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Allan Quatermain #12
Heu Heu or The Monster
Large format paper back for easy reading. One of the celebrated Allan Quatermain series of adventure novels from the author of King Solomon's Mines
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1924
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376 people want to read
About the author
H. Rider Haggard
1,580 books1,095 followersSir Henry Rider Haggard, KBE was an English writer of adventure novels set in exotic locations, predominantly Africa, and the creator of the Lost World literary genre. His stories, situated at the lighter end of the scale of Victorian literature, continue to be popular and influential. He was also involved in agricultural reform and improvement in the British Empire.
His breakout novel was King Solomon's Mines (1885), which was to be the first in a series telling of the multitudinous adventures of its protagonist, Allan Quatermain.
Haggard was made a Knight Bachelor in 1912 and a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1919. He stood unsuccessfully for Parliament as a Conservative candidate for the Eastern division of Norfolk in 1895. The locality of Rider, British Columbia, was named in his memory.
His breakout novel was King Solomon's Mines (1885), which was to be the first in a series telling of the multitudinous adventures of its protagonist, Allan Quatermain.
Haggard was made a Knight Bachelor in 1912 and a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1919. He stood unsuccessfully for Parliament as a Conservative candidate for the Eastern division of Norfolk in 1895. The locality of Rider, British Columbia, was named in his memory.
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January 22, 2014
হ্যাগার্ডের অ্যালান কোয়াটারমেইন সিরিজের বইগুলোর থেকে অন্যগুলোই বেশি ভালো লাগে আমার। এর একটা কারণ হলো অ্যালান কোয়াটারমেইন ব্যাবসার জন্য পশুপাখি শিকার করে, হাতি মেরে দাত বিক্রি করে, এই জিনিসগুলো কখনোই মানতে পারিনা।
অন্য অনেক বইয়ের মতো এই বইতেও হ্যাগার্ড দেখিয়েছেন কিভাবে ধর্মব্যবসায়ীরা ইচ্ছামতো নাচায় সাধারণ মানুষকে। এক ধর্মের মানুষের কাছে যা "আচার" অন্য ধর্মের কাছে তাই "কুসংস্কার"। বইয়ের শেষ কয়েকটা লাইন: "মানুষই কী সবসময় দেবতা তৈরি করে নেয়নি? তারাওতো সত্যিকারের ছিলোনা কিন্তু তাদের পুরোহিত সত্যিকারের ছিলো। তাহলে দেবতা থাকুক বা না থাকুক কি আসে যায়? বর্শা আর পরকালের ভয় দেখিয়ে পূজারীর মন শাসন করার জন্য পুরোহিতই যথেষ্ট। অর্থাৎ পুরোহিতরাই দেবতা বা দেবতারাই পুরোহিত - যেভাবে ইচ্ছা ভেবে নিন মাকুমাজন।"
২০১৩ তে বের হওয়া সেবা প্রকাশনীর অনুবাদটা পড়েছি, সেবা থেকে এখনও চমৎকার কিছু অনুবাদ বের হচ্ছে দেখে ভালো লাগলো।
অন্য অনেক বইয়ের মতো এই বইতেও হ্যাগার্ড দেখিয়েছেন কিভাবে ধর্মব্যবসায়ীরা ইচ্ছামতো নাচায় সাধারণ মানুষকে। এক ধর্মের মানুষের কাছে যা "আচার" অন্য ধর্মের কাছে তাই "কুসংস্কার"। বইয়ের শেষ কয়েকটা লাইন: "মানুষই কী সবসময় দেবতা তৈরি করে নেয়নি? তারাওতো সত্যিকারের ছিলোনা কিন্তু তাদের পুরোহিত সত্যিকারের ছিলো। তাহলে দেবতা থাকুক বা না থাকুক কি আসে যায়? বর্শা আর পরকালের ভয় দেখিয়ে পূজারীর মন শাসন করার জন্য পুরোহিতই যথেষ্ট। অর্থাৎ পুরোহিতরাই দেবতা বা দেবতারাই পুরোহিত - যেভাবে ইচ্ছা ভেবে নিন মাকুমাজন।"
২০১৩ তে বের হওয়া সেবা প্রকাশনীর অনুবাদটা পড়েছি, সেবা থেকে এখনও চমৎকার কিছু অনুবাদ বের হচ্ছে দেখে ভালো লাগলো।
August 22, 2011
"Heu-Heu, or the Monster" is one of the 14 novels that the great H. Rider Haggard wrote that deals with the life of Allan Quatermain, an English hunter in South Africa. This is a stand-alone novel. Unlike the first two novels in the series, "King Solomon's Mines" and its sequel, "Allan Quatermain"; the so-called Zulu trilogy ("Marie," "Child of Storm" and "Finished"); and the loosely linked series of books that I call the Taduki quartet ("Allan and the Holy Flower," "The Ivory Child," "The Ancient Allan" and "Allan and the Ice Gods"), "Heu-Heu" can be read all by itself, and without any previous knowledge of the Quatermain universe. Yes, references are made to previous adventures and characters, but they are passing references at best, explained as they are brought up, and would in no way unduly confuse a reader new to the Quatermain cycle.
