Status
Available
Call number
Call number
PB Pos
Local notes
PB Pos
Collections
Genres
Publication
Mariner Books (1978), 384 pages
Description
Van der Post’s incomparable knowledge of Africa illuminates this epic novel, set near the Kalahari Desert, about a boy on the verge of manhood, his experiences with the wonder and mystery of a still-primitive land, and his secret friendship with the Bushman whose life he saves. The narrative of A Story like the Wind continues in A Far-Off Place.
Subjects
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1972
Physical description
384 p.; 5.25 inches
User reviews
LibraryThing member DeltaQueen50
A Story Like the Wind by Laurens van der Post is a coming of age tale about a young boy, Francois, raised on a remote farm in South Africa. This story is centered around the death of his father and his coming to terms with his loss and having to mature rather quickly.
While his mother and father
Set in the late 1930’s and based on his recollections, the author is able to paint a vivid picture about growing up in Africa. Francois’ relations with the native people on the farm allow us to witness the rich oral traditions of these people. I did, however, find some of the descriptions were long winded and could become rather mind numbing, and at times, I felt the author wandered from his plot. Overall, I enjoyed this book, beautifully written but patience is definitely required.
While his mother and father
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leave to consult doctors, Francois and his faithful companion, his dog Hin, spent their days together. We learn of his life and experience some of his adventures. From rescuing a bushman from a lion trap to consulting a witch doctor about his father, we are given insight into how this boy thinks and feels.Set in the late 1930’s and based on his recollections, the author is able to paint a vivid picture about growing up in Africa. Francois’ relations with the native people on the farm allow us to witness the rich oral traditions of these people. I did, however, find some of the descriptions were long winded and could become rather mind numbing, and at times, I felt the author wandered from his plot. Overall, I enjoyed this book, beautifully written but patience is definitely required.
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LibraryThing member larryerick
First, just to be clear, this is not a book. It is half of a book, the other half being the sequel. For any other fictional work, this would be the first few chapters setting the stage for the meat of the tale. The author has the main character start out with an extraordinary dog. Then he has the
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main character meet a key character...and then pushes that character into the background with only periodic references. Next a new key character is introduced with clear indications that something very significant will develop. In the meantime, the main character's family is dealt with in a rather odd arms-length way. Ultimately, it all comes together in the last few pages, only with the obvious follow-up adventure left totally hanging. Luckily, we know the author did indeed write a follow-up. At it's best, the writing is both very instructive on the land and mixed cultures of Africa, where the tale takes place. Also, when the narrative is concentrating on events, especially ones involving interactions between characters, the writing is remarkably engaging, almost rushing the reader along both intellectually and emotionally. Other times, the writing is intensely reflective on the situation and unnecessarily redundant in doing so. Throughout, there's a certain level of formality to everything. If a straightforward narrative was like a quick wedding with a justice of the peace, this book often verges into a queen's coronation ceremony on a regular basis. Despite it's flaws, the books ultimately offers the reader a true adventure story set in a fascinating background. It just could have been done in about half the space. Show Less
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Lexile
1360L
Pages
384