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Tarzan #19
Tarzan's Quest
Tarzan of the Apes had heard only rumors of the Kavuru - a race of strange white savages. But when they stole the daugher of Muviro, chief of the Waziri, the Lord of the Jungle set on in search of their legend-shrouded village on a mission of rescue - or, if need be, of revenge. He could not know that his trail ran close to that of a strange group of survivors of a crashed plane - including his beloved mate, Jane - who struggled for survival against the terrors of Africa and an even worse danger within their own party. But the stranded Europeans and the ape-man were destined for a rendezvous of blood and fire - in the dreaded temple of the Kavuru.
Cover Illustration: Boris Vallejo
Cover Illustration: Boris Vallejo
191 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 1935
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1006 people want to read
About the author
Edgar Rice Burroughs
2,826 books2,734 followersEdgar Rice Burroughs was an American author, best known for his creation of the jungle hero Tarzan and the heroic John Carter, although he produced works in many genres.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 3, 2020
"The world is full of fools who go places where they do not belong, causing other people worry and trouble."
Here, in the 19th of the series, Jane re-appears as a major character after a long time. And it was a pleasant surprise to see that ERB has finally decided to rid her of the usual victim characteristic which the author had been continuously attributing to her.
The story is narrated in two main sub-plots, both of which are interesting and entertaining in a similar way. The book holds a little similarity to that of last book, where Tarzan encounters leopard men. Loved the story.
"all is fair in love and war,"
Here, in the 19th of the series, Jane re-appears as a major character after a long time. And it was a pleasant surprise to see that ERB has finally decided to rid her of the usual victim characteristic which the author had been continuously attributing to her.
The story is narrated in two main sub-plots, both of which are interesting and entertaining in a similar way. The book holds a little similarity to that of last book, where Tarzan encounters leopard men. Loved the story.
"all is fair in love and war,"
May 19, 2025
The 19th book of the Tarzan series written by ERB (otherwise known as Edgar Rice Burroughs) is called Tarzan's Quest. It was originally serialized in The Blue Book Magazine in October 1935 to March 1936 as Tarzan and the Immortal Men. The novel is notable as the first appearance of Jane in a novel since Tarzan and the Ant Men (book ten).
I find it difficult to be objective in my reviews of Tarzan because this year and last year are the first time I read through the Tarzan series since I read it at age 12. I delighted that Jane actually has a big role in this novel. ERB has used her sparingly throughout these novels and using her here feels fresh. Just as I felt that ERB was stuck in his ways, rehashing lost world tropes, we get a white savage race that abducts women from other tribes.
There's an airplane crash (probably for the third or fourth time), Jane is kidnapped (for the third or fourth time), a support character is infatuated with Lady Greystoke (for the second or third time) and an immortality serum becomes a cause to spark avarice (for the first time). There is even a bit of a murder mystery included for like the second time.
Five stars because I was swept away. Five stars because I should have reread these sooner. Five stars because the colorful prose makes me study my thesaurus that much harder. Damn, these are fun, and yes, they are silly, too.
I find it difficult to be objective in my reviews of Tarzan because this year and last year are the first time I read through the Tarzan series since I read it at age 12. I delighted that Jane actually has a big role in this novel. ERB has used her sparingly throughout these novels and using her here feels fresh. Just as I felt that ERB was stuck in his ways, rehashing lost world tropes, we get a white savage race that abducts women from other tribes.
There's an airplane crash (probably for the third or fourth time), Jane is kidnapped (for the third or fourth time), a support character is infatuated with Lady Greystoke (for the second or third time) and an immortality serum becomes a cause to spark avarice (for the first time). There is even a bit of a murder mystery included for like the second time.
Five stars because I was swept away. Five stars because I should have reread these sooner. Five stars because the colorful prose makes me study my thesaurus that much harder. Damn, these are fun, and yes, they are silly, too.
September 23, 2020
I really enjoyed this Tarzan story. In this story, Jane and some of her friends take a trip to Africa in search of eternal youth. One of the ladies in the stories is killed at camp, and they are stranded in the middle of the African jungle. Tarzan finds out Jane is out there and strikes out to find and rescue her. Really fun story set in the jungles of Africa.
