Elissa by H. Rider Haggard (1887)

Name: Elissa
Author: H. Rider Haggard

The novel revolves around Elissa, a beautiful and strong-willed woman who lives in the kingdom of Azmeen. She is forced to marry the king's son, but she falls deeply in love with another man, a young nobleman named Hassan. As Elissa navigates her complicated relationships and societal expectations, she becomes embroiled in a plot to overthrow the corrupt king and his advisors. With the help of Hassan and other allies, Elissa must use her intelligence and cunning to outwit her enemies and bring about justice to her kingdom. Throughout the novel, Elissa's character undergoes significant development as she confronts the harsh realities of life in Azmeen and grapples with her own desires and loyalties. Ultimately, she emerges as a powerful and determined leader who is willing to risk everything for what she believes in.

By H. Rider Haggard · First published 1887 · Genre: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Romance · 17 chapters · 63,731 words

First lines

The sun, which shone upon a day that was gathered to the past some three thousand years ago, was setting in full glory over the expanses of south-eastern Africa-the Libya of the ancients. Its last burning rays fell upon a cavalcade of weary men, who, together with long strings of camels, asses and oxen, after much toil had struggled to the crest of a line of stony hills, where they were halted to recover breath. Before them lay a plain, clothed with sere yellow grass-for the season was winter-and bounded by mountains of no great height, upon whose slopes stood the city which they had travelled far to seek. It was the ancient city of Zimboe, whereof the lonely ruins are known to us moderns as Zimbabwe.

What this Textopian page supports

Elissa is listed on Textopian as a novel by H. Rider Haggard, dated 1887 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: H. Rider Haggard
Date: 1887 CE
Language: English
Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Romance, Fantasy
Length: 63,731 words
Structure: 17 chapters, 1,070 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Adventure — The narrative is driven by exploration and action, typical of adventure stories.
Historical Fiction — The setting and events are based on historical contexts, blending fact with fiction.
Romance — The plot includes romantic elements and relationships as a central theme.
Fantasy — The story incorporates fantastical elements beyond the realm of reality.