On the Banks of the Amazon By: William Henry Giles Kingston (1814-1880) |
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On the Banks of the Amazon by William Henry Giles Kingston is a thrilling adventure novel set in an exotic and unexplored region. The story follows the adventures of three young men, Ralph, Jack, and Peter, as they embark on an expedition to the mighty Amazon River.
The author does a fantastic job of vividly describing the lush and untamed surroundings, transporting the reader to the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Kingston's attention to detail is remarkable, bringing to life the unique flora and fauna, as well as the challenges and dangers that await the characters at every turn.
The protagonists' determination and resilience are admirable, their courage tested as they face various obstacles including treacherous rapids, deadly wildlife, and encounters with hostile indigenous tribes. The bond between the three friends is well-developed, and their camaraderie adds depth to the story, making the reader emotionally invested in their journey.
One significant aspect that stands out in this book is the meticulous research undertaken by the author. Kingston weaves in fascinating historical and geographical information seamlessly into the narrative, enriching the readers' understanding of this remarkable region. The engaging prose captivates the reader from the very beginning, ensuring that they are fully immersed in the story.
While the pace of the book is quick and action-packed, there are also moments of introspection and reflection, allowing the characters to contemplate their experiences and grow throughout the narrative. These moments of introspection provide a nice balance to the thrilling and suspenseful elements of the story.
My only criticism of the book would be that some of the characters feel slightly stereotypical, especially the indigenous tribespeople who are portrayed as simplistic and savage. However, it is important to remember that the book was written in a different era, and such portrayals were unfortunately common at the time.
Overall, On the Banks of the Amazon is an enthralling adventure that will transport readers to a world of untamed beauty and unimaginable danger. Kingston's masterful storytelling and attention to detail make this book a fantastic choice for those who enjoy epic tales of exploration and survival. Whether you are a fan of adventure novels or have an interest in the Amazon rainforest, this book will not disappoint. This is a quite long book, very well written, about a trip down the Amazon. There is rather a lot of "Natural History", but not too much, because it has all been made easy to follow, and is very interesting. All sorts of interesting things happen on this voyage. The copy used for digitisation had a rather furry and small typeface. Not one of the clearest we have ever seen. Consequently it was rather heavy labour trying to iron out the misreads and typos, and it may well be that some remain, though nowhere near the prescribed limit of 99.95%. There are 132,948 words in the book, so 1 in 2000 means that we must have less than 66 errors still remaining, which I am sure is the case. It is a rather curious thing that one is reminded at times of Ballantyne's "Martin Rattler," written very much earlier, even down to to the presence of a "recluse". That doesn't mean you won't enjoy the book just as much as you might have enjoyed "Martin Rattler." Best, as always, as an audiobook. ON THE BANKS OF THE AMAZON, BY W.H.G. KINGSTON. CHAPTER ONE. MY SCHOOL BOY DAYS AND FRIENDS. I might find an excuse for being proud, if I were so, not because my ancestors were of exalted rank or title, or celebrated for noble deeds or unbounded wealth, or, indeed, on account of any ordinary reasons, but because I was born in one of the highest cities in the world... Continue reading book >>
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Genres for this book |
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Adventure |
Fiction |
History |
Teen/Young adult |
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Wikipedia – On the Banks of the Amazon |
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