Tahir's newest book sucked me in from very early on. He introduces more characters throughout the book, knitting a web that becomes more and more complex with time and also bringing to light the lifestyles of so many different types of people during the time period. While several characters are only heard from very briefly, each one adds depth to the network of people being influenced both by Adam's story and by the deceptions of certain men in the committee. Even though we talk about being connected now with our social networks online, this book proves that we've always been closely connected in our actions and interactions, whether we can readily see it or not.

I greatly enjoyed it, a fairly quick read. Already made my boyfriend and my mom read it. So glad to see new work from Tahir! ( )

This review also appears on my blog acascadeofbooks.blogspot.co.uk
I won a signed copy of this novel in a Goodread's giveaway.
I really liked this novel, hence the reason I gave it 5 stars. I loved the historical setting of this novel, I thought the author's accuracy to the setting was great, giving the reader a sense of exactly how it was, and allowing us to imagine it in depth.
The novel is separated into lots of small chapters, making a very large novel a lot more manageable, with each chapter being about a different character. This also added a bit of tension to the novel as you were made to wait to continue a certain characters story.
The plot of the story was very fast paced for such a long novel, meaning it didn't seem that long at all. The plot had lots of twists and turns that I didn't see coming, they were very unexpected, and kept me captivated until the very end. This novel was a real page turner for me, I just couldn't put it down.
I also liked the diverse and large number of characters included in this novel. Normally a large cast of characters can be difficult to keep track of, but the author described each character so well that I had no problem distinguishing who the characters were. I liked how all the characters link, and all loose ends are tied up by the end of the novel, giving it a nice sense of closure.
Overall I thought this was a really great novel, even if it was so heavy I could hardly lift it! I would recommend this novel to fans of historical fiction, as the historical aspect of this book is excellent. ( )

Timbuctoo is grand adventure story in the tradition of Dumas, Robert Louis Stephenson, or more recently David Ball [Empires of Sand] or Bartle Bull [Cafe on the Nile]. It differs from them in that it's based on what is essentially a true story. Robert Adams is a shipwrecked sailor, taken a slave and sent to Timbuktu in the early 1800s, as we now write it. Through a series of adventures he escapes and makes his way to high society London, where he recounts his tale to a mix of royalty and high society, many of them with designs on him, for good or ill. His account of Timbuktu, a violent and unimpressive city, contrasted with London's fixation on Timbuktu as a kind of El Dorado, a golden city. Timbuctoo is a fictionalized retelling of Adams' adventures in both Africa and London.

The book itself is a throwback to a different era of bookmaking. Fully 8 1/2 x 11 inches, hardbound with a bookmark ribbon embedded in the spine, with chapter summaries at the beginning of each chapter, with fold-out maps of 19th century London and elegant typography, the book is a joy to hold as well as read. ( )

During the 14th century Timbuctoo was a centre of rich culture and learning with a flourishing trade in salt, gold, ivory and slaves. Its legend grew and it was believed to be a city made of gold. From 1618 Europeans became fascinated with the potential of Timbuctoo and in the 1700s and 1800s explorers and traders attempted to reach Timbuctoo in search of wealth. Many had to abandon their exploration and many more did not return.

One man, Robert Adams made it back to England after being rescued from three years of slavery in Africa and told his story to a disbelieving public.

Tahir Shah’s book ‘Timbuctoo’ is based on the true story of Robert Adams set on the background of the Regency period in England.

It is an enthralling tale told by a master storyteller who has painted his highly descriptive background like a tapestry; a tapestry of disparity with the rich and the poor, decadence and struggle, greed and philanthropy.

Shah demonstrates is excellent erudition of the English language and uses his skills it to full effect. His descriptive prose is such that the tapestry is also painted with the sounds, sights and smells of the period. No small detail is missed yet Shah avoids being too wordy.

The story of Robert Adams is interwoven with historical events, attitudes and figures of the time. So clearly has Shah written his story I never lost track of the many characters.

My measure of a good historical novel is based on how it interests me in the period and events featured. ‘Timbuctoo’ has certainly ignited in me great interest in the Regency period, exploration of Africa and the life and times of King George III.

My only disappointment was that with the Kindle edition I was unable to study the maps included in the hardcover version.

This review is also available on my website www.pam.id.au ( )

What a beautifully written book. I was lucky enough to receive a hardcover limited edition copy of this book through goodread’s first reads. The book itself is a treat with its high quality cover and paper as well as many London period pull-out maps throughout. The only downside to this was the book was large and heavy making it a little awkward to read, but well worth it!

There are a couple different stories that take place during this novel. The first of which is Robert Adam’s account of his trial and tribulations in Africa which include being a guest of the king of Timbuktu and a Christian slave for many years. The second is what is going on in Regency London where Adam’s is recounting his tale which include the end of the war of 1812, the Royal Africans Committee’s expedition to Timbuktu, and you also get an insight into different members of society’s everyday life.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. What I enjoyed most were the well-developed characters. There are ones that you will love from start to finish, ones that you will detest from start to finish, and also ones that will leave you wondering their true nature/intentions until the last pages. Everything I enjoy in a novel can be found in this one; mystery, conspiracy, survival, treasure hunt, romance, the list could go on. The level of detail in this novel is outstanding as it beautifully blends historical fact and fiction.

There were only a couple of things that I did not enjoy. At times, the author jumped from character to character rather quickly and it could be a little hard to follow. Regency London was definitely the forefront of this novel and Robert Adam’s journey seemed a bit summarized, I would have liked to have read more about his time in Africa.

Overall this is an extremely well written book that I will highly recommend! ( )