Customer Reviews:
Heavy going.......2005-09-26
A book I can say I realy enjoyed (onced I had finnished) but I have to say it was HEAVY GOING! The author has the habit of many Eastern European writers in that he likes to go into the most minute detail of his characters which at times is quite pleasent in that it gives you a more detailed picture in your mind of the times he is writing about but at others makes you want to scream out GET ON WITH IT!!! Which is how I felt for the first 40 odd pages of this book after which it does start to get interesting. The character of the dervish is something of a reflection of the author whose own brother was executed by the authorities and he like the dervish in the book failed to to all that he could to prevent his execution. At times you simpathise with the character but at others he can discust you with his inaction and lack of determination. His encounters with the Islamic judges of the town are wonderful and realy give you a picture of life in Ottoman Bosnia and the corruption that had infected (some) of its officials although the author could equally be talking about the Yugoslavia in which he lived in.
I must say I read this book mostly because I was interested in Ottoman history and I seriously doubt that had I not such a strong interest in Ottoman history that I would have finnished this book.
This book stands as one of the few translations of Bosnian literature in the English language and though it is an exellent book it can also be a tiresome book.
Dervish and Death.......2004-09-19
Mesa Selimovic was a great writer and it's a pitty that he didn't win the Nobel Prize (to my knowledge, he was never even considered). A talent like his is rare. "Dervish and Death" is a book I enjoyed reading very much, for the first time, and each time afterwards I enjoyed it even more. Unfortunatelly, this is not the case with all of Selimovic's works, as some of them are, to put it plainly, boring.
What captivated me about "Dervish..." is Selimovic's sentence, which is so melodic that it almost seems like poetry.
This is a demanding book and not the easiest read in the world. Even though it is a simple story, it takes time and it must be consumed slowly. Recommended but only if you have a lot of time on your hands.
Wan Keeper of a Pale Flame.......2004-05-24
Imagine that justice flees your homeland. Imagine fair play the faint daydream of centuries, a spiritual aspiration carried as faintly as low flame into ever-present darkness. What if tending that flame became an unavoidable duty? What if you alone, held the last bit of light in bottomless evil?
What of your loved ones? What if they were carried off to hopeless imprisonment for the mere whiff of fortuitous knowledge, (knowledge obtained by awkward proximity but not involvement)? If you lived in a land wholly unacquainted with anything resembling justice and all was pervasively corrupt, diffident autocracy, would you, could you be . . .Courageous? Ethical? Forgiving?
Would you carry The Flame? What if the tables were turned and you suddenly, inexplicably were granted the power you assumed would always be beyond your grasp? How would you use it?
"Death and the Dervish" takes place in 17th century Bosnia, in the cruel, clumsy colonialism of an Ottoman "kasaba," a provincial outpost of enervated empire. The story's events occur in the ethical vacuum indubitably created by all over-extended empires.
Not enough has been said here about the spiritual nuance of Sheikh Ahmed, light of this sensitive novel and wan keeper of a pale flame. His is a beautiful, articulated and devoted character full of loftiness and sorrow born of his Muslim education, Sufi training and wordly experience. The Sheikh endures the greatest human test; unanticipated access to power. The price exacted is ultimate, but the inner battle for his wavering morality is affirmative.
The Sheik is at his finest facing the neglected avenues of public expression, a thing unknown in his lethargic town. The episode at the mosque after the Sheik's brother has been murdered in prison is beautiful close examination of the furious power of human conscience. Sheikh Ahmed's struggle contains deeply felt interior arguments directed at finding adequate expression for the precipitous outrage he shares with those around him. Unlike others, Sheik Ahmed neither deflects nor suborns even in the face of tyranny.
Should you desire exquisite writing and a moving story that contains a window to the thought behind Muslim belief (a humane belief, after all), this book is a fine portrayal of a man's struggle for justice; for The Lit Flame. "Death and the Dervish" broadens understanding of what is not actually so foreign. . . I say this because the book's Muslim characters are Europeans and keenly aware of western Europe.
I will remain attached to Sheikh Ahmed and miss the weight of his inner beauty. Mesa Selimovic has reached into the stream of human consciousness to find a good man caught in horrible circumstances. As the Sheik moves forward to face the temptations of power and the seduction of revenge, we are treated to the workings of an artfully-drawn psyche and its lonely power.
