I really enjoyed this book. It felt like two books in one: a romance novel and an adventure story. Neither theme depended on the other yet the romance and adventure blended to make a very readable book. The author tells the story of Tarzan we are all familiar with but from Jane's viewpoint.
This book is the ONLY Tarzan book ever approved for publication by the Edgar Rice Burroughs' estate. In the course of looking up some background info, I learned there is a list of rules, called the Tarzan Universe', criteria a manuscript must meet. Rule 17 states that Tarzan could not engage in premarital sex. Maxwell successfully defended the tasteful inclusion of material that was essential to the romance aspect.
The story was written in a style reminiscent of Edgar Rice Burroughs, keeping in mind that it takes place in 1912 so there is an expectation of a certain style of language. From the first, Jane Porter is portrayed as a highly intelligent and independent woman, her father's partner in the search for Darwin's Missing Link.' There is a villain, of course, Ral Conrath, who organizes the Porters' expedition to Africa. Conrath's true colors are eventually revealed necessitating Jane's rescue by Tarzan. This is the point where the story really takes off. Jane discovers Tarzan's wonderful jungle home, a whole new world, a tremendously freeing experience. Jane is introduced to Tarzan's adoptive jungle family, which turns out to be Darwin's missing link. I won't spoil the story by describing what happens but both the romance and the adventure rachet upward to a satisfying conclusion.
This book is the ONLY Tarzan book ever approved for publication by the Edgar Rice Burroughs' estate. In the course of looking up some background info, I learned there is a list of rules, called the Tarzan Universe', criteria a manuscript must meet. Rule 17 states that Tarzan could not engage in premarital sex. Maxwell successfully defended the tasteful inclusion of material that was essential to the romance aspect.
The story was written in a style reminiscent of Edgar Rice Burroughs, keeping in mind that it takes place in 1912 so there is an expectation of a certain style of language. From the first, Jane Porter is portrayed as a highly intelligent and independent woman, her father's partner in the search for Darwin's Missing Link.' There is a villain, of course, Ral Conrath, who organizes the Porters' expedition to Africa. Conrath's true colors are eventually revealed necessitating Jane's rescue by Tarzan. This is the point where the story really takes off. Jane discovers Tarzan's wonderful jungle home, a whole new world, a tremendously freeing experience. Jane is introduced to Tarzan's adoptive jungle family, which turns out to be Darwin's missing link. I won't spoil the story by describing what happens but both the romance and the adventure rachet upward to a satisfying conclusion.
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