This time around, Allan and his sidekick, the faithful and always amusing Hottentot Hans, go on a mission for the Zulu wizard Zikali (himself featured in many of the previous Quatermain books) and endeavor to bring back some leaves from the rare Tree of Illusions. They also attempt to delve into the mystery of Heu-Heu, a monstrous, 12-foot-tall, clawed and red-bearded semigorilla god who may or may not exist. As is usual with Haggard, the novel starts off with a great action set piece (the mother of all storms, in which our heroes are forced to seek shelter in a creepy Bushman cave), and from there moves swiftly and excitingly. Haggard was a master storyteller, even in his twilight years (this book was written in 1923, two years before his death), and this novel gives fans all the goods that they've come to expect from him. Before all is said and done, we have been treated to an exciting desert crossing (not as harrowing as the one depicted in "King Solomon's Mines," perhaps, but still fun...for the reader, that is), a petrified ancient civilization, a monster flood, a volcanic eruption, and a canoe chase on a raging river. Haggard was also the master (if not the originator) of the "lost civilization" tale, and in "Heu-Heu" we are treated to two such: the Walloos, a people on the decline who worship the giant ape god, and the Hairy Ones, who are more ape than man and may even constitute the fabled Missing Link. Typically, the Hottentot Hans provides most of the comedic relief, and saves the day on more than one occasion. Allan Quatermain, no slouch himself in the action department, admits in this book that he would long since have expired without the resourcefulness of this amusing little character. The two combined make for one of the best action duos in the history of adventure-fantasy literature. All in all, "Heu-Heu," while perhaps not on a par with some of the other Quatermains mentioned above, is still an exciting tale that should provide most red-blooded readers with a few nights of thrills and laughs. Like ALL the other books in the Quatermain cycle, I heartily recommend it.
This time around, Allan and his sidekick, the faithful and always amusing Hottentot Hans, go on a mission for the Zulu wizard Zikali (himself featured in many of the previous Quatermain books) and endeavor to bring back some leaves from the rare Tree of Illusions. They also attempt to delve into the mystery of Heu-Heu, a monstrous, 12-foot-tall, clawed and red-bearded semigorilla god who may or may not exist. As is usual with Haggard, the novel starts off with a great action set piece (the mother of all storms, in which our heroes are forced to seek shelter in a creepy Bushman cave), and from there moves swiftly and excitingly. Haggard was a master storyteller, even in his twilight years (this book was written in 1923, two years before his death), and this novel gives fans all the goods that they've come to expect from him. Before all is said and done, we have been treated to an exciting desert crossing (not as harrowing as the one depicted in "King Solomon's Mines," perhaps, but still fun...for the reader, that is), a petrified ancient civilization, a monster flood, a volcanic eruption, and a canoe chase on a raging river. Haggard was also the master (if not the originator) of the "lost civilization" tale, and in "Heu-Heu" we are treated to two such: the Walloos, a people on the decline who worship the giant ape god, and the Hairy Ones, who are more ape than man and may even constitute the fabled Missing Link. Typically, the Hottentot Hans provides most of the comedic relief, and saves the day on more than one occasion. Allan Quatermain, no slouch himself in the action department, admits in this book that he would long since have expired without the resourcefulness of this amusing little character. The two combined make for one of the best action duos in the history of adventure-fantasy literature. All in all, "Heu-Heu," while perhaps not on a par with some of the other Quatermains mentioned above, is still an exciting tale that should provide most red-blooded readers with a few nights of thrills and laughs. Like ALL the other books in the Quatermain cycle, I heartily recommend it.