December 20, 2024
In which Tarzan goes on a quest to rescue Jane (she’s back!!) after she’s gone missing with a group of Americans.
October 13, 2015
These late model Tarzan books are proving to be consistently good.
Jane makes her first appearance in 10 novels, since Tarzan and the Golden Lion. This is also the first mention of any of Tarzan’s family members in 9 novels, since Tarzan and the Ant Men. I was beginning to think that Mr. Burroughs was trying to imply that there was some kind of separation or that Tarzan had regressed so much to his pre-civilized days that he never left the jungle anymore.
The book starts with Tarzan investigating the mysterious disappearance of young girls in the jungle and Jane returning to Africa by plane. Jane’s plane coincidentally crashes in the vicinity of Tarzan’s investigations. And so commence two parallel narratives that only come together in the action packed conclusion.
Jane is portrayed as a leader and capable jungle survivor, climbing around in the trees, making her own weapons, and calmly staring down a charging leopard with nothing but her hand made bow. It was refreshing to see this side of Jane. Alas, she does revert to damsel in distress eventually. And ERB has a tendency to refer to her as a girl even though she and Tarzan are grandparents.
Though there is a weird epilogue that I suspect will address this issue going forward.
Jane makes her first appearance in 10 novels, since Tarzan and the Golden Lion. This is also the first mention of any of Tarzan’s family members in 9 novels, since Tarzan and the Ant Men. I was beginning to think that Mr. Burroughs was trying to imply that there was some kind of separation or that Tarzan had regressed so much to his pre-civilized days that he never left the jungle anymore.
The book starts with Tarzan investigating the mysterious disappearance of young girls in the jungle and Jane returning to Africa by plane. Jane’s plane coincidentally crashes in the vicinity of Tarzan’s investigations. And so commence two parallel narratives that only come together in the action packed conclusion.
Jane is portrayed as a leader and capable jungle survivor, climbing around in the trees, making her own weapons, and calmly staring down a charging leopard with nothing but her hand made bow. It was refreshing to see this side of Jane. Alas, she does revert to damsel in distress eventually. And ERB has a tendency to refer to her as a girl even though she and Tarzan are grandparents.
Though there is a weird epilogue that I suspect will address this issue going forward.
October 20, 2023
"There is no law here except the law of the jungle."
Holy Lord Jane's alive! It has been so long since I've seen her that I thought either A.) She had ben killed off for real or B.) These novels all took place before Jane and that is was just never mentioned. But apparently neither one those things. Apparently ERB just arbitrarily decided to stop writing her character and never mentioned anything of it or explained it? I don't know. She's definitely a lot less annoying here than in earlier novels where she's adamant that Tarzan be Lord Greystroke.
Other than that - it's pretty typical Tarzan. Only the "lost civilization" here is a group of savages who have discovered a magic potion that is the Fountain of Youth in the heart of Africa. Men only. No girls allowed.
Alternative title: "Tarzan and Little Nkima's Adventure." Lol.
Holy Lord Jane's alive! It has been so long since I've seen her that I thought either A.) She had ben killed off for real or B.) These novels all took place before Jane and that is was just never mentioned. But apparently neither one those things. Apparently ERB just arbitrarily decided to stop writing her character and never mentioned anything of it or explained it? I don't know. She's definitely a lot less annoying here than in earlier novels where she's adamant that Tarzan be Lord Greystroke.
Other than that - it's pretty typical Tarzan. Only the "lost civilization" here is a group of savages who have discovered a magic potion that is the Fountain of Youth in the heart of Africa. Men only. No girls allowed.
Alternative title: "Tarzan and Little Nkima's Adventure." Lol.
August 30, 2014
This book is perhaps the best since the first two in the series. Burroughs departs from his usual formula of an ill-fated safari of muddle-headed white folk needing rescue. Instead Jane (finally!) returns as she accompanies a group of friends and acquaintances back to Africa in search of a rumored fountain of youth.
The plot is quite a lot tighter than many of the previous books in the series causing me to wonder if this book was written by a ghost writer (or that the few books previous were).
I very much enjoyed it! The characters are engaging and the dialogue entertaining. It reads a bit like a movie from the era but I very much enjoyed that aspect as well.
