Comets

by Clive Algar

Set in the rich and fascinating milieu of Cape Town in the 1830s, with its shifting patterns of social awareness and the growth of scientific knowledge, Comets tells the story of James and Isabelle Forster, whose lives, and those around them, are changed irrevocably not only by the appearance of a real comet – Halley’s – but by human “comets” including the aristocratic Michael Percy, the young Charles Darwin and a recently-emancipated slave couple, Adam and Catharine Cupido. James and Isabelle’s comfortable upper middle-class existence threatens to spin out of control as they confront moral crises they seem unable to resolve

189 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 27, 2013

About the author

Formerly a group executive in an international mining company, Clive began to write novels when he retired.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E9EP0BM

Reviews

[Jo Reason · Rating 2 out of 5]

Historical Fiction, with 189 pages, it is a quick and enjoyable read.
I chose to read this as I was attracted to the name and the cover of the book as well as the summary, based in Cape Town in the 1830´s. I was not disappointed, the beginning has wonderful descriptions of the main characters in the book, a little like a saga might and it also reminded me of some of the earlier Jeffrey Archer books, which I have enjoyed immensely.

There are rich descriptions to allow the reader into the world that the book is in, Cape Town, South Africa in the 1830´s, not so much the locations, but more description on the upbringing of each person. The character development is well laid out. The book covers the relationships within various families, friends and employees and what goes on between them, sometimes a little incorrect but more often than not it is probably reality.

There was a moment in the book, at around the 39% point where there was a pointless part dealing with a snake, there was no end to this section, it just finished with no follow through. This was my least favourite part but also the only part I found to be a little lost. My favourite part was when Charles Darwin was in town and the discussion he had with Herschel, James and Michael. I also enjoyed the descriptions of the clothing, although not amazing it came alive in my head. I enjoyed the characters, Isabelle was my favourite but there were also the young Cupido couple Adam and Catharine and their children.

It is a solid book, but there seems to be something missing that I can´t quite put my finger on. I wanted to enjoy it more than I did, I have read plenty of other saga books and this falls into that category, but it wasn´t stellar, just good. I feel a sequel coming, covering more of the lives of the characters.

Recommended if you enjoy a short saga from a South African author. This is his third novel. It is well written, so please don´t let the negatives I have added above put you off.

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 4 out of 5]

COMETS by Clive Algar is an interesting Historical Romance set during the 1830's in Cape Town, South Africa.

"Comets" is only his third novel, and what a tale of love and romance. See, "Journeys to the End of the World" and "Flowers in the Sand".

Meet and follow, James and Isabelle Forster, Michael Percy, the young Charles Darwin or South Africa and Adam and Catharine Cupido, recently-emancipated slave couple. As a real life, Haley's comet threatens to destroy all they hold dear.

With scientific & religious views of the times, controversial issues, emancipation of slaves, infidelity, romance, and love, Mr. Algar has written an intriguing as well as interesting tale of love and romance. The sensual scenes are tasteful. The characters are realistic and believable. I was fascinated by the South African culture, commerce and life. Well written with vivid descriptions of the era and the people. Although, it does have a cliff hanger or two, will there be a second? We will have to wait and see. If you enjoy historical fiction, romance, and a great read than, pick up "Comets", you will not be disappointed. Fast paced, quick read! Well done!! Received for an honest review from the author.

RATING: 4

HEAT RATING: MILD

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

[Larry B Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comets by Clive Algar is one of the best general fiction books I have read in a long time. It is full of life, love and romance. I really enjoyed this book.

The author did an excellent job of developing a tale which capture my interest and would not let it go. The story takes place in South Africa in the early 1800's and is so realistic it carries you there. The pace was great and the storyline was very realistic and believable.

I really liked the way Clive Algar developed his characters. They were easy to believe in and identify with. His writing style made it easy to get into the character, their role and the historical era.

I really enjoyed Comets by Clive Algar and highly recommend this book to all readers.


[Please note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.]

[Harriet Showman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Met Algar's daughter via Twitter. She recommended Comets, a South African perspective on the changes wrought on civilization by new understandings about evolution and what we see in the sky. If this, then that . . . and then, following immutable logic, personal freedom with all those uncomfortable ramifications. And, the realization that the system of slavery, in place since the beginning of time, cannot stand.