El hecho historico que sirvio como fuente de inspiracion a Jean-Christophe Rufin para escribir El abisinio fue la embajada de Abisinia organizada p...
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reviews
May 01, 2008
Susan
rated it: 
I've been reading this novel on-and-off for years. My husband gave it to me for Christmas one year b/c I love anything about the rich past of Ethiopia. It's a historical novel translated from French. I really enjoyed it, but somehow it kept getting preempted by other stuff.
This book accomplishes something that I try for in my own writing and usually fail -- it manages to be genuinely funny in an unfamiliar world (French consul in Cairo in the 1700s). Being funny without slang and More...
This book accomplishes something that I try for in my own writing and usually fail -- it manages to be genuinely funny in an unfamiliar world (French consul in Cairo in the 1700s). Being funny without slang and More...
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Jul 25, 2011
Meredith
rated it: 
The Abyssinian reminded me of when the movie The Mexican was being advertised in the New York City subway with posters of Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts that were soon graffitied: "Which one?"
Indeed, 98% of this book takes place outside of Abyssinia (modern day Ethiopia), and we are introduced to only two distinct, named Abyssinians: the King of Kings and our heroes' likable guide. Most of the major characters are French, and much of the book is either about a power struggle More...
Indeed, 98% of this book takes place outside of Abyssinia (modern day Ethiopia), and we are introduced to only two distinct, named Abyssinians: the King of Kings and our heroes' likable guide. Most of the major characters are French, and much of the book is either about a power struggle More...
Mar 16, 2011
Borrowed from the Library.
The writing of this book is really quite lovely, particularly when considering that I read it in translation from the French. The word choice and syntax are delightful, and I was surprised by the number of words I had to look up.
I appreciate an author who can use seemingly meaningless earlier plot points and draw them back in showing them to be important in the character development or eventual working out of the story.
This book has a lo More...
The writing of this book is really quite lovely, particularly when considering that I read it in translation from the French. The word choice and syntax are delightful, and I was surprised by the number of words I had to look up.
I appreciate an author who can use seemingly meaningless earlier plot points and draw them back in showing them to be important in the character development or eventual working out of the story.
This book has a lo More...
Sep 29, 2007
Mom
rated it: 
This one has it all. Drama, comedy, mystery, adventure, romance! Just a rattling good read.
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(2 people liked it)
Oct 08, 2011
Susan
rated it: 
Gorgeous writing, exotic settings, outrageous characters...altogether an engaging read for a fall weekend. The protagonist is an 18th century French physician literally galloping around Egypt and Abyssinia with a side trip to the court of Louis XIV. Lively explorations into the landscapes and customs of pre-colonial Africa. The author is the founder of Doctors Without Borders.
Feb 01, 2010
Dave
rated it:
This book was OK. It wasn't the most engrossing books that I've read recently. In fact, my wife kept asking me why it was taking so long to read. Yet, it was pretty interesting. It was set in 16th century Egypt. There was humor and a little drama.
It was written in French and translated into English. I liked it enough to continue to read it and not just set it aside.
It was written in French and translated into English. I liked it enough to continue to read it and not just set it aside.
Feb 22, 2011
RUSA
rated it:
This is a Read-Alike title for The Religion, the Reading List winner in the Historical Fiction category for 2008. For the complete list, go to http://ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/rusa/award...
Jun 28, 2009
Karmen
rated it:
Fantastic read ... a rather snide indictment of colonialism and missionaries towards Africa.
Sep 01, 2007
so far so good, but i've put it down several times... It's sent in egypt and is just now moving to ethiopia (where i believe the majority of the action takes place), in the... erk! i forget - 16th century. I was watching something on egypt the other day that made me want to pick it up again (though i was out of town so didn't have it with me)... so hopefully this review will be updated, er..., soon.
Mar 14, 2009
hatpin
rated it:
A fun but rather silly book that really suffers in translation. Read in French if possible. Author has an axe to grind with the diplomatic corps!
Dec 09, 2011
Buen libro. Rufin escribe bastante simple y directo. La historia a veces le falta un poco más de acción, o pasión, o drama, pero sólo en el sentido de que le falta un poco de intensidad a esas cosas.
En general es entretenido y bien descrito.
En general es entretenido y bien descrito.
May 08, 2008
Shannon
rated it:
This is a beautifully written epic novel about the things we will do for love, and whether or not we will stay true to ourselves in the process. Some may think the style of writing is a little slow, but I really enjoyed it.
Apr 20, 2008
Catherine
rated it:
orientalism at its best. loved it! although i read it in french and my french is somewhere around the level of a fifth grader- so maybe its not as great in english.
Dec 09, 2011
Rodrigo
rated it: 
La dejé a mitad. Me resultaba insulsa. Personajes muy típicos y una historia que podria ser interesante con 400 páginas menos.
Feb 20, 2012
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