The plot is quite a lot tighter than many of the previous books in the series causing me to wonder if this book was written by a ghost writer (or that the few books previous were).
I very much enjoyed it! The characters are engaging and the dialogue entertaining. It reads a bit like a movie from the era but I very much enjoyed that aspect as well.
October 21, 2014
Tarzan's Quest (Tarzan #19) by Edgar Rice Burroughs (Ballantine 1935) (Fiction). Tarzan's wife Jane becomes involved in a search for a bloodthirsty tribe of warriors who are reputed to have an immortality serum. Tarzan, Nkima, and the Waziri are all drawn in to rescue Jane. My rating; 7/10, finished 1973.
June 4, 2017
This was one of my favorites of the later Tarzans--with a renewed sparkle of life after the series had generally gone stale. I found it to be one of the more enjoyable books of the series.
August 28, 2018
Jane! She’s back! It seems she’s been running around with her society friends in London while her husband’s back in Africa losing his memory and in danger. Because she is in this story I enjoyed it a lot more. Tarzan's adventures were getting too repetitive.
While flying back to Africa with a few friends, Jane’s plane is forced down in a storm. Before their comedy of errors can get organized to try to find their way out of the jungle, one of them is mysteriously murdered. When they finally head out they are stalked by members of (another) mysterious white tribe.
Meanwhile Tarzan, unaware the Jane has returned to Africa and is lost, is searching for the men who have been kidnapping young girls from all over the area, including the young daughter of one of his Waziri.
As least there’s only three groups in this: Jane’s companions, Tarzan & his Waziri and the mysterious white tribe. But the running around and mishaps of this story are further complicated by Nkima’s pranks and thoughtlessness that almost causes him to lose his role in the Jane’s escape.
Footnote: 1) The actions and emotions of the various crash survivors show how the real personalities come out when they’re in dangerous or stressful situations. Some people are helpful, some create more problems, while others are just hopeless. This particular group would have probably died the first day if not for Jane.
2) Because of how they were created and all the problems they made and could make I would have destroyed the pills.
Fave scenes: getting down from the plane, Jane killing the leopard, finding the burned cloth and parachuting.
While flying back to Africa with a few friends, Jane’s plane is forced down in a storm. Before their comedy of errors can get organized to try to find their way out of the jungle, one of them is mysteriously murdered. When they finally head out they are stalked by members of (another) mysterious white tribe.
Meanwhile Tarzan, unaware the Jane has returned to Africa and is lost, is searching for the men who have been kidnapping young girls from all over the area, including the young daughter of one of his Waziri.
As least there’s only three groups in this: Jane’s companions, Tarzan & his Waziri and the mysterious white tribe. But the running around and mishaps of this story are further complicated by Nkima’s pranks and thoughtlessness that almost causes him to lose his role in the Jane’s escape.
Footnote: 1) The actions and emotions of the various crash survivors show how the real personalities come out when they’re in dangerous or stressful situations. Some people are helpful, some create more problems, while others are just hopeless. This particular group would have probably died the first day if not for Jane.
2) Because of how they were created and all the problems they made and could make I would have destroyed the pills.
Fave scenes: getting down from the plane, Jane killing the leopard, finding the burned cloth and parachuting.
May 18, 2024
I've heard some people suggest that they wished for fewer Tarzan books with the idea of quality over quantity, but some of his later Tarzan works rank amongst my favorites so I'm glad Edgar Rice Burroughs kept pumping them out. In retrospect, having read the entire Tarzan oeuvre up to this book within the last two years, my least favorite was Tarzan and the Ant Men, but in that book, Burroughs was pushing heavily into Swiftian satire.
This book finds the Lady Greystoke (Jane) in a plane wreck deep in Africa and stranded with some colorful characters, one of whom murders his wife in the night in order to collect her fortune once they emerge from Africa. Later, they encounter a tribe of white savages who have discovered the secret to immortality--unfortunately, the secret involves harvesting the organs and glands of nubile young women.
I haven't heard this mentioned in other literary discussions on the book, but Burroughs makes a sly commentary on judging on the basis of skin color when a pair of flyers are forced to bring their plane down in a field that is occupied by two warring tribes--one black and the other white. The occupants of the plane make the assumption that the white tribe will be friendly and choose to land near them. Unfortunately, it was the black tribe--the Waziri--who would have come to their aid. The white tribe slaughters the occupants of the downed plane without any compunction.
