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George Hart #1
Zulu Hart
Bullied at school for his suspiciously dark skin and lack of a father, Hart soon learns to fight -- and win. At eighteen, his world is shaken by his mother's revelation that his anonymous father is willing to give him a vast inheritance -- provided he can prove himself worthy of the prize as an officer in the King's Dragoon Guards. At a time when racism and prejudice are rife in Victorian society, Hart struggles to come to terms with his identity. Forced to leave the army, he decides to head to South Africa, and a fresh start. But George Hart has soldiering in his blood, and once in Africa the urge to serve again is strong. Yet now he is caught between two fierce and unyielding forces as Britain drives towards war with the Zulus. Hart must make a choice -- and fight for his life.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
23 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
About the author
Saul David
53 books176 followersSAUL DAVID was born in Monmouth in 1966 and educated at Ampleforth College and Edinburgh and Glasgow Universities (History MA and PhD).
An expert in the wars of the Victorian period, he began writing his first history book when he was twenty-five and has since completed eight more. They include: The Homicidal Earl: The Life of Lord Cardigan (1997), a critically-acclaimed biography of the man who led the Charge of the Light Brigade; The Indian Mutiny:1857 (2002), shortlisted for the Westminster Medal for Military Literature; Zulu: The Heroism and Tragedy of the Zulu War of 1879 (2004), a Waterstone's Military History Book of the Year; and the bestselling Victoria's Wars: The Rise of Empire (2006). In 2007 he signed a three book deal with Hodder & Stoughton to write a series of historical novels set in the late Victorian period. The first, Zulu Hart, was published on 5 March 2009 to critical acclaim with The Times describing it as a 'rattling good yarn' with 'a compelling, sexy hero who could give Cornwell's Sharpe a run for his money'. He is currently writing a history of the British Army.
An expert in the wars of the Victorian period, he began writing his first history book when he was twenty-five and has since completed eight more. They include: The Homicidal Earl: The Life of Lord Cardigan (1997), a critically-acclaimed biography of the man who led the Charge of the Light Brigade; The Indian Mutiny:1857 (2002), shortlisted for the Westminster Medal for Military Literature; Zulu: The Heroism and Tragedy of the Zulu War of 1879 (2004), a Waterstone's Military History Book of the Year; and the bestselling Victoria's Wars: The Rise of Empire (2006). In 2007 he signed a three book deal with Hodder & Stoughton to write a series of historical novels set in the late Victorian period. The first, Zulu Hart, was published on 5 March 2009 to critical acclaim with The Times describing it as a 'rattling good yarn' with 'a compelling, sexy hero who could give Cornwell's Sharpe a run for his money'. He is currently writing a history of the British Army.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 17, 2012
Historian Saul David mixes fact with fiction to create a realistic battleground for this Zulu War based novel, which features a part Irish, part Zulu, illegitimate but English brought up George Hart.
As a young man Hart joins the Dragoons with a promise of an inheritance from his unknown father shoule he fulfil certain conditions. He intends to do his best to do so.
However, he crosses swords with his commanding officer and resigns as an alternative to being court martialled. He makes his way to Africa, ostensibly to become a gold prospector. Once there he decides that is not the life for him and he enlists as a volunteer soldier, leaving the woman who loves him and who left Plymouth with him behind.
He meets another young lady, who is in love with someone else, but who he takes an instant liking to. But before he can profess his love, he gets heavily involved in the pending Zulu war. Recognised as a useful man to have communicating with the Zulus he is induced back into the British army on a temporary basis.
His exploits leading up to and involved in the battle at Rorke's Drift are fully documented and the African element and the background to the advent of the Zulu War is very well described, giving the reader a real feel for 19th century Africa.
He proves a hero at Rorke's Drift but once again his commanding officer, not caring for his mixed nationality, does not take a great liking to him. He, therefore, returns to England to relate his story to the Commanding Officer of the Army and the book ends with him heading towards, possibly, earning some of the money promised by his father for fulfilling some of the stated requirements.
The next volume in the series should reveal how successful he will be. In addition his love life is something else that will become clearer during his next exploits.
