Tom Lazenby's Reviews > She

"She" is a great book--bottom line. Initially, I was surprised to see that this book did not get more five star ratings. But then I can understand some people's frustration with it. Granted, it is slow/verbose at some parts (primarily the beginning in my opinion). But we must remember that this book was published in 1887, the age of no television, radio, Internet, etc. As such, certain description that may be deemed unnecessary in today's world (though there are still so many 300+ page novels today that are loaded with filler) was required back then to transport the reader to some faraway, uncharted territory. Life was slower paced and people read for entertainment. And I believe "She" has to be judged by those standards, as a book of its time. And yet, remarkably, it has succeeded in standing the test of time; that fact alone can attest to its greatness. In a way, I actually feel sorry for people who don't recognize this book as the extraordinary work of literature that it is. Not only is Haggard's grasp of vocabulary and coupling of words commendable in itself, but the philosophy that underlies and pervades the entire novel is reason enough to read it. And no, it is not misogynistic in the least. If anything, women are elevated to the level of deification.
That being said, "She" is not an easy read. Unlike novels today,(where readers have to be hooked within the first 10-15 pages, lest they get bored and go surf the Internet) "She" requires one to be a little more patient. Like any courtship worth undertaking, you may have to wait before you reach the pleasure zone. But when you get there, it's worth it!