The Garden of Allah   By: Robert Smythe Hichens (1864-1950)

The Garden of Allah by Robert Smythe Hichens is a captivating novel that takes readers on a mesmerizing journey through the deserts of North Africa. Set in the early 20th century, the story follows two intriguing characters who find solace and redemption amidst the harsh realities of their lives.

Hichens' writing is richly descriptive, painting vivid landscapes of the scorching Sahara desert and the bustling streets of Algiers. His attention to detail is impeccable, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and even the scents of these exotic locations. Through his lyrical prose, the author brings to life the allure and mystique of this unfamiliar world.

At the heart of the narrative are the two conflicted protagonists, Domini Enfilden and Boris Androvsky. Domini, a young Englishwoman disillusioned by her marriage, seeks to escape her suffocating life by venturing to North Africa. Androvsky, a disillusioned man who has forsaken his faith, is in search of redemption amidst the vast solitude of the desert. Their paths intersect in the Garden of Allah, an oasis untouched by modern civilization.

Hichens skillfully weaves their stories together, capturing the complexities of their emotions and desires. Domini is torn between her deeply religious upbringing and her burgeoning attraction to Androvsky. Androvsky, haunted by his past and filled with a desire for spiritual transformation, becomes a symbol of self-discovery and personal growth.

The novel also explores themes of faith, cultural clashes, and the transformative power of love. Hichens delves into the clash between Western ideals and the ancient Eastern traditions, portraying the complex relationship between Christianity and Islam. The characters' internal struggles mirror the external tensions, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.

One of the standout elements of The Garden of Allah is Hichens' portrayal of the desert itself. The vastness and harsh beauty of the Sahara are personified, becoming almost a character in its own right. Hichens captures the allure and danger of this unforgiving landscape, immersing readers in its oppressive heat and barren emptiness.

While the overall pacing of the novel is deliberate and atmospheric, it may be slightly slow for those seeking a more action-packed read. However, the depth of character development and the introspective exploration of themes more than compensate for this minor drawback.

In conclusion, The Garden of Allah is a beautifully written novel that transports readers to a world of exoticism, intrigue, and personal transformation. Hichens' prose is mesmerizing, his characters complex and relatable, and the desert landscape hauntingly captivating. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking an evocative and thought-provoking journey into a different time and place.

First Page:

The fatigue caused by a rough sea journey, and, perhaps, the consciousness that she would have to be dressed before dawn to catch the train for Beni Mora, prevented Domini Enfilden from sleeping. There was deep silence in the Hotel de la Mer at Robertville. The French officers who took their pension there had long since ascended the hill of Addouna to the barracks. The cafes had closed their doors to the drinkers and domino players. The lounging Arab boys had deserted the sandy Place de la Marine. In their small and dusky bazaars the Israelites had reckoned up the takings of the day, and curled themselves up in gaudy quilts on their low divans to rest. Only two or three gendarmes were still about, and a few French and Spaniards at the Port, where, moored against the wharf, lay the steamer Le General Bertrand , in which Domini had arrived that evening from Marseilles... Continue reading book >>