This book finds the Lady Greystoke (Jane) in a plane wreck deep in Africa and stranded with some colorful characters, one of whom murders his wife in the night in order to collect her fortune once they emerge from Africa. Later, they encounter a tribe of white savages who have discovered the secret to immortality--unfortunately, the secret involves harvesting the organs and glands of nubile young women.
I haven't heard this mentioned in other literary discussions on the book, but Burroughs makes a sly commentary on judging on the basis of skin color when a pair of flyers are forced to bring their plane down in a field that is occupied by two warring tribes--one black and the other white. The occupants of the plane make the assumption that the white tribe will be friendly and choose to land near them. Unfortunately, it was the black tribe--the Waziri--who would have come to their aid. The white tribe slaughters the occupants of the downed plane without any compunction.
May 6, 2021
Well, wasn’t this a right jolly adventurous read, full of action, love, murder, the full works. For the first time in about 16 books, Jane, Tarzan’s Wife make an appearance too. She has a lead role in this book. Kudos too, Jane is portrayed as a strong outgoing, independent woman, a leader too. Just perfect that is.
The story revolves around a classic tale, the search for eternal life. Can’t go wrong with that.
As much as is good, nay great about this book, the same is true for how bad it is. Tarzan, albeit briefly, gets captured, AGAIN - shocker. The tribe with eternal youth are all White; obviously. By looking too deeply into this book and the other Tarzan Novels, Burroughs really portrays Africa as a land pretty well full of White Tribes and Communities. Each one, technologically are more advanced than the natives, they speak Latin, have walled cities or, like this one, possess the secrets of eternal life. No wonder it got into the American Psyche, a land full of Whites with animals a plenty and wild savages. Just perfect for a backdrop of Hemingway to show off how “manly” you must be to go shooting and killing animals.
Although way too quick for the conclusion, Burroughs manages to sum up, “ok” this time.
The way to enjoy Tarzan is to read it superficially. When you really look at the story, plot or subtexts, it can be shockingly bad.
The story revolves around a classic tale, the search for eternal life. Can’t go wrong with that.
As much as is good, nay great about this book, the same is true for how bad it is. Tarzan, albeit briefly, gets captured, AGAIN - shocker. The tribe with eternal youth are all White; obviously. By looking too deeply into this book and the other Tarzan Novels, Burroughs really portrays Africa as a land pretty well full of White Tribes and Communities. Each one, technologically are more advanced than the natives, they speak Latin, have walled cities or, like this one, possess the secrets of eternal life. No wonder it got into the American Psyche, a land full of Whites with animals a plenty and wild savages. Just perfect for a backdrop of Hemingway to show off how “manly” you must be to go shooting and killing animals.
Although way too quick for the conclusion, Burroughs manages to sum up, “ok” this time.
The way to enjoy Tarzan is to read it superficially. When you really look at the story, plot or subtexts, it can be shockingly bad.
January 18, 2025
I've been sort of vaguely collecting this particular printing of Tarzan, with the black covers and awesome covers (This one by Boris Vallejo). They certainly can hit the spot if you're in the mood for them.
This particular one was a bit unique in that Jane has a bit of her own jungle adventure... one of her society friends is mounting an 'expedition' to Africa to look for the secret of eternal youth and offers her a lift.
Of course the plane crashes and stuff happens, which then runs into what Tarzan is looking into... the disappearance of some Waziri girls who where allegedly kidnapped by the mysterious Kuruvu (who, of course, also have the secret to eternal youth).
Tarzan is really not in the book much.. his chapters have as much focus on his monkey and his Waziri warriors as he does, and 1/2 the book is about Jane. Of course she does get capture and has to get saved eventually, but she does get to do a bit of traditional Jungle Queen stuff in the meantime. He side of the plot was quite shocking, actually.
One does wonder how many secret hidden tribes Africa can hold at once, but that's just how Tarzan rolls ;).
This particular one was a bit unique in that Jane has a bit of her own jungle adventure... one of her society friends is mounting an 'expedition' to Africa to look for the secret of eternal youth and offers her a lift.
