Child of Storm

By: H. Rider Haggard

Narrated by: Shelly Frasier

In this sequel to Marie, Allan Quatermain helps his Zulu friend, Saduko, in a crazy battle to win 100 cattle for the dowry of his love, Mameena. However, the beautiful and mysterious Mameena, known as the "Child of Storm", seduces Allan and tries to engage him in marriage.

Fortunately Quatermain sees through her witchcraft. The Zulu king declares Mameena a witch and sentences her to death for many offenses, including causing a civil war. The saga continues as she is granted one last wish that dramatically changes everything.

Public Domain (P)2002 Tantor Media, Inc.

child of storm

The story would be very interesting to those intrigued by the Zulu kingdom and its relationship to the white settlers. It is filled with mystery and magic. I did not feel excitement or passion as I followed the protaganist, the white trader Alain Quartermain, through Zululand's political turmoil. Or sense the power the nyanga (medicine man) Zakali exerted over the native bantu people.

I enjoyed it none the less. Written in time of when slavery was prevalent. I felt Haggard's narrative of the Zulu nation was surprising respectful of their culture and intellect.

I highly recommend it to those fascinated by the history of southern africa.

Great Narration - OK Story.

I've really enjoyed a lot of Haggard's work, but this was fell a little flat for me. Part of it I know is my fault for not better keeping better track of the characters' names, and therefore lost part of the story. I would recommend it if you're looking more of a taste of Haggard's Zululand; it's just not his best story. I think Shelly Frasier, who also did Marie, does a great job.