June 1, 2021
AQ travels to an area not yet mapped out in Africa. There a monster lives among a beautiful race of people.
I found the first 60% difficult to get by. Then the pace became faster. I read the last chapters in one go as compared to one or two chapters per day because of a lack of pace in the story.
Hans was a great character who takes center stage in this story.
I found the first 60% difficult to get by. Then the pace became faster. I read the last chapters in one go as compared to one or two chapters per day because of a lack of pace in the story.
Hans was a great character who takes center stage in this story.
November 27, 2018
Despite its outlandish title, Heu Heu, or the Monster is yet another sober entry in Allan Quatermain's ongoing quest to explain the mysteries and spiritualism of Africa rationally. Here, Quatermain unearths and demolishes a priestly cult exploiting the remnants of a dying civilization. Ever the skeptic, Allan proves them frauds, albeit he does so at the instigation of Zikali the dwarf magician, in order to restore Zikali's stockpile of magic dust. So, as usual, there is always a little doubt thrown in, just to make sure the reader understands that Allan is often too rational.
Meanwhile, it's good to see Hans return to the Quatermain series. Throughout, Haggard has Hans' powers of observation and intelligence gradually enlarge. By the time of Heu Heu, he is almost Allan's equal. Always, Hans is his mocking conscience.
Haggard is much at home with Quatermain, which is why he was able to bounce back so thoroughly from the disaster that was Wisdom's Daughter.
Meanwhile, it's good to see Hans return to the Quatermain series. Throughout, Haggard has Hans' powers of observation and intelligence gradually enlarge. By the time of Heu Heu, he is almost Allan's equal. Always, Hans is his mocking conscience.
Haggard is much at home with Quatermain, which is why he was able to bounce back so thoroughly from the disaster that was Wisdom's Daughter.
October 7, 2023
*SPOILERS* "Heu-Heu; or, The Monster is an action/adventure novel by H. Rider Haggard. It is another tale in the Quartermain tales series. Like all of H. Rider Haggard's books, it is told in retrospect; in this case, it is retold by Helen Quartermain, Alan Quartermain's widow. She recounts a tale of peril and adventure that took her late-husband, Allan Quartermain, his faithful sidekick, Hottentot Hans, (a former inhabitant of the region) aka 'the yellow jackal" and accompanying Zulu men into Rhodesia.
