hoping for more.

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

a prequel to SHE and Ayesha. Allen Q'main wants to know if its possible to communicate with the dead. A lot of adventures, but when Allan meets She, he doesnt believe in anything she shows him and in the end teaches him a lesson.
There are many references to other novels by Haggard like Nada the Lily, Finished and the classic Allan Q'main. All these novels I have and I hope I can read them in 2019. 3,5 stars.

[Rex Libris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haggard is famous for two characters: Allen Quartermaine (most famous for finding King Solomon's lost mines) and She, aka Ayesha (millennia old demon woman who exists by draining the life force out of her men). For whatever reason he felt he should merge the two storylines and have them meet.

Not a bad story in spite of the gimmicky nature. Haggard writes a great adventure story and this is no exception.

[Juergen John Roscher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good adventure story of Haggard based upon his epic character Allen Quartermain. This adventure involved a champion Zulu warrior and an ageless white witch. Fun read but a little tedious at times with the strange relationship between Allen and the white witch named, 'She Who Must be Obeyed'.

I recommend any of Haggard's Alan Quartermain books.

[Nate Granzow · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid addition to the "She/Ayesha" series of books, this time featuring my favorite character of all time, Allan Quatermain himself. It did seem that Ayesha was considerably more abstract, at times indecipherable, in her counsel than she had been portrayed in previous novels in the series. Notwithstanding, a fun, adventurous romp.

[Dan Blackley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story where H. Rider Haggard put his two heroes, Allan Quatermain and Ayesha, together. It is a long tale and very wordy. The action is good when you get to it, but it is a little stifled. I found myself wishing that it would get going at parts.

[Chris Purser · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story.

[Sean Bester · Rating 1 out of 5]

Definitely the most boring of the series so far.