As a young man Hart joins the Dragoons with a promise of an inheritance from his unknown father shoule he fulfil certain conditions. He intends to do his best to do so.
However, he crosses swords with his commanding officer and resigns as an alternative to being court martialled. He makes his way to Africa, ostensibly to become a gold prospector. Once there he decides that is not the life for him and he enlists as a volunteer soldier, leaving the woman who loves him and who left Plymouth with him behind.
He meets another young lady, who is in love with someone else, but who he takes an instant liking to. But before he can profess his love, he gets heavily involved in the pending Zulu war. Recognised as a useful man to have communicating with the Zulus he is induced back into the British army on a temporary basis.
His exploits leading up to and involved in the battle at Rorke's Drift are fully documented and the African element and the background to the advent of the Zulu War is very well described, giving the reader a real feel for 19th century Africa.
He proves a hero at Rorke's Drift but once again his commanding officer, not caring for his mixed nationality, does not take a great liking to him. He, therefore, returns to England to relate his story to the Commanding Officer of the Army and the book ends with him heading towards, possibly, earning some of the money promised by his father for fulfilling some of the stated requirements.
The next volume in the series should reveal how successful he will be. In addition his love life is something else that will become clearer during his next exploits.
February 9, 2013
I'm a big fan of this author.
I have read his non fiction titles for years and in my opinion he is one of the better Victorian era historians.
As mentioned his non fiction works are a really good read and his doco on how wars are really won was brilliant.
His first foray into fiction was excellent. Just what the Dr ordered.
Like his non fiction works here he fills the pages with facts of military life and its tools; paints a brilliant picture for the reader to utilize whilst being carried on a journey from high society England to the screams and sands of Africa.
For me the character George Hart fills the void left (sadly) by Cornwells Richards Sharpe.
I have read his non fiction titles for years and in my opinion he is one of the better Victorian era historians.
As mentioned his non fiction works are a really good read and his doco on how wars are really won was brilliant.
His first foray into fiction was excellent. Just what the Dr ordered.
Like his non fiction works here he fills the pages with facts of military life and its tools; paints a brilliant picture for the reader to utilize whilst being carried on a journey from high society England to the screams and sands of Africa.
For me the character George Hart fills the void left (sadly) by Cornwells Richards Sharpe.
August 14, 2023
This very much feels like a historical writer turned to fiction writing and goes from story to clunky explanations (like how specific guns work). Not all the ideas in this are bad but sometimes the internal monologue of George Hart is contradictory, seems like a real flip flop.
July 23, 2011
"The first in a series of books about the Zulu War, this is also the first fictional book that Saul David has written. While he may be a good historian (never having read his works, I don't know), I have to say: I'm not so sure about his ability to write good fiction.
Not that there's anything wrong with his knowledge of the battle(s) of Islandwhana and Rorke's Drift (there isn't, and I'm sure he knows more about it than me) - that part of the book isn't actually too bad - rather, that he seemed to be too clumsy in how he manoeuvred his characters into position to be involved in those battles. I've never been too fond of the use of the amazing coincidence device! I also wasn't keen on the fact that the characters seemed to feel the need to explain to each other things that they should already know, even if the reader doesn't. You know, like one military officer describing to another how to perform a fighting retreat by ranks (one rank firing while the other covers them)?
There's two main love interests in the book, but only one of them seems fully realised or in place properly: the other added almost as an afterthought, and the conclusion of that one seems pretty weak.
Like another reviewer, I'd have to say that while this certainly wasn't the worse book I'v ever read, it's a long way from being the best, or even the best 'new' book I've read this year (that would have to be Angus Donald's "Outlaw"). Quite glad that I got it as part of a 1/2 price offer: would be less impressed if I'd had to pay full price for it!"
