In this classic tale of adventure, intrigue & murder, the Geste brothers are forced to flee the country and enlist in the French Foreign Legion, where their command ing officer discovers their secret and plots to murder them. '
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In this classic tale of adventure, intrigue & murder, the Geste brothers are forced to flee the country and enlist in the French Foreign Legion, where their command ing officer discovers their secret and plots to murder them. '
Read Less
I have not read the book yet but the book was
delivered to me as advertized and in good
condition.
7pagodas
Oct 28, 2007
Action, Adventure
Action! Adventure! Honour, Loyalty, Sacrifice! The Foreign Legion! Fort Zinderneuf! After World War I, life must have seemed dull for many.
And then there was this wonder book! Deservedly popular, full of memorable scenes, the book was a bestseller and reprinted many times. A 1926 silent movie starring Ronald Colman was remade in 1939 with Gary Cooper as Beau Geste. Occasionally still shown on television, probably available on DVD.
If you like classic adventure stories, (Robin Hood, the Three Musketeers, Kidnapped), you'll like this.
You might like "The Four Feathers," too.
roan
Oct 10, 2007
a classic adventure
This is an adventure story in the truest sense. The exotic regions of Africa occupied by France are brought in straightaway, though the first part of the tale doesn?t seem as engaging as the rest. Slowly, a mystery is described involving a bizarre scene at a fort. The story flashes back to England where the cast of characters is introduced. A jewel theft is seen to be the catalyst for the move to Africa. Some portions at Brandon Abbas drag on slightly, but the Gestes eventually find themselves in the Foreign Legion. The culture of this group, as well as that of Africa, is fascinating. They seem to eat soup for every meal. Breakfast and dinner are distinguished with coffee at one and un demi-litre du vin at the other. More interesting fellows come into the story. There are two Americans who seem to have a drawl. Their manner of speaking is a little difficult to follow and almost comical, but I suppose it?s forgivable. When the gentlemen find themselves on their first assignment, things begin to move faster. Treachery and loyalty become issues and then an assault gets everyone?s attention. There are some tragedies, but the pace is enough to keep the reader moving along, anxious to see what transpires. The last part of the book covers several years. It is sad that not more is written of this period of wandering through the desert interacting with the different tribes. Much of the culture of desert dwellers is explored and is very enjoyable to read. One tribe has a community in a nearly impregnable fortress. Their only worry is when they are forced to travel into the desert to meet and trade with other tribes. Sacrifice and strength play large roles. The ending was fine, though I feel that Beau Ideal had a better twist. The mix of languages is appealing and the writing style flows fairly well. This is a great story with all the necessary ingredients.
