The Road to Samarcand
The Road to Samarcand by Patrick O’Brian is a captivating tale published by W. W. Norton & Company in 2007, featuring 269 pages in English. This narrative begins dramatically in the South China Sea during the 1930s, where a teenage American boy, recently orphaned, embarks on an adventurous quest for ancient treasures. Accompanied by his rugged uncle and a distinguished archaeologist cousin, the journey unfolds amidst perilous encounters with a variety of characters, including a charismatic Chinese bandit and Russian agents.
Readers will find a rich tapestry of action and adventure as the story explores themes of survival and discovery. The plot weaves in elements of astronomy, oriental philosophy, and the intricacies of ancient artifacts, providing a multifaceted reading experience. As the journey progresses, the protagonists face escalating challenges, culminating in a tense standoff in an ice-bound valley, where they confront both hostile monks and the enigmatic Great Silent Ones. This edition offers a unique glimpse into O’Brian’s storytelling, blending historical fiction with thrilling escapades.
Official synopsis Publisher
This story begins where Patrick O’Brian’s devoted fans would want it to, with a sloop in the South China Sea barely surviving a killer typhoon. But the time is the 1930s, and the protagonist a teenaged American boy whose missionary parents have just died. In the company of his rough seafaring uncle and an elderly English cousin, an eminent archaeologist, Derrick sets off in search of ancient treasures in central Asia.
Along the way they encounter a charismatic Chinese bandit and a host of bad characters, including Russian agents fomenting unrest. (Most of these meet very bad ends.) The narrative–as in all of O’Brian’s novels–touches on surprising subjects: astronomy, oriental philosophy, the correct identification of ancient Han bronzes, and some very local cuisine. It ends in an ice-bound valley, with the party caught between hostile Red-Hat monks and the Great Silent Ones, which is how the Tibetans designate the yeti.
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “The Road to Samarcand” about?
Who is the author of “The Road to Samarcand”?
When was “The Road to Samarcand” published?
What is the ISBN for “The Road to Samarcand”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
