Caravan: A Novel
Caravan: A Novel book cover

Caravan: A Novel

Price
$18.99
Format
Paperback
Pages
256
Publisher
Random House Publishing Group
Publication Date
ISBN-13
978-0345492371
Dimensions
5.5 x 0.64 x 8.5 inches
Weight
10.9 ounces

Description

“Gilman’s best . . . A tribute to the artful power of simple, old-fashioned storytelling in the hands of a master.” — Kirkus Reviews “A real corker . . . Filled with romance, action, adventure and drama . . . This is a completely romantic novel that never slows in its mad rush to a poignant and delicate conclusion. Gilman’s words soar with the energy of a bomb and yet impact with the delicacy of a handful of goose down. A throwback to the days when authors wrote to tell a tale, Caravan deserves a wide audience.” — Ocala Star-Banner “Excellent . . . exciting . . . This is a romantic novel of a special kind—one that tells of exotic places and evokes interest that lingers like a remembered fragrance. . . . The background is rich in description and the sensual overtones are acceptable for readers of all ages.” — The News (Southbridge, MA) “Exciting, dramatic . . . An old-fashioned novel of danger, mystery, and intrigue—a romance-adventure story colorfully told by a skillful writer.” — Ormond Beach Observer "A lushly romantic adventure story set in the North African desert in 1914, told by the impeccable Lady Treal as she reminisces in her London town house about her decidedly peccable past...Well-written, expertly plotted, perfectly paced."NEWSDAYWith her anthropologist husband murdered and their caravan stolen by fierce Tuareg tribesmen, Caressa's choices are death or a life of slavery. Concealing her dangerous beauty beneath the faded robes of an Arab boy, she embarks on the adventrue of her life, harassed by vicious nomads, slave traders and the envious witch doctor, Isa. Only a handful of carnival magic tricks stand between her and oblivion. Then she discovers an inner magic so mysteriously compelling that the desert people call her a sorceress. With it she will secure her freedom and discover the love of her life.... Dorothy Gilman (1923–2012) was the author of 14 Mrs. Pollifax novels, including The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax, the series debut; Mrs. Pollifax Pursued; Mrs. Pollifax and the Lion Killer; Mrs. Pollifax, Innocent Tourist; and Mrs. Pollifax Unveiled . She was also the author of many other novels, among them Thale’s Folly . Read more

Features & Highlights

  • “A lushly romantic adventure story set in the North African desert in 1914, told by the impeccable Lady Treal as she reminisces in her London town house about her decidedly peccable past . . . Well-written, expertly plotted, perfectly paced.”—
  • Newsday
  • With her anthropologist husband murdered and their caravan stolen by fierce Tuareg tribesmen, Caressa has two choices: death or a life of slavery. Concealing her dangerous beauty beneath the faded robes of an Arab boy, she embarks on the adventure of her life, harassed by vicious nomads, slave traders and the envious witch doctor, Isa. Only a handful of carnival magic tricks stands between her and oblivion. Then she discovers an inner magic so mysteriously compelling that the desert people call her a sorceress. . . .
  • “Sheer reading pleasure.”—
  • Publishers Weekly

Customer Reviews

Rating Breakdown

★★★★★
60%
(187)
★★★★
25%
(78)
★★★
15%
(47)
★★
7%
(22)
-7%
(-22)

Most Helpful Reviews

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Very well written, but the immorality spoils it

I have always liked Dorothy Gilman's Mrs Polifax novels. They are well-written spy stories with danger and suspense, but no graphic violence or immorality.

In Caravan, Gilman writes a much more serious story of survival and hardship. Without giving the plot away, i will say that the story is riveting and well written. What kills the story is the sexual immorality she includes-not just mentioning it, but JUSTIFYING it! No matter what hardships we face, we MUST stay true to right values and live a decent life-this the main character (Charissa) failed to do.

When she found out that her husband killed her lover, she contemplating killing him, but didn't. Good-it showed she has decency and a knowledge of right and wrong. But this evaluation was turned on its head when instead she enters an adulterous relationship for DECADES! It is really showing how sick society is when this is supposed to be the heroine of the story!
10 people found this helpful
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Strength to go through

Caravan is an incredible book. For 11 years I had a medically fragile daughter and kept Caravan in a packed emergency bag for dashes to the Childrens Hospital 2 hours away. On many occasions, I would be at the hospital for weeks and would always re-read Caravan. The strength of the main character, her ability to "roll with the punches" was such an encouragement to me. Sections of the book spoke to me when I needed them the most. At one point Jared is near death and we are quoted "Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt...". My child was near death and risking the scorn of the ER doc, I called up the medical director of the hospital to demand a neurosurgeon consult. Whew, did that get action! My child had emergency surgery and lived to see another year. Dorothy Gilmans Pollifax books are great but none can touch the depth of Caravan. Thank you Dorothy!
5 people found this helpful
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A Timeless and Captivating Book

Recently I was introduced to the writings of Dorothy Gilmore. Yes, I enjoyed the Mrs. Polifax series, but Caravan shows the depth and expertise of Gilmore in storytelling. Her descriptions of the desert are magnificent and I felt like I was there. The love story added to making this book even more interesting with a surprise twist at the end. Please, do not read the ending first because it will spoil the delightful trip through Gilmore's mind and eyes. I highly recommend this book because it is not only well written, but it is also a page-turner. Bettye Johnson, award winning author, Secrets of the Magdalene Scrolls.
4 people found this helpful
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Five Stars

One of my favorite books of all time. Dorothy gilman is a master of words.
2 people found this helpful
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Great Dorothy Gilman

One of my favorite Dorothy Gilman stories. When she does a non-Mrs. Pollifax story she is a really fabulous storyteller. I was glad to replace the copy someone borrowed and never returned.
1 people found this helpful
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A "must have" book

This book provides a lot of insight into the lifestyle of those who live in the desert. If you like Dorothy Gilman's other books, you'll find this one more intriguing than most. UNlike most of Ms. Gilman's books, this one is definitely NOT humourous.
1 people found this helpful
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Could not put it down.

It kept me wanting to know more.