There but for grace . . . go we.
this is a great book.......2002-12-18
I think it is wrong to trivialize this book with arguements about Selimovic's nationality. It would be a shame, if we were defined simply by our race, ethnicity, or religion. I hope we all agree that is wrong to define (and confine) a person, or person's work, within the limits of political and geographical boundaries. Selimovic's novel was not meant to be a confirmation of Bosnian "greatness," merely because it was written by a Bosnian. I tend to believe that he had other, deeper, and more spiritual motives in his writing. I certainly gained much from reading this book, and I am a serb.
Extraordinary Masterpiece.......2002-04-28
This is not a book that can be a bestseller. It doesn't come to that. This is a deeply philosophical book about life. It's easy to get confused by the title and the author's name that this is a book about the muslim religion. That is wrong and superficial. Yes, muslim religion is used as a starting point but basic life existencial questions and dilemas that are beautifully put here are the core of the book and that has no immediate relation to any perticular religion. I have read this book and it is deep, emotional and relly honest. It is full of wonderful quotes which I often go back to. If you get passed the firs three chapters - you will read the whole book and know what I am saying. It's one of those books that are like a bible in your library. It's something you will think about long after you've read it.
Book Description
This digital document is an article from World Literature Today, published by University of Oklahoma on March 22, 1997. The length of the article is 886 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Death and the Dervish.
Author: Dragan Milivojevic
Publication:
World Literature Today (Refereed)
Date: March 22, 1997
Publisher: University of Oklahoma
Volume: v71
Issue: n2
Page: p418(2)
Article Type: Book Review
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Average customer rating:
- Swept Away
- BORING!
- Loved it!
- Another excellent Garlock story
- Another excellent Garlock story
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Wayward Wind
Dorothy Garlock
Manufacturer: Grand Central Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
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ASIN: 0445202149 |
Customer Reviews:
Swept Away.......2004-07-17
I could NOT put this book down and have read it twice. I loved it. I bought this book for a quarter and read her set out of order. Highly recommended!!
BORING!.......2003-04-05
THIS BOOK WAS SO BAD I COULDN'T EVEN FINISH IT!! I COULDN'T TOLERATE READING "I'M YOUR WOMAN, I KNOW IT" ONE MORE TIME! MAYBE IF I WOULD HAVE STUCK IT OUT THE STORY LINE WOULD HAVE GOTTEN BETTER. THE COVER ON THE BOOK WAS DECEIVING BECAUSE I PICTURED LORNA AS A SHORT LITTLE TWIT WHO PROBABLY WASN'T HALF AS PRETTY AS THE WOMAN ON THE COVER. SO FAR THE ONLY DOROTHY GARLOCK BOOK I'VE BEEN UNABLE TO PUT DOWN WAS MIDNIGHT BLUE. CHECK IT OUT FOR A BETTER READ.
Loved it!.......2002-06-10
A great book by Dorothy Garlock. I highly reccomend it to anyone who likes a good historical romance.
Another excellent Garlock story.......2002-04-08
Dorothy Garlock is amazing! Always knows what the reader wants, and gives them a lot extra!!
This book is the second book of a trilogy, picking up where Restless Wind left off. What made this story so intriguing was the introduction of Lorna - the great grandaughter of Light and Maggie Lightbody (from "Almost Eden"). Also, featured is the wonderful Cooper Parnell, who we originally met in Restless Wind - the first of this trilogy.
Lorna resides at the home of Maggie and Light's - her great-grandparents - on Light's Mountain. At the end of Garlock's story, "Almost Eden", we understand the love story of Maggie and Light has become a legend. Lorna is wrapped up in the legend so much that even if a good man ever did make it on the mountain, other than the rugged mountain men and thieves and outlaws, they couldn't possibly measure up to her fantasy of a real love.
When a variety of conflicts arise, and she meets Cooper and Griffin, she knows Cooper is the man of her dreams... only her fantasy of romance and love is clouded by the legend of her great-grandparents, and her confidence that Cooper is the man of her dreams also pushes Cooper away - as he knows he cannot measure up to the dream romance she's created.
When Lorna makes a trip to Junction City, you'll again read about Mr. McCloud, Minnie, and Bessie - along with learning what's occuring in Logan and Rosdalee Horn's lives.
