The Grove of Ashtaroth
The story revolves around a young man who becomes embroiled in a mystery involving an ancient cult and a mysterious woman. He travels to the Middle East, where he uncovers secrets about the cult's true nature and its connection to a powerful artifact. Along the way, he must navigate treacherous landscapes and confront his own moral ambiguities.
By John Buchan · First published 1909 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy · 11,508 words
First lines
"C'est enfin que dans leurs prunelles Rit et pleure-fastidieux -- L'amour des choses eternelles Des vieux morts et des anciens dieux! " PAUL VERLAINE.
We were sitting around the camp fire, some thirty miles north of a place called Taqui, when Lawson announced his intention of finding a home. He had spoken little the last day or two, and I had guessed that he had struck a vein of private reflection. I thought it might be a new mine or irrigation scheme, and I was surprised to find that it was a country house.
What this Textopian page supports
The Grove of Ashtaroth is listed on Textopian as a novel by John Buchan, dated 1909 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: John Buchan
- Date: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Psychological Thriller
- Length: 11,508 words
- Structure: 1 section, 143 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Grove of Ashtaroth by John Buchan
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Grove of Ashtaroth?
- How does this novel by John Buchan fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of identity, culture, and the human experience, focusing on character development and introspection.
- Adventure — The narrative involves exploration and the protagonist's journey into the wilderness, highlighting themes of discovery and personal ambition.
- Fantasy — Elements of the supernatural and ancient rituals are present, particularly in the depiction of the grove and its mystical significance.
- Historical Fiction — The story references historical elements and settings, particularly related to colonialism and ancient cultures.
Tags
Adventure · Fantasy · Mystery · Romance · Historical Fiction · Supernatural · Mythology · Magic · Prophecy · Ancient Civilizations · Celtic Culture · Scotland