by Edgar Rice Burroughs
Son of Tarzan by Edgar Rice Burroughs comes within a micrometer of edging out Tarzan of the Apes for top book in the series, and that is not something I say lightly.
If you don’t know by now that I adore Tarzan, you’re either new to my orbit (welcome!) or you have not been paying attention. So, when I tell you that I almost love this book more than Tarzan’s own origin story, you should definitely sit up and take notice. It’s not that I prefer Korak (Jack) to Tarzan, far from it, it’s Meriem that elevates this book for me.
In this one, 10-year-old Jack Clayton, son of Lord Greystoke and Jane Clayton née Porter, is kidnapped by the last remaining member of the villainous duo that has been plaguing Tarzan since book two. Young Jack disappears into the wilds of Africa with Akut, the intelligent ape from Beasts of Tarzan and learns to be almost as wild as his more famous father – but with a lot less reason. I loved Edgar Rice Burroughs’ books, but that man treated science and logic as optional at the best of times. I forgive him this time, because watching Jack become Korak is delightful, and it only gets better when he rescues the brilliantly charming waif, Meriem, from an abusive situation.
Meriem is everything Jane never got to be – wild, independent, fierce, and fearless. She’s as wild as Korak and almost as capable despite being born – gasp – a woman! She proved that Edgar Rice Burroughs could write a female character who wasn’t a victim or a plot device, it’s just a shame he seemed to forget it was possible in his later books.
Korak is great, don’t get me wrong, but he’s kind of Tarzan lite, and not quite as believable as the big daddy. Still, I enjoyed his story and not just because he brought Meriem into the family.
Speaking of my guy, Tarzan, he appears in my favorite role of all, in disguise as a mild European, until he’s not. I love that so much that I’d reread this book a dozen times just to see it again. Oh, wait, I have.
Read this book. Read it in order, so you appreciate it in context, but read it. Yes, I know that means reading three other books, first. So? They’re Tarzan. You’re welcome.
6 Almost-Six-And-A-Half-Because-Of-Meriem Stars