There are a variety of conflicts that arise for the couple, including horse theives, murderers, and old villains waiting to get their revenge... including Cooper Parnell's father, Adam Clayhill. Will this be the story that end's Adam Clayhill's evil ways... and is there another surprise character that will return to Adam's life with a similar connection as Logan Horn and Cooper Parnell?
Garlock is a genius when it comes to romance, character development, and weaving in characters from other stories. This is one of her best!
Another excellent Garlock story.......2002-04-08
Dorothy Garlock is amazing! Always knows what the reader wants, and gives them a lot extra!!
This book is the second book of a trilogy, picking up where Restless Wind left off. What made this story so intriguing was the introduction of Lorna - the great grandaughter of Light and Maggie Lightbody (from "Almost Eden"). Also, featured is the wonderful Cooper Parnell, who we originally met in Restless Wind - the first of this trilogy.
Lorna resides at the home of Maggie and Light's - her great-grandparents - on Light's Mountain. At the end of Garlock's story, "Almost Eden", we understand the love story of Maggie and Light has become a legend. Lorna is wrapped up in the legend so much that even if a good man ever did make it on the mountain, other than the rugged mountain men and thieves and outlaws, they couldn't possibly measure up to her fantasy of a real love.
When a variety of conflicts arise, and she meets Cooper and Griffin, she knows Cooper is the man of her dreams... only her fantasy of romance and love is clouded by the legend of her great-grandparents, and her confidence that Cooper is the man of her dreams also pushes Cooper away - as he knows he cannot measure up to the dream romance she's created.
When Lorna makes a trip to Junction City, you'll again read about Mr. McCloud, Minnie, and Bessie - along with learning what's occuring in Logan and Rosdalee Horn's lives.
There are a variety of conflicts that arise for the couple, including horse theives, murderers, and old villains waiting to get their revenge... including Cooper Parnell's father, Adam Clayhill. Will this be the story that end's Adam Clayhill's evil ways... and is there another surprise character that will return to Adam's life with a similar connection as Logan Horn and Cooper Parnell?
Garlock is a genius when it comes to romance, character development, and weaving in characters from other stories. This is one of her best!
Book Description
A CONTINENT AND A WAR LIE BETWEEN HER AND THE ONLY PLACE OF SAFETY SHE KNOWS!
Uncover THE SECRETS OF HEATHERSLEIGH HALL with Wayward Winds, the newest book from Michael Phillips and join the drama, the conflict, and the attempt of one woman to free herself from the clutches of a man yearning for power.
In Wayward Winds, Amanda Rutherford has left the family mansion on the shires of Devon and joined the suffragette movement in London. While in the bustling metropolis, she becomes romantically involved with Ramsay Halifax, a charming young man who has European roots. As World War I approaches, the suffragette movement wanes, leaving Amanda without much purpose.
In a hasty decision, she agrees to marry Halifax, and soon she is on her way to Eastern Europe. Little does she know the danger she is in, that all along she has been merely a pawn in an ideological scheme to gain influence and control in England. When she finally realizes that Halifax and his mother are not the people she thought they were, she finds herself far from home and a warring continent lays between her and the only place of safety she knows.
PRAISE for Wild Grows the Heather in Devon
"Entertaining and filled with spiritual insight. I'm looking forward to reading the other titles in this series." K.D., Minnesota Christian Chronicle
"Dramatic and insightful. Highly recommended." Library Journal.
Customer Reviews:
this author an awesome discovery!.......2003-02-16
In two weeks I have read books 2,3 & 4 of the Heathersleigh series. I am purchasing #1 to read. I got so involved in the characters of the series. The thing which impressed me was that, in the process of reading them, I began to be aware of people in my life - and myself - who suffered the same spiritual afflictions as the Rutherfords and their friends; and more painfully so, was brought to a point of reassessing myself and my motives in life. I would think "how could amanda be like that" and a gentle nudging of the spirit would remind me that I, too, have allowed such pettiness in my life.. Not only entertaining and full of historial and geographical knowledge, but full of spiritual awakening.
Excellent Book!.......2000-07-11
Out of all of Michael Phillips' books, this one is my favorite! I haven't been able to put it down because it is so fasinating and captivating! If you want an excellently written book that has explicit research, this book is for you. The characters are interesting and very real, whether it is Catharine and George exploring Heathersleigh Hall, the McFees visiting, or Amanda with her seemingly endless problems. I studied World War I in school this year and all the events that happened previously are in this book, which makes the book very interesting for me as well. There is nothing in this book I did not like! Read it yourself!
