Background
Published in 1885, King Solomon’s Mines by H. Rider Haggard follows the journey of British adventurer Allan Quatermain, who is hired to lead a dangerous expedition into unexplored regions of Africa in search of Sir Henry Curtis’s lost brother. The group pursues a legendary treasure said to be hidden in the ancient mines of King Solomon, encountering harsh deserts, hostile terrain, and tribal conflicts along the way. As they venture deeper into the unknown, the party confronts both physical dangers and moral dilemmas, navigating themes of colonialism, greed, loyalty, and survival.
My Thoughts
I didn’t expect much regarding the racial undertone of the book but I believe it came off better than expected. The African people’s were presented better than I would have thought for the time period of publication. They weren’t treated like savages or anyone taking issue with what they were doing and with whom. They still weren’t treated well, but they were presented as real 3-dimensional people, which was a pleasant surprise.
The story itself was hard to get into at the first but became more compelling as it progressed.
Recommendation
There was a slow start but it became an enjoyable read.