[.ca] In Desert and Wilderness (ISBN 1589636147)

Wow! Literature doesn't get better than this!:
I think people who read this book and see nothing but a kids story are totally missing what this book is all about! However, the plot is so strong that one can easily understand how it could be read for sheer enjoyment alone. I've been on a Sienkiewicz reading spree for a while and have to say that this is the best thing I've read by this extraordinarily talented writer. I'd have to place this as one of my favorite (perhaps THE favorite) piece of literature I've ever read. It's true that Sienkiewicz originally concieved of this as a children's story, but it obviously grew into something well beyond that. His hero has a fully developed moral character and that takes an adult reader to appreciate. In addition as in most of Sienkiewicz's books, the hero represents the national spirit of Poland, surmounting all obstacles and surviving all dangers and threats to emerge victorious at some point in the future. Unlike most other nationalistic novels, Sienkiewicz communicates his national pride without denigrating other groups of people. The theme is uplifting and powerful, and it's subtle execution would instantly qualify "In Desert and Wilderness" as a classic. However, Sienkiewicz's masterful plot is so tightly written that the book becomes a page turner as well. You just ENJOY reading it! The strength of the theme and the tightly written plot combine to create a flawless one-two punch few writers can manage. In fact, I'm hard pressed to think of any other book that has a strong plot of high adventure AND 3D characters AND settings you can really picture AND an intelligent theme AND has a strong moral foundation without being preachy. In other words, "In Desert and Wilderness" is brilliant writing by a master storyteller who was at the top of his game!

Nicholas Roeg's WALKABOUT in print w/o puberty issues.:
I devoured this while on vacation at age 10. The two children facing dangers from adults and the African wilds were very convincing. Sienkeiwicz may have written down to the youth of his era but for today's less accomplished readers the level is just challenging enough to make one feel an equal to the protagonists. I also remember that there is just enough intervention/assistance from fates & adults to make the triumph over obstacles real.

Great Book:
I have read it 3 times as a kid. I got a copy on my 10th birthday. Great story - Buy it for kids under 13-14 Years old. Clean, easy read.

For all ages:
Unlike other reviewers, I read this book at age 32. I happened to go on a Sienkiewicz binge. I loved it, even then. It is a wonderfully written book about two children's adventures in Africa. A tale of heroism with a romantic view of life. A good, clean, easy read for all ages. So, maybe it is an "Out of Africa" for young teenagers or older children, but above all, it is just plain good literature, worth having in your personal library for anyone at home to pick up. Best if read in the leisure of summer afternoons.

AMAZING again and again:
don't miss this beautiful well written novel. it's really amazing