Of course the plane crashes and stuff happens, which then runs into what Tarzan is looking into... the disappearance of some Waziri girls who where allegedly kidnapped by the mysterious Kuruvu (who, of course, also have the secret to eternal youth).
Tarzan is really not in the book much.. his chapters have as much focus on his monkey and his Waziri warriors as he does, and 1/2 the book is about Jane. Of course she does get capture and has to get saved eventually, but she does get to do a bit of traditional Jungle Queen stuff in the meantime. He side of the plot was quite shocking, actually.
One does wonder how many secret hidden tribes Africa can hold at once, but that's just how Tarzan rolls ;).
September 5, 2023
19 Tarzan novels down, only six to go. I have to admit that these novels reach various levels of like and dislike with me. This book was a good one. It starts with Tarzan's wife Jane in England who is entertaining prince Alexis, his wife Kitty, and their valets Tibbs and Anette. After the group decides to journey to Africa in for various reasons, they hire an American piolet to fly them there. Meanwhile, Tarzan is wondering through an unfamiliar jungle on the African continent somewhere. The rest of the story unfolds as a person reads it. Burroughs is an expert at tying up the loose ends while he randomly throughs bits and pieces of story at the readers like so much confetti. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy Edgar Rice Burroughs imagination, are interested in classic pulp fiction, like short reads, like adventure and action books, or are interested in reading one of the better Tarzan books available on the shelves. Happy reading.
January 6, 2022
Who would dare steal Jane from The Lord of the Jungle? a race of men called the Kovuru that's who in this epic Tarzan adventure, he is helping is Wiziri people track their missing young girls when he finds a note from Jane saying she and her party have crashed in the jungle. Before he can find her she is taken by a Kovuru hunter to become another sacrifice to make eternal youth caplets...Will Tarzan find his mate in time to save her? Will Jane save herself and the little French maid also imprisoned there?? read it and find out!!!
January 17, 2024
One of the better Tarzan books I've read in a while.
Except for the earliest books in the series, Jane has been largely absent, so it was nice to see a book where she gets equal time with the Lord Of The Jungle.
Burroughs continues his streak with yet another mysterious tribe tucked away in a remote corner of Africa, but at least we get more insight into the survival skills of the aforementioned Jane in leading a group through the perils of the wilderness.
Except for the earliest books in the series, Jane has been largely absent, so it was nice to see a book where she gets equal time with the Lord Of The Jungle.
Burroughs continues his streak with yet another mysterious tribe tucked away in a remote corner of Africa, but at least we get more insight into the survival skills of the aforementioned Jane in leading a group through the perils of the wilderness.
August 31, 2018
The story revolves around a mysterious tribe, the Kuvuru, who have been kidnapping women to be used in secret rejuvenation ceremonies. Tarzan goes after them when they kidnap the daughter of Muviro, the chief of his Waziri. In the meantime there is a plane crash nearby and among the survivors is Tarzan's wife Jane, and they too have been taken captive by the Kuvuru.
February 5, 2021
Jane Finally Reappears
After so many novels where Tarzan roams and acts like a bachelor, this book brings Jane back. As a strong, resourceful woman, she takes charge of situations and impresses the men around her with more than her looks. The storyline is better than many, although coincidences play more than a believable part.
After so many novels where Tarzan roams and acts like a bachelor, this book brings Jane back. As a strong, resourceful woman, she takes charge of situations and impresses the men around her with more than her looks. The storyline is better than many, although coincidences play more than a believable part.
April 14, 2022
This is the horror entry in the Tarzan novels. At first it seems like an adventure story, but then the pieces come together: young women abducted, rumours of a formula for eternal youth, travellers stranded in the jungle, murdered or disappearing mysteriously. It adds up to a tale worthy of Lovecraft.
And the greatest horror of all: Nkima will live forever!
And the greatest horror of all: Nkima will live forever!
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March 13, 2024The awesome tarzan
It has been the best written book and I just loved the way the author kept jumping back and forth between the players and the way it was kept clean in the language dept. I give it 10 stars
It has been the best written book and I just loved the way the author kept jumping back and forth between the players and the way it was kept clean in the language dept. I give it 10 stars
August 12, 2017
Sigh. Can't regain my youth. Not as entertaining as it was when I was 10 years old.