I had never read this classic action & adventure novel that borders on fantasy and horror because of thrills and perils presented by a legendary large and ferocious gorilla-like creature. This starts as an adventure tale about a trek into Zululand to transport cattle and supplies and then into the land of the Walloo on a mission. As is the practice in Haggard's novels, the adventure begins with a tempest (storm). Soon after, the heroes seek shelter in a Bushman cave replete with wall paintings of a mysterious creature and ritual. Hans (a native of the lands) speaks of the legendary animals of the land. Quartermain's attempt to make sense of the paintings of 'Phoenicians' escorting a woman into the wilderness hints of what is coming. Allan's curiosity is piqued as he returns to the Zululand to buy more oxen. There he speaks of it and a need for more oxen to Zikali, an ancient and dreaded Zulu witchdoctor. Zikali speaks of the legend of Heu Heu and the land of the Walloo. Zikali relates that the Walloo people once had a 'white' chief whom they had slain. In revenge, the slain ruler sent Heu Heu who now terrorizes the Walloo people. Allan scoffs at what he hears and presses Zikali for oxen. The crafty witchdoctor speaks of diamonds in the land of the Walloo. Alan believes with the diamonds he can buy more oxen. Zikali also speaks of the magical properties of the leaves of the Tree of Illusions which only grows in the garden of Heu Heu. Zikali tells of his need for more leaves for his potions and proposes that Allan and Hans retrieve the leaves and gather diamonds for themselves. Allan is finally swayed by a myserious Arabic man, Isachor who speaks of rescuing the Princess Sabila, his betrothed from Heu Heu. From this point, the story intensifies and moves quickly as a small band prepares for their sojourn. With caution because of the 12-foot bearded gorilla-like monster, Heu Heu to whom the most beautiful young native women are sacrificed to appease it, the climax is building. The built-up to the climax is frankly better than the actual event which is clouded in speculation. I will not give away the ending but it could have been better. I could not help but see Heu-Heu as the creature that influenced the producers/creators (Merian C. Cooper and Edgar Wallace) of King Kong. There are several similarities between the novel and the movie script, including the attitude of European superiority over the Walloo. The use of the word 'kaffir' to describe the local people is reflective of the racism of the period in which this novel was written. There is myth and prophecy also thrown into this tale. The characters are earthy and engaging. In truth, this is a rousing and perilous adventure yarn that builds to an interesting and moralistic ending.
I had never read this classic action & adventure novel that borders on fantasy and horror because of thrills and perils presented by a legendary large and ferocious gorilla-like creature. This starts as an adventure tale about a trek into Zululand to transport cattle and supplies and then into the land of the Walloo on a mission. As is the practice in Haggard's novels, the adventure begins with a tempest (storm). Soon after, the heroes seek shelter in a Bushman cave replete with wall paintings of a mysterious creature and ritual. Hans (a native of the lands) speaks of the legendary animals of the land. Quartermain's attempt to make sense of the paintings of 'Phoenicians' escorting a woman into the wilderness hints of what is coming. Allan's curiosity is piqued as he returns to the Zululand to buy more oxen. There he speaks of it and a need for more oxen to Zikali, an ancient and dreaded Zulu witchdoctor. Zikali speaks of the legend of Heu Heu and the land of the Walloo. Zikali relates that the Walloo people once had a 'white' chief whom they had slain. In revenge, the slain ruler sent Heu Heu who now terrorizes the Walloo people. Allan scoffs at what he hears and presses Zikali for oxen. The crafty witchdoctor speaks of diamonds in the land of the Walloo. Alan believes with the diamonds he can buy more oxen. Zikali also speaks of the magical properties of the leaves of the Tree of Illusions which only grows in the garden of Heu Heu. Zikali tells of his need for more leaves for his potions and proposes that Allan and Hans retrieve the leaves and gather diamonds for themselves. Allan is finally swayed by a myserious Arabic man, Isachor who speaks of rescuing the Princess Sabila, his betrothed from Heu Heu. From this point, the story intensifies and moves quickly as a small band prepares for their sojourn. With caution because of the 12-foot bearded gorilla-like monster, Heu Heu to whom the most beautiful young native women are sacrificed to appease it, the climax is building. The built-up to the climax is frankly better than the actual event which is clouded in speculation. I will not give away the ending but it could have been better. I could not help but see Heu-Heu as the creature that influenced the producers/creators (Merian C. Cooper and Edgar Wallace) of King Kong. There are several similarities between the novel and the movie script, including the attitude of European superiority over the Walloo. The use of the word 'kaffir' to describe the local people is reflective of the racism of the period in which this novel was written. There is myth and prophecy also thrown into this tale. The characters are earthy and engaging. In truth, this is a rousing and perilous adventure yarn that builds to an interesting and moralistic ending.
April 3, 2019
В Африке нашли свидетельства, возможно подтверждающие, что некогда существовали, либо поныне живут, люди огромного роста, скорее всего покрытые шерстью. Сенсация? Хаггард в том сомневается. Всю жизнь он писал про Африку, как про континент сокрытого от глаз множества остающегося неизвестным. Почему бы не отправить на поиски Аллана Квотермейна? Тем более, Райдер сам говорит в тексте читателю: некогда ему Аллан рассказывал о встрече с огромным волосатым существом Хоу-Хоу. На беду Хаггард записи о разговоре потерял. Теперь же он их нашёл и предоставил каждому право с ними ознакомиться. Что же, новое приключение Аллана Квотермейна стало достоянием общественности. Вместе с тем, оно оказалось предпоследним. Следующее похождение увидит свет отдельным изданием уже после смерти Райдера.
