A photograph and a curse are the only clues Dr Ben Kazin has before he stumbles on the archaeological discovery. Beneath the red cliffs of Botswanaland a civilization has remained buried for millennia. But the magic of uncovering a lost culture is interrupted by the violence of terrorists, love, intrigue, and the secrets of centuries.
The Sunbird
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"When it comes to historical fiction, Smith is without rival."--"Tulsa World"
"Each time I read a new Wilbur Smith I say it is the best book I have ever read--until the next one."--"Times Record News "(Wichita Falls, TX)
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
"Each time I read a new Wilbur Smith I say it is the best book I have ever read--until the next one."--"Times Record News "(Wichita Falls, TX)
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Book Description
'I scrambled onto my knees, pushing the automatic rifle forward to cover one flank. In that instant they opened on us. The air around me was torn by the sound of a thousand bull whips, while the gunfire sounded like a stick dragged swiftly across a corrugated-iron fence.' A hazy aerial photograph and a sinister curse are the only clues Dr Ben Kazin has before he stumbles on the archaeological discovery of a lifetime. Beneath the red cliffs of Botswanaland a magnificent unknown civilization has remained buried for millenna. But the magic of uncovering a lost culture is harshly interrupted by the violence of terrorists, love, intrigue and the breathtaking secrets of centries...
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
43 of 44 people found the following review helpful
By JPR
Format:Hardcover
Only the 2nd stand alone i've read of Wilbur. I must admit that when starting this book, i had quite high expectations since i'd heard it was one of his best.
I can say now that i was not disappointed in the slightest. In fact i was even taken aback a little by its brilliance. This is definitely one book not to miss out on.
Split into 2 parts, the 1st is set in the modern era (1970's) in Southern Africa. We follow the gifted, intelligent but physically deformed (Hunchback) Dr. Ben Kazin and his rich and handsome friend Louren. They share a passion for lost civilisations and archietecture. So when the red cliffs of Botswanaland show a potental sectet to an ancient civilisation and culture, Dr. Kazin thinks that this could be the one, the chance of a liftime, to realise his dreams. Both set of to try and uncover any leads. These efforts are constantly disrupted by many things, namely Terrorists, Violence, Greed and Love.
Even if this doesn't sound like your cup of tea, the way Wilbur writes it eventually weaves some kind of magic spell on you and you are swept into the world of these 2 characters and their dreams. The main character Ben is brought to life so well that you begin to share his passions, happiness, weakness and ambitions with him.
The 2nd part of the book goes back 2000 years and introduces us to the civilisation of Opet. Here our main hero is a courageous, well loved priest/war veterain named Huy Ben-Amon. His close friend is the King of Opet, Lannon. Their civilisation rules the southern continent but a potentially hostile enemy is lurking in the North. Due to their cruelty and complaciency overall as a society, Opet comes under threat by a seemingly unstoppable and relentless foe.
I don't want to talk about the 2nd part in any more detail othewise i might give something away. All i can say is that this part of the book is quite sensational. This has to be Wilbur at his very best.
I found the 1st part of the book very good, but its the 2nd part that makes the Sunbird so special, the way it brings both parts together, making this a right classic!
20 of 21 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
I have read the Sunbird three times until now (once in English and twice in Greek) and every time I finish it I want to read it again. Admittedly the beginning isn't very exciting. After a certain point though Smith's narration attains some kind of magic and you find yourself in another dimension. The writing is so natural and balanced that makes the book almost a classic. The story also is wonderful and manages to appeal like an ancient Greek tragedy or a Shaekspearean play. The characters, especially Dr. Kajin, are so well given that make you share their passions, weaknesess and ambitions. 'The Sunbird', I think, is the kind of book that all the equivalent should have as reference.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
Smith shows just how good a writer he really is. This amazing example of his work brings together the exitement of modern day Africa and the emotions of his lead character perfectly, before throwing them back in time where we see the brilliance of his creative mind sending them into their carthaginian past. I could not put it down. Excellent, fantastic, perfect. Need I say more?
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
third time I have read this book
third time I have read this book over a thirty year span and each time enjoyed it as is if reading it for the first time,the switch from present to past is like reading a different... Read more
Published 1 month ago by eileen moore
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Sunbird
I read this book many years ago, and thought it was worth reading again.
I enjoyed it just as much the second time. Read more
I enjoyed it just as much the second time. Read more
Published 1 month ago by JEAN WATERS
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant
A fantastic read. Wilbur Smith is a wonderful writer. I couldn't put the book down. Magnificent story telling. Worth every one of its 5 stars.
Published 1 month ago by Max Asiwe
4.0 out of 5 stars
Far fetched but kept you turning pages
I remember reading this book years ago and it stuck in my mind so ordered for my kindle . A good yarn .It was much more interesting in the second part.
Published 1 month ago by howdy
5.0 out of 5 stars
book
it is a book i have read many times and i lent to someone who did'nt return it this was a replacement it is a very enjoyable book
Published 2 months ago by Mrs. Joy Simmonds
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wilbur's best.
Of all Wilbur Smiths books this is my particular favourite. I've bought and read all of his books from way back in the 60's, he is a prolific story teller and in my opinion the... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Bryan Melrose
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perhaps my favourite book of all time
This was the second Wilbur Smith novel I read and still in my view his best. The two parallel stories thousands of year's apart work perfectly. Read more
Published 3 months ago by StorytellerClive
3.0 out of 5 stars
An epic tale of two halves that doesn't quite hit the mark
Not sure about this book. None of the characters were that endearing or relatable. Evil triumphs in many ways in this book and not just in the obvious ways. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Jenny McCann
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another great read.
I find all his novels fascinating, interesting & totally absorbing. Really looking forward to reading this book with great anticipation.
Published 3 months ago by Garibaldi
5.0 out of 5 stars
Present
Super fast delivery in perfect condition.
Dad loves his Wilbur Smith and this is just another to the collection.
Not enough pictures for me :-)
Dad loves his Wilbur Smith and this is just another to the collection.
Not enough pictures for me :-)
Published 3 months ago by M. E. Barker
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