January 11, 2019
Another great Tarzan adventure (with the typical Burroughs rushed ending), where Jane carries much of the action.
July 26, 2020
Muviru, Chief of the Waziri, has his daughter captured by people of a fabled city. Tarzan must find her before she is burned at the stake! Good one with action!
August 31, 2020
Fun novel in the Tarzan series. Tarzan investigates a mysterious tribe accused of kidnapping women, unaware that Jane is in jeopardy.
June 10, 2021
Draamamaamad. Aga lõpuks on Jane jälle tagasi, peale 4-5 raamatud kus teda üldse ei mainitud.
December 1, 2022
4 1/2 *. My first Tarzan. Not as much violence as expected but plenty of action. The writers draws you into deepest darkest Africa. The murder subplot was a nice addition.
January 28, 2024
I really liked this book in the series. The ending is rather interesting and maybe it will tie in with other books in the series?
October 12, 2024
Всё, что касается приключений Джейн и ее компании, очень понравилось. Свежо и не избито. А вот от однотипных похождений главного героя уже начинаешь изрядно уставать.
November 22, 2025
It was great to finally see Jane again! Another fun adventure!
May 3, 2018
Tarzan's Quest is, I believe, the last official appearance of Lady Jane Greystoke, née Porter, and what an appearance it is. She's swinging through the trees, commanding an expedition, confronting a murderer, and killing an angry leopard with her handmade bow and arrows. She has come a long way from the fainting victim of the first books or the sedate matron of the middle ones. She has really come into her own and I applaud Edgar Rice Burroughs for letting her grow into a suitable mate for myher beloved Tarzan.
The story runs in two parallel lines, one following Jane and one following Tarzan. On the Tarzan side, he is helping the Waziri track down Muviro's daughter who has been stolen by a mysterious band of white men. Little Nkima plays a pivotal role in this story and that is always fun. I love how sweet Tarzan is with his pet monkey, it's the one time we get to see the softer side of the big man.
Meanwhile, Jane, after a delightful interlude with Hazel Tennington back in civilization, has joined an expedition to the heart of Africa with an older American friend who has remarried a "Prince" after being widowed and left a rather large fortune. (Wow, I sure packed a lot into that one sentence, didn't I?) Her old friend (with emphasis on old) is chasing after rumors of an elixir of youth and Jane is just along for the ride since she was going back to Africa anyway. Not to spoil anything but Jane's party is caught in a bad storm and, after losing his way and having no idea where they are, the pilot manages a safe landing in the top of some jungle trees. The party votes Jane in charge after some tension between the Prince and the pilot. That was pretty progressive for a book written in the 30s. Things take a turn from bad to worse when conflict erupts into murder.
Tarzan, meanwhile, gets caught up in some tribal trouble when the Gomangani think he is one of the mysterious white tribe that has been stealing their girls.
Eventually, all parties converge, as they always do in typical Edgar Rice Burroughs' style and I hope it won't spoil the book for you, but .
I love that Jane is so tough and capable in this book. She's not waiting around to be rescued and she's not letting the men take care of her. She's hunting, she's making decisions, she's running the show. Does she need some help at the end of everything she can do? Sure, but it's not Jane's Quest, is it, it's Tarzan's Quest and he is entitled to some heroics.
This is the best Jane book of the entire series and also the first time she has shown up in something like 10 books. I also believe it's the last one she appears in. As a teenager I didn't care what happened to Jane, I was too enamored of Tarzan to care about anyone else, with the exception of Korak - or Tarzan, Jr. if you will. As an adult woman with 30+ years and thousands of books behind me, I have a slightly different perspective and I have to say that this book was a lot more enlightened than I expected. It's not perfect and still has racial issues, but it's a lot less misogynistic than some of his other books. Edgar Rice Burroughs actually had quite strong women in his books - La, Dejah Thoris, Meriem, and the Moon Maid all stand out as good examples, however until this volume, Jane Porter was the prime counter-example of the helpless victim who is more of a MacGuffin than a fully fleshed character. It was wonderful to see her progress as a character and a person.