Not that there's anything wrong with his knowledge of the battle(s) of Islandwhana and Rorke's Drift (there isn't, and I'm sure he knows more about it than me) - that part of the book isn't actually too bad - rather, that he seemed to be too clumsy in how he manoeuvred his characters into position to be involved in those battles. I've never been too fond of the use of the amazing coincidence device! I also wasn't keen on the fact that the characters seemed to feel the need to explain to each other things that they should already know, even if the reader doesn't. You know, like one military officer describing to another how to perform a fighting retreat by ranks (one rank firing while the other covers them)?
There's two main love interests in the book, but only one of them seems fully realised or in place properly: the other added almost as an afterthought, and the conclusion of that one seems pretty weak.
Like another reviewer, I'd have to say that while this certainly wasn't the worse book I'v ever read, it's a long way from being the best, or even the best 'new' book I've read this year (that would have to be Angus Donald's "Outlaw"). Quite glad that I got it as part of a 1/2 price offer: would be less impressed if I'd had to pay full price for it!"
October 25, 2017
I have to declare a bias: one of the real characters in this book is my 3rd great grand uncle, at the time serving as a Colonel! He later became Sir Henry Evelyn Wood, VC., with the rank of Field Marshal. He was the author of “From Midshipman to Field Marshal”.....the ranks are correct! His sister also made quite a name for herself. Her scandalous conduct is described in book, “The Uncrowned Queen of Ireland” by Joyce Marlow.
A good adventure story, I am sending for the sequel.
A good adventure story, I am sending for the sequel.
August 14, 2017
Since I know very little about the history of South Africa and its Zulu people, finding both of the books 'Zulu Hart' and 'Hart of Empire' together at a flea market, the covers and subject attracted me. I do like historic novels in which the 'real' people are a definite part of the story and I must admit to being surprised as to how many characters were 'real' after googling the Zulu War of 1879 on the internet.
The book seemed a bit 'stiff' or 'awkward' at times but it is David's first novel after many successful non-fiction works of Victorian history. It is an easy read and certainly held my attention enough that I look forward to starting the second book about George Hart as he starts another adventure; this time in Afghanistan in 1879.
The book seemed a bit 'stiff' or 'awkward' at times but it is David's first novel after many successful non-fiction works of Victorian history. It is an easy read and certainly held my attention enough that I look forward to starting the second book about George Hart as he starts another adventure; this time in Afghanistan in 1879.
December 19, 2021
Loved the book very easy to read really felt for the boy Hart who really didn't fit into either society. Not the white class or the Zulu class. He's bullied at school and this continues into his adult hood. He learns from his mother as he has no idea of who his father is that he has money waiting him if he gets into position the father expects of him. He is faced in the end with having to support the Zulu or the white society as he can't have a foot in each camp. I thought the book showed sensitivity and the conflict of emotions this child then young man Had to go through. I will look out for another one of this authors books
June 4, 2025
I found the book interesting as an historical read. So much great information. As a novel, it does leave a lot to be desired. I wish for a better ending, for closure. So many questions were left unanswered. Who is his father? Did he meet the demand or not? Who did he marry? What happened to the corrupt senior military officers and men of position?
I give it a 3 purely for the enjoyment of the historical information therein.
I give it a 3 purely for the enjoyment of the historical information therein.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2022
This book is perfect for someone who has no knowledge of South Africa. Having read so many books about South Africa, this one was just juvenile to me. The author did not do well writing dialogue between the main character and the natives, the natives sounding like modern people. I have no time to finish subpar novels.
December 30, 2021
A convincing historical novel set in dramatic times, greatly enhanced by being written by a professional historian.
The main characters are well drawn and pace is maintained throughout. The military detail is well-judged and the campaign clearly elucidated.
Thoroughly enjoyable and accessible without sacrificing period accuracy. Further good news is that there is a sequel.
The main characters are well drawn and pace is maintained throughout. The military detail is well-judged and the campaign clearly elucidated.
Thoroughly enjoyable and accessible without sacrificing period accuracy. Further good news is that there is a sequel.
February 27, 2025
A fictionalised recounting of the events of the battles at Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift during the Anglo Zulu War seen through the eyes of one man. The fighting scenes towards the end are pretty good.
