The Far Lands

by Norman James Hall

The Far Lands (Paperback) by James Norman Hall (Author)

Genres: Historical Fiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1950

Reviews

[Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful tale in its own right, and although it does not pretend to be an accurate retelling of the Tongan or any other Polynesian people's creation story, it can be seen and understood as such by Western readers. James Norman Hall is a fine writer and brings his finely wrought and finely balanced prose to bear on this ancient tale (in fact, not so ancient in Western terms, but old enough in terms of the oral history from whence it springs).

Without giving too much away, it is the story of an ancestor who successfully fulfills an ancient prophecy about reaching "the far lands." What happens along the way is of course the meat of the tale and it is recounted in an exciting manner that will keep anyone who likes a good story turning the pages. The author has managed to fit in numerous tiny details which must needs be mostly his own devices, yet which give the story its authentic ring.

An oldy, but very much a goody, it is not difficult to find and should, indeed, still be in print.

[Dodiecross · Rating 5 out of 5]

I also read this as a kid and the memories of the world I entered is strong. I give it five stars because no matter what I might think of now, all grown up, the wonder of it back has lasted until now.

[Garth Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this when I was just a kid and I've never forgotten it. It's become part of my own mythology. I'm not sure I should find it and read it again. I want it to rest in my mind as perfectly as it did during my youth.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit I haven't read this as an adult, but I have fond memories of it from when I was thirteen.

[Jed Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in High School, and loved it.

[John Mccullough · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a retelling of the settlement of Hawaii seen through the eyes of the legendary figures found in Hawaiian mythology. It was a wonderful read for a young boy who wanted to see the world and know something about it beforehand. Most enjoyable. I also think it helped to propel me into anthropology, a discipline that is useful on many levels. Hall is one of the writers of "The Bounty Trilogy." including "Mutiny on the Bounty," "Men at Sea," and "Pitcairn Island." A very po;ished author with great knowledge of the Pacific and its peoples.

[Laura Roden · Rating 3 out of 5]

The only one reason to spend the time it takes to read this book is if you want to be inclusive in your acquaintance with Hall's writings. The story is shallow and at times plodding. The premise is that it is an oral recounting of a legend describing the discovery of Easter Island by Polynesians. In the tone of an oral recounting of an ancient legend, the narrator's voice is often stilted. There is no real plot other than the tribe suffering for periods at sea and at the hands of various other tribes on the islands they stop at. There is no juicy detail on how life is lived on boats or islands. The book ends when the voyagers have just touched Easter, no description further. It's a little preachy in tone throughout as well, along the lines that some people are warlike and some are peace loving and they will always be in conflict.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imaginative story of the Polynesian migration.

[Tammy Downing · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good story about a group of Tongans in search of their promised lands. It details the struggles they overcome and describes their faith in their ability to find their final home island. Maui is the main character and the story tells of his life from childhood to old age. He is quite the character: brave, foolish, caring, intelligent and full of faith.

[Divad · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really poor stuff for Hall. Written in pre-historic times, it's not his forte.