Shardik
by Richard Adams
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Book Summary Information
Author: Richard AdamsEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2001-10-30
ISBN: 1585671827
Number of pages: 604
Publisher: Overlook TP
Book Reviews of Shardik
Book Review: A Gripping, Provocative Book
Summary: 5 Stars
Richard Adams' "Shardik" is less well-known than "Plague Dogs" or "Watership Down," but undeservedly so, in my opinion. It's a well-told story that is one of the most satisfying books I've read.
Shardik is the enormous and allegedly divine bear that is the title and center of the story. With the exception of the first chapter, the reader never gets a glimpse into Shardik's mind; only into the minds of those affected by Shardik's actions. The first person we meet is Kelderk, a lowly hunter from Ortelga, and nicknamed "play-with-children" by his peers. One day when Kelderek is hunting, a leopard corners him, and he's certain that he's dead. But out of nowhere, a huge bear comes and kills the leopard with one swipe of his paw. After towering over him for a moment, the bear vanishes. Kelderek feels certain that this is Shardik, the Power of God, who is believed will return some day and restore greatness to the Ortelgans. Eventually, Kelderek goes to the island of Quiso, where the leader of the Cult of Shardik, the Tuginda, resides. (The Tuginda and all of those on Quiso, are women; an interesting plot feature.) The Tuginda, some women from Quiso, Kelderek, and a few others from Ortelga go in search of Shardik, and eventually find him. Unfortunately, things take a turn for the worse when Ta-Kominion, an Ortelgan leader, insists on drugging and capturing Shardik to use him in conquering neighboring Bekla and building an empire. The Tuginda wants nothing to do with it, and Ta-Kominion effectively puts her under house arrest on Quiso. Ta-Kominion eventually catches a fever and dies. However, in the battle with the Beklans, Shardik breaks out of his cage at a crucial battle and kills several Beklans, including many soldiers and a key general. The Ortelgans go on to conquer Bekla and much of the neighboring provinces, since there's no longer anyone to stand in their way. Kelderek eventually becomes the Priest-King of Bekla, and is re-named Crendrik.
Three years later, the Beklan Empire is engaged in a war against the forces of the neighboring provinces and the Beklans who managed to flee before the Ortelgan takeover, led primarily by General Santil-kè-Erketlis. To finance the war, the Ortelgan generals revive the slave trade, to which Kelderek consents. Nonetheless, Kelderek is not portrayed as the villain, and he is dismayed by the corrupt military regime that he supervises. He is always more concerned about Shardik than the goings-on of the empire.
Kelderek's world falls apart when Elleroth, a leader in the rebellion against the Beklan Empire, tries to burn down Kelderek's house with Shardik inside. Elleroth is captured, but both he and Shardik escape (I will not reveal now). Kelderek then follows Shardik alone. And here I will stop the plot summary, leaving it to the readers to discover and enjoy the rest for themselves.
"Shardik" is a provocative book that has something for fans of many genres. Religous fiction fans will be gripped by the exploration of the issues of sin and atonement in the book; the author of the introduction says that "Shardik" is a Christian story with no Christian apparatus, and I would agree. Philosophy buffs will enjoy the ambiguous characters of Shardik- is Shardik really a divine incarnation, or just a big dumb bear who's alleged divinity is just an invention by his followers? Furthermore, it's not entirely clear how the Cult of Shardik developed in the first place. Of course, fantasy fans will love this, even though there's no swords and sorcery type stuff. Plus, there's plenty of battle scenes and suspense for action/thriller fans. There's even some romance, although it doesn't come into play until near the end. In conclusion, anyone who appreciate good literature and a good yarn will love this. 5 out of 5.
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