April 23, 2025
As a huge nerd of the Anglo-Zulu War of course I enjoyed this book. The prose is clunky at times but this is to be expected from a strictly non-fiction-writer-turned-novelist. Overall, a very respectable foray into fiction by Saul David with memorable characters and a convincing, highly engaging plot.
July 31, 2019
I liked the methodical historical accuracy of the military -but don't feel that the real flavour of the times is explored and characters are not well rounded -
March 11, 2020
I could not put it down fantastic read especially if you are interested in the Zulu war with the British as there’s a lot of detail about what went wrong
October 9, 2022
460 pages
June 24, 2023
This was a good one. Gripped me right from the get go. Was interesting to see where he was going to go with it and I wasn't disappointed.
December 1, 2023
an excellent historical novel , that retell the events that lead to the british invasion of zululand.worth getting a copy of this book.
March 20, 2024
I just couldn’t finish this. It started out well enough but the middle just meandered all over the place and it didn’t keep my attention.
February 15, 2025
If school History books were written in novel format, more kids would enjoy History. As a South African, I did enjoy this book.
September 17, 2025
A well-researched novel with some interesting twists. Most enjoyable.
September 15, 2019
A terrific book. I am going right now to get the sequels!
September 26, 2016
This is not normally a book I would choose to read; the only war books I normally read are from World War One or Two so I thought I would read about a different war. I don't know much about our battles with the Zulus and David is a very good writer for beginners to this period. He puts in a lot of background information but writes it very simply so it's very easy to follow and understand.
The book flows well and the hero vs the many villains is fascinating to read about and you never quite know whether George will be able to win. I did however find that George was somewhat of an unrealistic character and I didn't quite fully believe in some of his actions.
Whilst interesting enough and well written, I just found that I couldn't totally commit to the book; I don't know whether it was the lack of feeling for the characters or whether I just found the period didn't thrill me.
The book flows well and the hero vs the many villains is fascinating to read about and you never quite know whether George will be able to win. I did however find that George was somewhat of an unrealistic character and I didn't quite fully believe in some of his actions.
Whilst interesting enough and well written, I just found that I couldn't totally commit to the book; I don't know whether it was the lack of feeling for the characters or whether I just found the period didn't thrill me.
August 6, 2012
Saul David has a ways to go to transition from Historian to novelist.
We have a few problems with the book. As he is a lecturer professor in history I will let him have the benefit of the doubt when it comes to interjecting the way we now use Bombshell as if they did it the same in 1878.
But aside from those minor quibbles the major ones are that the hero is unbelievable, and certainly in too many places. As well as the interjection of history is right in our faces. We meet an officer of a regiment and we are given a clinical rundown of his uniform. We are shown a place and it is the elements of the picture in a list separated by commas instead of narrative description that flows. It stops us and makes it hard to think we are in a story and not in a history lesson.
I did say though that our hero, George Hart just was doing too much and not believable because of it. First he is the bastard son of the Duke of Cambridge, so the great grandson of king George III. Despite the author trying to be mysterious it is all too obvious that is what he has done. Then, he is also the grandson of a Zulu chief's daughter. So he is 1/4 black. A secret that one takes to the grave in Victorian England. They do not have our sensibilities that we do. If the hero is going to move up in society, be a part of any white society, he has to be white. Or have done something that will let him be in society and George hasn't done anything when we meet him. So my suspension of disbelief is gone.
And George likes telling everyone his secret. Certainly the officer corp is going to work well with him, not. But then George gets himself on Chelmsford staff, finds a reason to get stuck in at Isandlwana and surviving that, gets himself to Rorke's Drift as well. While we may have needed to see a Historical Novel dealing with these battles, George gets there in a far fetched notion, and then as the book with so much back story, again unbelievable, that it is time to end and we don't see the end of the Battle at the Drift, or the end of the campaign.
When I was a lad, before I became a historian, before I became a writer, ZULU became one of my favorite movies. While Saul David may know a firmer history than that of the movie, he did not go through with it and I sense that he also took some shortcuts to make his hero more heroic, at the cost of those who actually did the heroic actions in reality. You have to be a die hard lover of this period, I think to want to read the Hart Series. Taking some pointers from the Fonthill books of Wilcox which I find work better might have given George Hart a chance. His Zulu blood I think dooms him to ever be an effective part of the society of the times, and his english parent also ruins the credibility of the hero.