(c) Trounin
(c) Trounin
June 15, 2019
This is the forgotten AQ story that no one seems to talk about or even acknowledge, and I honestly don't know why. This was my favorite of the six I've read in the series so far!
Heu Heu is absolutely jam-packed with action. It starts with a very similar set-up that we got in the previous novel, Allan and the Holy Flower, but diverts pretty quickly so that we don't get a complete repeat of that story.
I can see it now. AQ is definitely the predecessor to Indiana Jones, and this story is AQ's Temple of Doom. What's more, this is the bloodiest and most thrilling adventure for the lead character I've yet to encounter. This one is a must read if you're going through this series, I was pretty blown away.
Heu Heu is absolutely jam-packed with action. It starts with a very similar set-up that we got in the previous novel, Allan and the Holy Flower, but diverts pretty quickly so that we don't get a complete repeat of that story.
I can see it now. AQ is definitely the predecessor to Indiana Jones, and this story is AQ's Temple of Doom. What's more, this is the bloodiest and most thrilling adventure for the lead character I've yet to encounter. This one is a must read if you're going through this series, I was pretty blown away.
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March 12, 20174 stars from Sandy, read the full review at FANTASY LITERATURE
Disclaimer: just so you know, some of the books we review are received free from publishers
Heu-Heu, or The Monster is one of the 14 novels that the great H. Rider Haggard wrote that deals with the life of Allan Quatermain, an English hunter in South Africa. This is a stand-alone novel. Unlike the first two novels in the series, King Solomon’s Mines and its sequel, Allan Quatermain; the so-called Zulu trilogy (Marie, Child of Storm and Finished); and the loosely linked series of books that I like to call the Taduki quartet (Allan and the Holy Flower, The Ivory Child, The Ancient Allan and Allan and the Ice Gods), Heu-Heu can be read all by itself, and without any previous knowledge of the Quatermain universe. Yes, references are made to previous adventures and characters, but they are passing references at best, explained as they are brought up, and would in no way unduly confuse a reader new to the Quatermain cycle.
This time around, Allan and his sidekick, the faithful and always amusing Hottentot Hans, go on a mission for the Zulu wizard Zikali (himself featured in many of the previous Quatermain books) and endeavor to bring back some leaves from the rare Tree of Illusions. They also attempt to delve into the mystery of Heu-Heu, a monstrous, 12-foot-tall, clawed and red-bearded semi-gorilla god who may or may not exist. As is usual with Haggard, Heu-Heu starts off with a great action set piece (the mother of all storms, in which our heroes are forced to seek shelter in a creepy Bushman cave), and from there moves swiftly and excitingly....4 stars from Sandy, read the full review at FANTASY LITERATURE
Disclaimer: just so you know, some of the books we review are received free from publishers
Heu-Heu, or The Monster is one of the 14 novels that the great H. Rider Haggard wrote that deals with the life of Allan Quatermain, an English hunter in South Africa. This is a stand-alone novel. Unlike the first two novels in the series, King Solomon’s Mines and its sequel, Allan Quatermain; the so-called Zulu trilogy (Marie, Child of Storm and Finished); and the loosely linked series of books that I like to call the Taduki quartet (Allan and the Holy Flower, The Ivory Child, The Ancient Allan and Allan and the Ice Gods), Heu-Heu can be read all by itself, and without any previous knowledge of the Quatermain universe. Yes, references are made to previous adventures and characters, but they are passing references at best, explained as they are brought up, and would in no way unduly confuse a reader new to the Quatermain cycle.
