Thursday, 28 November 2013

When the lion feeds by Wilbur Smith

I have always loved Wilbur’s novels. The world he creates is so real that the outside real world seems like a fantasy in comparison. This story is special as it creates the a perfect specimen of a successful leader. The protagonist has demonstrated all the attributes of such a mythical  human lion, a true leader. Someone who demonstrates the following behaviours (I am an Engineer after all :)
  • Impulsive.
  • Ideological.
  • Prone to bursts of anger.
  • Just to the core.
  • A failure at school and organised lessons.
  • Prefers to learn from his experiences.
  • Rebellious yet never being a pessimist for too long.
  • Loves the thrill of the hunt.
  • Takes pride in his courage.
  • General trusting type personality.
  • Appreciates all things beautiful.
  • Possesses an abundance of raw unadulterated courage.
  • Has a nose for fine tastes.
  • Never afraid of any showdown, almost never backs down in fist fight.
  • Appreciates the value of true friendship, and formally craves it.
  • Pretty much belongs to the anti nepotism club.
  • Loves been on top taking life changing decisions.
  • One of the first to knows when to quit and start all over again.

The book also finally explained all the nuances of how companies and corporations operate. I loved the drama of power struggles for the gold mining company. It was all very convincing and depressingly relevant to our current age.

I found the second part of the novel very different from the first. A sequel to the first it was all about the interactions of the Zulus with the White masters. I loved the depiction of the African savannah and all of the drama right till the very end.

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