Extremely Gripping!.......2000-02-11
This book is one of the most exciting and gripping books I've ever read! Amanda and her family are very real characters in very real situations. Michael Phillips has done a fantastic job with this series. I can't wait to read the next one! If you haven't read this series, I really recommend it. It will change you and your outlook on life. It has real characters, real plots, and a history lesson too!
Great series about walking with God.......2000-02-05
I appreciate how much detail about the way characters think Phillips includes in the Heathersleigh series. I've realized many things about God through my reading of these novels, and that's a rare gift.
However, sometimes the message can obscure the plot and the action bogs down in a mire of feelings, questions, thoughts and sermons. So this book isn't just light reading -- some parts made me think. You can only really understand the point of all the action if you understand the growth the Rutherfords are going through, and that understanding will vary from person to person.
I can't wait to read the final two books in this series.
once you pick it up you can't put it down.......1999-09-06
this book is rich in historical value and vivid characters. After the first book, this came as a refreshing surprise. It definately shows you the inside scoop of World War One and how the Fountain of Light persuaded and blinded its many followers.
Book Description
It's a journey full of danger, excitement--and surprises. Eighteen thousand miles between New York and California. The threat of pursuit, the perils of yellow fever, the problems of taking on unexpected passengers, and the rigors of rounding the Horn are only the beginning. For brave, impulsive Rafer Maddox, this trip will introduce him to a boy and to a woman who will change his life forever--and bring his own soul closer to the will of the Almighty. Winds of Promise brings a colorful cast of characters and an unforgettable era alive in rich and historically accurate detail.
Customer Reviews:
Decent book, excellent writers, neat perspective.......2007-05-15
Plot twists actually worked. I don't often get surprised, but some parts of this book actually managed that. Mostly, it's very predictable, but the bird's funny, the plot keeps moving, and the characters are likable if not totally endearing.
The Thoenes haven't won all those writing awards for no reason. I don't think this is their best series, but it's all right.
Ok for a history book.......2007-02-15
This book reads very much like reading someones journal about their travels. Very little is actual dialogue between the characters. The covers of all three of the books display a woman prominently, but do not be fooled. They are mere background players to the man telling the story. This, and the other two, are great from a history aspect of America in the 1800s, but not much else. I like to see more interaction between the characters and not just what seem like recollections of the event from the leading male.
A GREAT WEEKEND READ!.......1999-09-20
I curled up for an afternoon with a good book and read all weekend without hardly looking up! Full of adventure, twists, a new bit of California gold rush history I had never heard of, I was completely caught up by the story. It was well worth the time! Better than a good movie, I would recommend this book to everyone from age 8 to 80!
A huge disappointment.......1999-08-10
I was very disappointed in this book. I loved the Thoene's Zion's and Saga of the Sierra series, but this was poorly done. I read the previous reviews and wondered if those people had read the same book that I had. The book TOLD me how to feel. I like to make up my own mind. This book smacked of a deadline--perhaps the author was in a hurry or writing something more interesting on the side. Anyway, not nearly enough time was spent developing the characters and their personalities. I was VERY disappointed. I've absolutely loved the Thoene's books, but now I'll have to be more careful.
A great read! I loved it!.......1998-09-30
The Thoenes have done it again! Just like their Saga of the Sierra series, this book pulled me in and hooked me good. I love tales of the west and this was one I have never heard of or imagined! (Steamboats used to sail up and down the central valley of California? WOW! Suddenly the floods near Sacramento last year begon to make sense!) The story is told in such a wonderful personal way. Anyone who loves the west will love this book! More, please!
Average customer rating:
- Disappointing considering other Thoene novels.
- Great book for western readers!
- Very disappointing!!
- Very dissapointing considering the authors
- Great
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To Gather the Wind: The Wayward Wind Series (Wayward Wind Series/Bodie Thoene, Bk 2)
Brock Thoene , and
Bodie Thoene
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Winds of Promise (Thoene, Bodie, Wayward Wind Series.)
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ASIN: 0785280731 |
Book Description
This adventurous novel of danger and romance takes readers out to the old West with heart-stopping action and colorful characters. The second book in The Wayward Wind series.