We have a few problems with the book. As he is a lecturer professor in history I will let him have the benefit of the doubt when it comes to interjecting the way we now use Bombshell as if they did it the same in 1878.
But aside from those minor quibbles the major ones are that the hero is unbelievable, and certainly in too many places. As well as the interjection of history is right in our faces. We meet an officer of a regiment and we are given a clinical rundown of his uniform. We are shown a place and it is the elements of the picture in a list separated by commas instead of narrative description that flows. It stops us and makes it hard to think we are in a story and not in a history lesson.
I did say though that our hero, George Hart just was doing too much and not believable because of it. First he is the bastard son of the Duke of Cambridge, so the great grandson of king George III. Despite the author trying to be mysterious it is all too obvious that is what he has done. Then, he is also the grandson of a Zulu chief's daughter. So he is 1/4 black. A secret that one takes to the grave in Victorian England. They do not have our sensibilities that we do. If the hero is going to move up in society, be a part of any white society, he has to be white. Or have done something that will let him be in society and George hasn't done anything when we meet him. So my suspension of disbelief is gone.
And George likes telling everyone his secret. Certainly the officer corp is going to work well with him, not. But then George gets himself on Chelmsford staff, finds a reason to get stuck in at Isandlwana and surviving that, gets himself to Rorke's Drift as well. While we may have needed to see a Historical Novel dealing with these battles, George gets there in a far fetched notion, and then as the book with so much back story, again unbelievable, that it is time to end and we don't see the end of the Battle at the Drift, or the end of the campaign.
When I was a lad, before I became a historian, before I became a writer, ZULU became one of my favorite movies. While Saul David may know a firmer history than that of the movie, he did not go through with it and I sense that he also took some shortcuts to make his hero more heroic, at the cost of those who actually did the heroic actions in reality. You have to be a die hard lover of this period, I think to want to read the Hart Series. Taking some pointers from the Fonthill books of Wilcox which I find work better might have given George Hart a chance. His Zulu blood I think dooms him to ever be an effective part of the society of the times, and his english parent also ruins the credibility of the hero.
May 7, 2012
Im amazed at some of the reviews written for this book, i can only assume that people expected something different because Saul David is a noted historian, and that the cover had a glowing endorsement from Bernard Cornwell.
Why does everyone feel the need to put authors in a box with others? also why should every book follow rote? I really do think that books should be read at the right time and in the right order to fully appreciate them, and you should read an author on his own merit not in comparison to another.
This book was fun, the characters were alive and real and i felt i could believe in them. The period of history was one of great interest, full of action adventure, passion and the pride you would expect when the empire was at its height.
If you take the book as a rip roaring adventure story... it does what it says on the tin... really enjoyed it. Im going to keep buying his books
(Parm)
Product Description (taken from back of book)
Bullied at school for his suspiciously dark skin and lack of a father, Hart soon learns to fight - and win. At eighteen, his world is shaken by his mother's revelation that his anonymous father is willing to give him a vast inheritance - provided he can prove himself worthy of the prize as an officer in the King's Dragoon Guards.
At a time when racism and prejudice are rife in Victorian society, Hart struggles to come to terms with his identity. Forced to leave the army, he decides to head to South Africa, and a fresh start.
But George Hart has soldiering in his blood, and once in Africa the urge to serve again is strong. Yet now he is caught between two fierce and unyielding forces as Britain drives towards war with the Zulus. Hart must make a choice - and fight for his life.
Why does everyone feel the need to put authors in a box with others? also why should every book follow rote? I really do think that books should be read at the right time and in the right order to fully appreciate them, and you should read an author on his own merit not in comparison to another.
This book was fun, the characters were alive and real and i felt i could believe in them. The period of history was one of great interest, full of action adventure, passion and the pride you would expect when the empire was at its height.
