- Paperback: 544 pages
- Publisher: Pan; 14 edition (6 Feb 1998)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0330239481
- ISBN-13: 978-0330239486
- Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 17.8 x 4 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 16,738 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
The Sunbird
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More About the Author
Product Description
Review
"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)
"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)
Product Description
Classic adventure from Wilbur Smith.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
39 of 40 people found the following review helpful
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!
19 of 20 people found the following review helpful
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.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
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
great read
I read prodigiously and i can still remember this from many years ago as its such a good book. Its one of those books you just can't put down and even now i consider one of the... Read more
Published 5 months ago by casual retired
A Book of Two Halves
A great ripping yarn, of course, but not one of Smith's best works. I really enjoyed part one as it was always evolving and I never quite knew where it was going to go. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Tugs
Bargain!
I read this book some 30 years ago and I've always remembered it for the wonderful descriptions of South Africa.I'm looking foreward to reading it again.
Published 5 months ago by Laz113
The Sunbird - love this book
A fantastic book. I'm not a great lover of Wilbur Smith's other books but this was the 1st one I read and I absolutely love it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Read more
Published 7 months ago by patsapri
The Sunbird
This was purchased as a replacement for a well read copy which has fallen apart - the copy I received was great for it's age.
Published 12 months ago by Mrs. P. Stones
Absolutely fantastic read.
This is by far one of the best books I have ever read, I couldn't put it down. I read it a long time ago and have never been able to forget about it. Read more
Published 14 months ago by Pattielou
This is a bench mark which all other authors will be judged
As an avid fan of Smiths work it stll amazes me how anybody can write in a way to keep fresh, intresting & new plots and storylines flowing book after book. Read more
Published 17 months ago
Disapointed
It's a pitty that a big part of the book has it's action bc times which I'm am not specialy interested on. Read more
Published 22 months ago by T Da Silva
a riveting read
The Sunbird is Wilbur Smith's finest work and a very fine book indeed. Most of his output will probably be quickly forgotten but this deserves to last. Read more
Published on 26 May 2010 by Klaatu
Sunbird book tape
If you have not read this book , the Audio book would be very good. Unfortunately as I have read the book, a lot of the story I was expecting has been omitted, to the determent of... Read more
Published on 6 April 2010 by Ms. H. Fitzsimmons
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