The Dark Of The Sun

HARDCOVER (UK)

SOFTCOVERS

Synopsis

Captain Bruce Curry is a mercenary who is commissioned to rescue a distant outpost where residents (and the community's diamonds) have been cut off from the support of the local troops. Opposing forces are everywhere, from the simple yet deadly arrows of the native Baluba tribes, to the more sophisticated machine guns and mortars of the vindictive marauder General Moses.

Curry finds transport to this isolated place by train. He and his fifty or sixty mercenary comrades set off into enemy territory not knowing what to expect. Their first encounter comes when a plane is spotted in the near distance...




Characters
Captain Bruce Curry		30 year old ex-Lawyer turned mercenary sent on a mission to retrieve civilians and assorted diamonds from Port Reprieve in the Congo. Although hardened by his new profession, his continual self-analysis shows that there is still something human within him.
Sergeant Major 'Ruffy' Ruffararo		Black Congo-born American mercenary with a strong sense of humour and an even stronger sense for beer. His level-headedness and thirst for action (and beer) make him a strong ally for Curry
Shermaine Cartier		Young, attractive Belgian widow living in Port Reprieve who takes an instant liking to the story's hero.
Lieutenant Wally Hendry		Arrogant, greedy and merciless red-haired mercenary assisting Curry in his mission. His calculated hate for Curry makes him extremely dangerous.
Lieutenant Michael Haig		50-year old ex-surgeon turned mercenary, whose previous career was destroyed by his drinking.
Lieutenant Andre' de Surrier		Young effeminate Belgian clerk-turned mercenary who has something of a crush for the callous Wally Hendry.
Martin Bouissier		Tall, silver-haired Belgian district manager of the 'Union Minere Corporation' stationed in Port Reprieve.
General Moses		Ruthless guerilla leader of the Baluba tribe who are famous for their cannibalism and unconventional army tactics. He leads a small army of a hundred or so Balubas to Port Reprieve.
Sergeant Jack		Soldier in Curry's army expertly skilled in in spoor-tracking.
Father Ignatius		Head of the St Augustine Mission Station who refuses to return to Port Reprieve to escape General Moses' advancing Balubas.




Interesting Information
	First published in 1965 by William Heinemann Ltd.
	Book dedication: for Danielle
	A film (called THE MERCENARIES) starring Rod Taylor, Yvette Mimieux and Kenneth More was made in 1968. It was directed by Jack Cardiff. Although Smith's books do not generally make good films, THE MERCENARIES is one of the best (although very different and inferior) adaptation. Taylor's role as Captain Curry was 'critically acclaimed', often cited as his best role. The film is also known as its original book title, DARK OF THE SUN.




Reader Reviews
	From Andre' Mes -
	Captain Bruce Curry must be the most-analyzed characters in any of Smith's books (apart from Taita, the Egyptian slave in RIVER GOD). In fact, it is that very self-analysis that I found the weakest part of this cracking story. Moving at a rip-roaring pace, THE DARK OF THE SUN packs a punch with the tension of a train snaking its way through enemy territory bearing down on the reader with no mercy! All the Smith narrative traditions are there and, as usual, it fails to disappoint. Only Bruce's continual self-evaluation got a bit much, making me want to impatiently continue to the well-written action sequences. One must, however, remember that this is Smith's sophomore novel and his writing had yet to mature, despite his debut, WHEN THE LION FEEDS, being an instant classic. THE DARK OF THE SUN, however, is still a great read!
	If the phrase 'a man's book' has any meaning, it describes this powerful savage story which packs murder and love, rape and rescue, treachery and loyalty into a gripping fast-moving novel. - Books & Bookmen
	A well-knit, fast-moving, adventure story... The action is swift, taut and convincing... The portrayal of men and situations, of jungle and outpost is colourful and alive. It is a 'big' book, quite irrespective of its length. - Scotsman

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