If you take the book as a rip roaring adventure story... it does what it says on the tin... really enjoyed it. Im going to keep buying his books
(Parm)
Product Description (taken from back of book)
Bullied at school for his suspiciously dark skin and lack of a father, Hart soon learns to fight - and win. At eighteen, his world is shaken by his mother's revelation that his anonymous father is willing to give him a vast inheritance - provided he can prove himself worthy of the prize as an officer in the King's Dragoon Guards.
At a time when racism and prejudice are rife in Victorian society, Hart struggles to come to terms with his identity. Forced to leave the army, he decides to head to South Africa, and a fresh start.
But George Hart has soldiering in his blood, and once in Africa the urge to serve again is strong. Yet now he is caught between two fierce and unyielding forces as Britain drives towards war with the Zulus. Hart must make a choice - and fight for his life.
April 11, 2012
Zulu Hart by Saul David.
There is no question that Saul David is a master historian, but can he tell a story to keep you enthralled and entertained? If this book is anything to go by then yes he can.
The novel is an historic, fast moving story based in the times of the Zulu wars in South Africa. The hero is a confused boy who is the illegitimate son of a half Zulu mother and a father of very high standing in British society, who will not openly recognise his son.
The book is full of period racism and great lines, where George (the main Character is described as a “fatherless bastard with a touch of tar brush”. George is bullied through Harrow, then through Sandhurst and eventually, forced out of the elitist Queens Dragoon guards by elitism. He fight with his own conscience “am I civilised or savage”. For me it becomes clear who the savages are.
The book deals square on with cruelty, racism, bigotry and elitism that were rife in the British army. George our hero seams to fall in love with every woman he sees but moves on very quickly. He is not unlike the character of Romeo.
The story is good , if I have to criticise the book it would be in the glossing over of some periods of his life, e.g. Sandhurst, and perhaps too much time spent on the build up to war in south Africa.
The book reaches a racing climax with the two big battles of the campaign, Isandlwana and the famous Rourkes Drift. Before returning to Blighty and leaving enough loose ends to create at least one more novel for Saul David.
A very good, well written and historically accurate book. Well worth a read.
There is no question that Saul David is a master historian, but can he tell a story to keep you enthralled and entertained? If this book is anything to go by then yes he can.
The novel is an historic, fast moving story based in the times of the Zulu wars in South Africa. The hero is a confused boy who is the illegitimate son of a half Zulu mother and a father of very high standing in British society, who will not openly recognise his son.
The book is full of period racism and great lines, where George (the main Character is described as a “fatherless bastard with a touch of tar brush”. George is bullied through Harrow, then through Sandhurst and eventually, forced out of the elitist Queens Dragoon guards by elitism. He fight with his own conscience “am I civilised or savage”. For me it becomes clear who the savages are.
The book deals square on with cruelty, racism, bigotry and elitism that were rife in the British army. George our hero seams to fall in love with every woman he sees but moves on very quickly. He is not unlike the character of Romeo.
The story is good , if I have to criticise the book it would be in the glossing over of some periods of his life, e.g. Sandhurst, and perhaps too much time spent on the build up to war in south Africa.
The book reaches a racing climax with the two big battles of the campaign, Isandlwana and the famous Rourkes Drift. Before returning to Blighty and leaving enough loose ends to create at least one more novel for Saul David.
A very good, well written and historically accurate book. Well worth a read.
July 3, 2012
Throughout this book I struggled to get the image of Harry Flashman out of my mind so it seemed quite fitting to read at the end that Saul David had asked George McDonald Fraser advice before starting to write this book. Not that Hart is anything like Flashman.
This is said to be the first in a series about Hart and as such it was an intersting introduction but for me it was not overly convincing. Firstly the fast pace of the storytelling left little time to really develop the lead character and while I was pleased that he eventually did the right thing I was not really convinced that he was particularily honourable. He also seemed to do little actual fighting which left me wondering whether or not was particularily brave or merely lucky.
