Pandora In The Congo

This book was recommended to me by a friend, and I'm so glad that I read it.Firstly, I have to say how amazed I am that Mr Pinol isnt British, and that this is a translation. Often translated books don't flow particularily well. This one does, and whats more Mr Pinol has got the various British traits off to a T.This book is exceptionally well written, with lots of bits of philosophy and errudite observation thrown in. However, they never interupt the flow of the story, which could best be described as a ripping yarn in the style of H. Rider Haggard.I love the way that the protagonists relationships with the Barrister, with his landlady and especially with Marie-Antoinette, the shelless tortoise are drawn.There is a lot of humour in the novel, a lot of tension, and many twists and turns in the plot.Its a really easy read and tremendous fun, and, if you are anything like me, your memory will keep returning to Marcus Garvey, the Tectons, and, in particular, Amgam, long after the final revelations of the plot are revealed.Much of the action takes place in the jungle and that is where the H Rider Haggard comparisons come in. Everything is also set against the background of the First World War, but the War is never really allowed to intrude on the tale, its only used to further the tale.I recommend this novel most highly

A rather imaginative story although eventually you begin to spot the contradictions. The ending is either clever or annoying - possibly both. 'Cold Skin' was a significantly better read with beautiful phrasing; this book lacks that artistry.

Great writer - prompt service

I loved this book when I started reading it but then it got a bit ridiculous with the tectons and an underground world and I just thought that it wasn’t the book for me so put it aside. Then I came back to it a bit later and got hooked again, I found funny parts in his relationship with the tortoise and the parts about Tommy’s life a refreshing break and became invested in finding out who the mysterious lady is, then everything is wrapped up nicely at the end so when you’re finished reading you’re left feeling satisfied.

I was recommended this book and was a little unsure as it is not what I usually read.However I quickly got into the plot and before I knew it I was hooked!Constantly wanting to find out what happened next to Garvey, and Thomas Thomson.A great story, brilliant Characters-would fully recommend !

Deeply impressed as I was with Pinol's first book 'Cold skin' I started reading his new book with quite a bit of expectation. The story is told by the writer Tommy Thomson who is asked to write down the story of Marcus Garvey, in prison accused of murdering his masters in the heart of Congo. What follows is a jumble of fragments of the Garvey story and bits about Tommy himself, which aren't really interesting - the recounting of his own encounters with the 'evil' tortoise owned by his landlady, for example, is bordering on the ridiculous.The story of Marcus Garvey starts off quite well but Pinol finds it necessary to introduce yet another species of alien people, not like in 'Cold skin' emerging from the sea but from the Congo earth. And yes, like in the first book a female alien is destined to have a love affair with the story's hero. And yes, again the other aliens clash with the reckless men who invade their territory. And in the end we find that this fantastic story as told by Marcus Garvey is completely false and just fabricated to get him out of prison. A rather grotesque and elaborate fabrication. I might add.I thought Alberto Sanchez Pinol a clever writer with a healthy dose of philosophic ideas at his disposal, but I'm afraid that I must re-evaluate. If you don't know his first book then this one might still appeal to you; I you do then avoid.