Tarzan gets some really cute moments with Nkima and that helps round him out, too. In some of the later books he tends to become too emotionally removed to care about, but Nkima alleviates that and gives him his humanity back. I think that ERB got a little too concerned about making Tarzan the Lord of the Jungle and forgot to let him be a person, too. I love me some demigod action, but I miss the kid that hunched over picture books and taught himself how to read. Nkima softens him around the edges a little bit and makes Tarzan more accessible.
If you read the first six books in the series and skipped to this one and stopped, I don't think you would go wrong. Not that you shouldn't read the others - except Tarzan and the Ant Men, which is an abomination - it's just that those adventures don't show the character growth that these others do.
I'm really enjoying this literary adventure and revisiting my teenage favorites. If you are inspired to read Tarzan or any other books by Edgar Rice Burroughs because of my reviews, be sure to let me know. Unless you hate it, then we probably should go our separate ways.
The story runs in two parallel lines, one following Jane and one following Tarzan. On the Tarzan side, he is helping the Waziri track down Muviro's daughter who has been stolen by a mysterious band of white men. Little Nkima plays a pivotal role in this story and that is always fun. I love how sweet Tarzan is with his pet monkey, it's the one time we get to see the softer side of the big man.
Meanwhile, Jane, after a delightful interlude with Hazel Tennington back in civilization, has joined an expedition to the heart of Africa with an older American friend who has remarried a "Prince" after being widowed and left a rather large fortune. (Wow, I sure packed a lot into that one sentence, didn't I?) Her old friend (with emphasis on old) is chasing after rumors of an elixir of youth and Jane is just along for the ride since she was going back to Africa anyway. Not to spoil anything but Jane's party is caught in a bad storm and, after losing his way and having no idea where they are, the pilot manages a safe landing in the top of some jungle trees. The party votes Jane in charge after some tension between the Prince and the pilot. That was pretty progressive for a book written in the 30s. Things take a turn from bad to worse when conflict erupts into murder.
Tarzan, meanwhile, gets caught up in some tribal trouble when the Gomangani think he is one of the mysterious white tribe that has been stealing their girls.
Eventually, all parties converge, as they always do in typical Edgar Rice Burroughs' style and I hope it won't spoil the book for you, but .
I love that Jane is so tough and capable in this book. She's not waiting around to be rescued and she's not letting the men take care of her. She's hunting, she's making decisions, she's running the show. Does she need some help at the end of everything she can do? Sure, but it's not Jane's Quest, is it, it's Tarzan's Quest and he is entitled to some heroics.
This is the best Jane book of the entire series and also the first time she has shown up in something like 10 books. I also believe it's the last one she appears in. As a teenager I didn't care what happened to Jane, I was too enamored of Tarzan to care about anyone else, with the exception of Korak - or Tarzan, Jr. if you will. As an adult woman with 30+ years and thousands of books behind me, I have a slightly different perspective and I have to say that this book was a lot more enlightened than I expected. It's not perfect and still has racial issues, but it's a lot less misogynistic than some of his other books. Edgar Rice Burroughs actually had quite strong women in his books - La, Dejah Thoris, Meriem, and the Moon Maid all stand out as good examples, however until this volume, Jane Porter was the prime counter-example of the helpless victim who is more of a MacGuffin than a fully fleshed character. It was wonderful to see her progress as a character and a person.
Tarzan gets some really cute moments with Nkima and that helps round him out, too. In some of the later books he tends to become too emotionally removed to care about, but Nkima alleviates that and gives him his humanity back. I think that ERB got a little too concerned about making Tarzan the Lord of the Jungle and forgot to let him be a person, too. I love me some demigod action, but I miss the kid that hunched over picture books and taught himself how to read. Nkima softens him around the edges a little bit and makes Tarzan more accessible.
If you read the first six books in the series and skipped to this one and stopped, I don't think you would go wrong. Not that you shouldn't read the others - except Tarzan and the Ant Men, which is an abomination - it's just that those adventures don't show the character growth that these others do.
I'm really enjoying this literary adventure and revisiting my teenage favorites. If you are inspired to read Tarzan or any other books by Edgar Rice Burroughs because of my reviews, be sure to let me know. Unless you hate it, then we probably should go our separate ways.
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