When the World Shook

Name: When the World Shook
Author: H. Rider Haggard

The narrative follows Humphrey Arbuthnot, who recounts his life and the extraordinary events that lead him to a remote island called Orofena. After a series of personal failures and a search for purpose, he embarks on a journey with two friends, Bickley and Bastin, aboard a yacht named Star of the South. Their voyage takes a perilous turn when they encounter a cyclone, resulting in the shipwreck on the shores of Orofena. Upon arrival, they discover a primitive society that worships a god named Oro. Arbuthnot, Bickley, and Bastin navigate the complexities of this new world, where they are initially seen as gods due to their strange appearance and the miraculous survival of their shipwreck. Bickley, a surgeon, begins to treat the islanders, while Bastin, a clergyman, attempts to convert them to Christianity, despite the challenges posed by their existing beliefs and the idol of Oro. As they settle into life on the island, Arbuthnot becomes increasingly fascinated by the mysteries surrounding the island, particularly a mountain in the center of a lake that is said to be sacred. He discovers ancient ruins and artifacts that suggest a lost civilization, igniting his curiosity about the island's history and the nature of the god Oro. Bastin's fervent desire to destroy the idol of Oro leads to conflict, culminating in a dramatic moment where he attempts to burn the idol, resulting in chaos among the islanders. This act of defiance against their god puts the trio in danger, forcing them to flee to the mountain, which is considered sacred ground. The story explores themes of faith, civilization versus primitivism, and the search for meaning in a world filled with uncertainty. As Arbuthnot grapples with his own beliefs and the implications of their actions, he finds himself drawn deeper into the island's mysteries, ultimately leading to a confrontation with the very essence of life, death, and the unknown. The narrative culminates in a series of revelations about the nature of existence, the power of belief, and the interconnectedness of all beings, as Arbuthnot, Bickley, and Bastin navigate their roles in a world that challenges their understanding of reality.

By H. Rider Haggard · First published 1921 · Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction · 28 chapters · 140,825 words

First lines

I suppose that I, Humphrey Arbuthnot, should begin this history in which Destiny has caused me to play so prominent a part, with some short account of myself and of my circumstances.

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When the World Shook is listed on Textopian as a novel by H. Rider Haggard, dated 1921 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: H. Rider Haggard
Date: 1921 CE
Language: English
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery
Length: 140,825 words
Structure: 28 chapters, 2,311 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Adventure — The plot involves exploration and perilous journeys in uncharted territories.
Fantasy — The narrative includes mythical elements and supernatural occurrences.
Science Fiction — The story explores advanced technologies and speculative concepts.
Historical Fiction — The setting and context are rooted in historical events and cultures.