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The Golden Rock   By: (1855-1925)

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In "The Golden Rock" by Ernest Glanville, readers are taken on a captivating journey through the rugged landscapes of South Africa. Set during the late 19th century, Glanville introduces us to a rich tapestry of characters whose lives become intricately intertwined amidst the backdrop of a mining town.

The story revolves around the enigmatic figure of Piet van Ryn, a deeply troubled man with a tragic past. Landing in the mining town of Barberton, van Ryn is driven by an insatiable desire for wealth and power, which he believes is hidden within the golden rocks of the local mines. As he embarks on this relentless pursuit, we witness the dark consequences of his single-minded ambition.

Glanville's descriptive prose expertly evokes the raw beauty of the African terrain, infusing the narrative with a sense of awe and wonder. From the majestic cliffs to the vast savannahs, the author's vivid imagery transports readers into a world that feels alive and immersive. Whether it is the blistering heat of the African sun or the untamed power of the rivers, each element of nature plays a significant role in shaping the story's atmosphere.

One of the novel's strengths lies in the multifaceted characters that Glanville presents. From the resolute heroine, Judith Travers, to the morally ambiguous antagonist, Jan Marais, each personality is skillfully crafted with their complexities and contradictions. The interactions between the characters are layered and dynamic, adding depth to the overarching narrative. Glanville delves into themes of prejudice, redemption, and human nature, exploring the depths and heights to which individuals can rise or fall in their pursuit of personal gain.

Despite the novel's strengths, there are moments when the pacing falters. The story meanders at times, dwelling on scenes that may not contribute significantly to the central plot. While this can be seen as a stylistic choice to enhance the sense of immersion, it may test the patience of readers seeking a more tightly woven narrative.

"The Golden Rock" is ultimately a tale of sacrifice and the true nature of wealth, both material and spiritual. Glanville weaves together a captivating story that not only explores the harsh realities of life in the South African mining industry but also delves into the complexities of the human heart. With its evocative prose and compelling characters, this novel shines as a worthwhile read for fans of historical fiction and adventure.

First Page:

The Golden Rock By Ernest Glanville Illustrations by Stanley Wood Published by Chatto and Windus, London. This edition dated 1895. The Golden Rock, by Ernest Glanville.

THE GOLDEN ROCK, BY ERNEST GLANVILLE.

CHAPTER ONE.

A QUEER LEGACY.

Old Trader Hume was dead.

Not that he was really old when he died, but he had lived a life that had robbed him of his youth at one end and cut off the slow decline on the other. At fifteen he began the career of trader and hunter; before twenty he had been tossed by a buffalo, and broken his leg in a fall from his horse; at twenty five he had been twice down with the fever; at thirty he was known as Old Hume; at fifty he had gone home to die a man worn, sun dried, and scarred with many wounds. Home to the Old Country, the land of his parents, the land of rest and green fields that had figured in his waking dreams, and in his lonely watches beneath the African sky.

His mother had talked to him of the quiet village, the ivied church, the bells, the song of the lark, and the pleasant customs of the country folk; and his father had told him of the great cities, the roar of life, and the silence of old ruins testifying to a mighty past; and the untrained, toughened Colonial boy had kept before him one goal the hoary tower of Westminster, the green meadows, and the tuneful bells of old England... Continue reading book >>




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