Customer Reviews:
Disappointing considering other Thoene novels........2000-02-14
This whole series was not good. The Thoene's have written excellent novels before and I was looking forward to reading them. I actually had to quit reading them because they were so boring! The characters were very shallow, and I felt nothing for them. I hope that the Thoene's bring out another novel worth reading. I was so disappointed!
Great book for western readers!.......1999-11-08
A really great book for those who like westerns! I am a great fan of Louis Lamour and Zane Grey and love the old western movies. This story really appealed to me. I passed it along to my twograndsons (15 and 18) and they loved it. It bridged the generation gap. Not as much deep thought in these Thoene westerns as their other historicals. I am grateful for this, as sometimes I just want a good, easy, entertaining read which does not make me THINK so hard! These Thoene books are very different from their Zion books and Shiloh books. These are so very different that I wonder if they did not write them for the sake of giving us good, clean, dependable entertainment which we can easily share with readers of all ages without fear of the vulgarity and profanity which has become so common in all genres these days. There is a place for both the serious historical fiction for which the Thoenes are so well known and these light, entertaining books as well. I really love the westerns and hope they will continue writing them. Please, for us old fuds and our grandkids too, keep them coming. The modern world is heavy enough that we need this kind of old west break once in a while!
Very disappointing!!.......1999-11-02
I can't believe the lack of quality in the later books of the Thoenes( in the last few years) .This book can be read in an hour! Not at all like their previous series.I would almost think that some one else has written these books.
Very dissapointing considering the authors.......1999-09-03
Prior to reading this book I would have read anything the Thoene"s wrote on the reputation of the authors alone, after reading this book I will be far more critical before purchasing another of their novels. The book seemed to be targeted to the tastes of much younger readers. The story is not really what I would think the characters would have acted like or said, not adults, anyway. "Mr. Turnipseed"?? Really!!
Great.......1999-05-19
This is a great book. I just finished it and I am going to read it again. Anyone who liked the Thoene books should read it. It is great
Book Description
It's 1862 and the Civil War has swept over the Cumberland Mountains into the heart of Tennessee. Jesse Dodson and his wife, Alcie, want only to farm the land and raise their children in peace. But instead the cataclysmic forces of war have torn their family apart. An epic tale of one man's journey through the horrors of war and of a family's courage and hope for healing, Winds of the Cumberland is a dramatic saga of heartache, sacrifice, faith, and lasting love.
Customer Reviews:
Yee-ha!.......1999-11-26
I am enjoying the Thoene westerns as a real change of pace from their other work. The big historicals have required a huge amount of research and are filled with emotional impact. They have changed the way I look at life and historical events. The westerns are a great escape. Written in the first person, each book in the Wayward Wind series is like hearing some old story teller spin a tale about his life. To sum up:Winds of the Cumberland and the others are suitable for readers of every age. They do not require the brain power of the Thoene historicals, nor the deep emotional involvement with the characters. But if you like a plain good tale about American legends, these are great books to read.
Average customer rating:
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Echoes of the Wayward Wind
Martha Louise Richter
Manufacturer: PublishAmerica
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Egypt | Middle East | History | Subjects | Books
General | World | History | Subjects | Books
General | Romance | Subjects | Books
General | Travel | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1413754384 |
Book Description
Dignified, passionate, and a powerful spirit, Julie is a single mother and businesswoman who unwaveringly worked toward her lifelong ambition. Little did she realize that reaching her goal and beginning life again at thirty-eight was going to literally mean finding her soul mate, setting him free, bearing a child, and fighting for her life, yet prevailing until her dreams became reality. West is an honorable man whose life-long mission was defending America against foreign as well as homegrown malevolence yet discovered the toughest battle was with his inner gremlins. Strong-minded and determined, he conquered the shadowy memories—freeing his heart again. Filled with humor, wisdom, conflict, and loyalty, Echoes of the Wayward Wind has recognizable, resplendent characters who could be the friends and family we know and love. Not only was the novel written as a pleasure to read but to enrich the senses.
Book Description
An anthology of verse in both modern and traditional styles by the prize-winning poet and artist, Margaret Havill Reid, including original artwork created especially for this edition.
Books:
- Dictionary of the Khazars (M)
- El Husar
- Envy (New York Review Books Classics)
- Excessive Joy Injures the Heart
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- Fight Club: A Novel
- Floating in My Mother's Palm
- Foam of the Daze
- Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation
- Girl with a Pearl Earring
Books Index
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