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vegandanimal's review against another edition
3.0
Enjoyable, if somewhat problematic, adventure yarn that raises interesting questions about Imperialism.
harlando's review against another edition
3.0
Pretty good. Two wastrels wander out of British India into Afghanistan and make themselves kings over the inhabitants of a few remote valleys. They bring some guns, some basic soldiering skills, and a whole pile of bravado and use that kill and rule the villagers. The villagers are a faceless bunch who show almost no initiative. Despite being described as the descendants of alexander and “white as Englishmen,” the natives don’t do much to impress.
I found it funny that the two adventurers woo the valley’s chiefs and priests with their knowledge of masonic ritual. I’ve never understood the mystique of masonry. I gather it was pretty exclusive at one time, but in my experience it’s mostly old white guys.
The kingdom falls apart over a woman. I’m not sure what Kipling was trying to say. It could be that all women are trouble and men of action should steer clear of them. Or, it could be a commentary on the natives and that ill-befalls any Englishman who mixes with the locals.
It is more than a bit racist, but given the period I suppose it could be worse.
I found it funny that the two adventurers woo the valley’s chiefs and priests with their knowledge of masonic ritual. I’ve never understood the mystique of masonry. I gather it was pretty exclusive at one time, but in my experience it’s mostly old white guys.
The kingdom falls apart over a woman. I’m not sure what Kipling was trying to say. It could be that all women are trouble and men of action should steer clear of them. Or, it could be a commentary on the natives and that ill-befalls any Englishman who mixes with the locals.
It is more than a bit racist, but given the period I suppose it could be worse.
welshrebel1776's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
lidsx's review against another edition
challenging
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
anna_w's review against another edition
2.0
Not my thing, wouldn't have picked it up if I didn't have to read it for my university course.
tamagojin88's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
palejandro's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
kath27's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75