This time around, Allan and his sidekick, the faithful and always amusing Hottentot Hans, go on a mission for the Zulu wizard Zikali (himself featured in many of the previous Quatermain books) and endeavor to bring back some leaves from the rare Tree of Illusions. They also attempt to delve into the mystery of Heu-Heu, a monstrous, 12-foot-tall, clawed and red-bearded semi-gorilla god who may or may not exist. As is usual with Haggard, Heu-Heu starts off with a great action set piece (the mother of all storms, in which our heroes are forced to seek shelter in a creepy Bushman cave), and from there moves swiftly and excitingly....4 stars from Sandy, read the full review at FANTASY LITERATURE
February 8, 2022
My second Quatermain's book. Absolutely loved first one i read (Solomon's Mines), so this book was
disappointing. Didn't have any hurry finishing it. Wasn't that exciting at all. All that big escape plan (saving the lady) they had was good but it went too smoothly for me BUT thankfully later there were some issues and bit worrying do they escape or not. Not that i wanted them to die but i needed bit more excitement.
People have their beliefs. Not easy to understand all the time. Many eye roll moments.
disappointing. Didn't have any hurry finishing it. Wasn't that exciting at all. All that big escape plan (saving the lady) they had was good but it went too smoothly for me BUT thankfully later there were some issues and bit worrying do they escape or not. Not that i wanted them to die but i needed bit more excitement.
People have their beliefs. Not easy to understand all the time. Many eye roll moments.
November 15, 2020
Haggard's novels are always cracking good adventures, and this is no exception. Allan Quatermain is off on another exploratory adventure in a lost land in the middle of Africa. This time he faces a legendary god/monster whose favorite occupation is twisting the heads off people... Huge fun, and packed with adventure, as always.
August 2, 2018
Allan and Hans go on a mission that leads them to lost tribes, shady priests and supernatural monsters. At times, Heu-Heu seems like the inspiration for the film King Kong.
January 2, 2019
A highly entertaining read. I really enjoyed it. I haven’t read any Haggard for many years although I have always enjoyed him.
March 22, 2020
শুধুমাত্র পারস্পরিক বিদ্রুপের ভাষাগুলিই অসাধারণ ছিল। বাকি গল্পের অনেকটাই প্রেডিক্টেবল।
December 29, 2021
The 12th book in the Allan Quatermain series. Entertaining.
December 16, 2024
The best thing about this novel was the dialogue for Hans the Hottentot. I love how he trolls Allan Quatermain. Otherwise, it was another lost-race adventure. Easy to read and fun.
September 16, 2014
Haggard is a good storyteller without a doubt. This is the third of his books I have finished (the fourth I have attempted), and there's an obvious formula to his writing, but it's a pretty successful one. What's most frustrating about the Allan Quatermain books though is all the squandered potential. It seems like every time I read Haggard there are 1-2 actual interesting well thought out African characters. They have agency and see through AQ's shit. And then every other character with skin darker than ivory is basically a nameless cowardly savage or bumbling racist stereotype. I know these books were written in the 19th century, and it's a lot to ask, but H Rider Haggard lived in Africa. He presumably came in contact with actual African people. I liked this book because Lost World stuff is just generally easy to read and Haggard is great at writing action sequences. I would not recommend the book unless you've already had a positive experience with the series. This book with its giant hairy monster god and ridiculous volcano physics would make a pretty poor intro.
December 15, 2012
Another great adventure by Haggard. What I enjoyed most in this story were Zikali's views on religion which are quite thought provoking such as in the following quote from Zikali to Allan "is it not so with many gods men set men set up? They are not and never were, but their priests are and shake the spear of power and pierce the hearts of men with terrors. What, then, does it matter about gods whom no man sees, when the priest is there shaking the spear of power and piercing the hearts of their worshipers? The god is the priest or the priest is the god"
August 1, 2008
Not one of Rider Haggard's finest in the Allan Quartermain series, but still a fine yarn peopled by beloved characters on a mildly inventive adventure.
August 26, 2011
Very interesting! As always, Haggard writes a novel that gets my heart racing in suspense.
February 6, 2013
It was dull.
July 30, 2013
Lots of fun: another ripping Quatermain yarn
July 29, 2015
Unlike other Haggard's books, it lacks that thrill....
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