Shardik by Richard Adams Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Shardik
Book Review: magnificent
Summary: 5 Stars
After reading its prequel, "Maia," I've rediscovered Adams' spectacular "Shardik." Both novels are set in Adams' fictitious but meticulously-created Beklan empire. As a devotee of this fantasy world, I was rather disappointed with "Maia," but this has made the return to "Shardik" all the more rewarding.
Adams' writing in this work shows him at the pinnacle of his art. All of the skill of "Watership Down" comes through in a story that is both a great story in itself and a remarkable allegory for its readers' lives. Kelderek Zenzuata, the humble fisherman from backwater Ortelga, finds himself chosen as a vessel of the Power of God. What he chooses to do with this knowledge gives us searing insight into the human condition: using power as a tool, letting ambition get ahead of wisdom. Kelderek abuses the power he is given, and abuses the God he claims to worship as he takes the great bear Shardik in chains to Bekla. (Previous reviewers have commented on the never-resolved question of whether Shardik actually is the Power of God or just a bear - I agree that this is one of the things that makes the novel so powerful.) Adams does make it clear that the characters in the story are subordinate to a power above themselves, though whether Shardik is that power or only its instrument is unclear.
The events leading up to the end are shocking, in some cases disturbing, and always compelling. Adams leaves his readers wanting to linger in the world he has created, and considering what the story says about themselves.
Book Review: very good reading...
Summary: 5 Stars
Being in Iraq for so long now I picked up one of Richard Adams books. This was the second one that I read. I have quickly become one of his biggest fans. This book, deals with faith, power and evils that fall upon man. The hero, what you may can one, rises to become a great man but his heart begins to stray. He loses what made his such a pure being. There are many acts of faith that Mr. Adams brings to live with makes it all the more beliveible. A very wonderful book.