As a White Britain I found the machinations of the senior British officers before/during and after the war very uncomfortable to read as few of their actions had any sort of honour about them and were mainly about self-interest. But while I cannot fault the factual details about the story I did feel it a little lacking in actual battle action.
On the whole I enjoyed the author's writing style and found it an interesting introduction to both Hart and the Zulu conflict but I must also admit that I am yet to be convinced of this series overall quality. I wait to read the next installment with interest.
This is said to be the first in a series about Hart and as such it was an intersting introduction but for me it was not overly convincing. Firstly the fast pace of the storytelling left little time to really develop the lead character and while I was pleased that he eventually did the right thing I was not really convinced that he was particularily honourable. He also seemed to do little actual fighting which left me wondering whether or not was particularily brave or merely lucky.
As a White Britain I found the machinations of the senior British officers before/during and after the war very uncomfortable to read as few of their actions had any sort of honour about them and were mainly about self-interest. But while I cannot fault the factual details about the story I did feel it a little lacking in actual battle action.
On the whole I enjoyed the author's writing style and found it an interesting introduction to both Hart and the Zulu conflict but I must also admit that I am yet to be convinced of this series overall quality. I wait to read the next installment with interest.
October 22, 2012
I had to give up. I hate to criticize an author, but this book is so poorly written that, like my wife, I could not finish it. In fact, I gave up by the time the protagonist got to Africa. It's not that the series of events was really a series of bizarre coincidences, but that everything about this book just fell flat for me. The main character, George Hart, was poorly fleshed out. The plot beggared belief. The author would jump from timeframe to timeframe, with each scene designed to illustrate something important, but with such tenuous connections between the scenes that it was a rocky ride. And the difficulty of believing the character's responses in any given situation, particularly when they were so poorly drawn, made the awkward prose even more painful.
I wanted to like this book and I hope the author publishes more as I see there's potential here, but I really, really would like him to have some coaching on writing.
I wanted to like this book and I hope the author publishes more as I see there's potential here, but I really, really would like him to have some coaching on writing.
Read
July 27, 2011Zulu Hart is the first novel from historian/broadcaster Saul David. David has previously published a very well received history of the Zulu Wars, and we can therefore assume that the historical detail of the novel is likely to be accurate. On top of this has been introduced a back story featuring a young man with a mysterious background attempting to make a career in the army. The book could fairly be described as a page turner – it moves very quickly, and takes simple approach to characterisation - the characters tend either to be very good or very bad, and have little depth. The author in his afterword draws attention to the Flashman novels as inspiration, but does not mention at all the Simon Fonthill novels of John Wilcox, with which this book seems to have much more in common. Likely to be the first book in a series.
June 10, 2016
I'm giving a good 4 stars for this book. the first book I finished reading in 2016. I didn't know I had it in me to have a liking in reading fictional war books. I love the book overall the 1st chapters were very intriguing and has a little dash of romance but while continuing reading I found myself somewhat bored in the middle part of the book it was kinda dry and unappealing so it took me longer to finish this book. but when I reached to the part where the war started it got interesting and I was hooked up with the book again. basically the first and last parts were the best parts of the book
and I always adore books that makes you hate the antagonist to the bone. well for me
overall a good book would I read it again? probably not because I already have the whole story in my head.
and I always adore books that makes you hate the antagonist to the bone. well for me
overall a good book would I read it again? probably not because I already have the whole story in my head.
April 21, 2009
This was a real disappointment. I have liked Saul David's non-fiction very much, but he's not yet learnt the art of fiction writing.
When he shows me the story in his head, instead of telling me, it reads well, but unfortunatley he far too often falls into the non-fiction writers way of giving me facts and details which could be more elegantly and better imparted.
Historically I've no problems with it, he knows his stuff really well, but this is not the writing of an heir to George MacDonald Fraser, mores the pity.
When he shows me the story in his head, instead of telling me, it reads well, but unfortunatley he far too often falls into the non-fiction writers way of giving me facts and details which could be more elegantly and better imparted.
Historically I've no problems with it, he knows his stuff really well, but this is not the writing of an heir to George MacDonald Fraser, mores the pity.
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