General – Page 139

: Tess realises acceptance here … at Stonehenge

I completed my reading of this tale because I felt the main protagonists were well drawn, but time and again throughout I found myself tangled in the infinitely detailed imagery. Tess, Alec and Angel are interwoven in their activities but intimacy is merely alluded to, on occasion leaving me wondering if I’d misread the narrative. I don’t need to hear the clothing being torn from a body or taste the tears of a downtrodden soul but this felt at times like a first draft of a really good idea.

Harm is occuring to human beings, strong emotions are being experienced, but there is little detail of the acts that cause these things. Rather, Thomas Hardy waxes lyrical about the colour and condition of the countryside, or the state of repair of the road.

A tale which I read in it’s old form but I feel the model has been resurrected and revamped many times since it’s first telling. Today in movie land there are many Tess’s, however they dress, talk or act and their suitors are just as good, foolish or dastardly as the characters portrayed in this story.

On a positive note, when I reached the end of the story I felt more confident in my own writing and storytelling ability. For that Mr. Hardy, I thank you.

‘Those in Peril’ is Wilbur Smith’s latest magnificent thriller and try as I might, I couldn’t make it last longer.

Having read all of his books I feel I can say with some confidence that this is one of his best. Like all of his stories the captures the reader’s imagination rapidly, then holds it throughout. This particular tale is so gripping in my view because of it’s relevance to life today.

Hazel Bannock is beautiful, supremely fit and the heiress to the Bannock Oil Corporation. She travels around the globe the way normal folk would go out to do the shopping. With barely imaginable resources it’s hard to believe that anything could faze this ex-professional tennis player.

Hector Cross is larger than life, handsome, fit, good with people, weapons and difficult situations. He is also the owner and head of operations of Cross Bow Security, which not surprisingly provides for the requirements of the Bannock Oil empire.

Hazel and Hector on first meeting would not seem destined to ever be on decent terms. They both hold a grudging admiration of the other’s ability in a chosen field but are hardly likely to become bosom buddies. Personal differences are forgotten when Cayla, Hazel’s thrill seeking young daughter is kidnapped on the high seas by African pirates and held to ransom. The Indian Ocean is in the news often and it’s this that for me brought a fresh realism to Wilbur Smith’s tale.

Muslim beliefs, torture, international relations, sex, violence and good old fashioned heroism are all mixed throughout this magical story with a cast of believable characters. You’ll feel the loss when certain people die and you’ll feel the elation when others succeed.