Historical fiction

Chabon, Michael. Gentlemen of the road.
Ballantine see Random House, 2007. 204p $21.95 978-0-345-50174-5
Historical

Michael Chabon has written a medieval buddy story and historical adventure of epic proportions about two men in the tenth century Jewish kingdom of Khazaria. The diametrically different men, Jewish Zelikman, a skinny blond Frank, and Amram, a huge black Abyssinian, are traveling together towards the legendary empire west of the Caspian Sea. In the midst of pulling another moneymaking scam on unsuspecting locals, the two adventurers become involved with the only survivor of a royal coup. They are convinced to help restore Filaq to his true position as war king and keeper of the elephants. They will need the help of a small army, their brains, and a few elephants to overcome the overwhelming odds facing them. The two, however, will have enough tricks up their sleeves to defeat a rampaging Viking war party as well as the forces of the evil usurper.
This is a terrifically enjoyable novel. Written in dense “purple prose,” the novel presents a fascinating look at an area of the world that is fairly unknown. Chabon’s tale of derring-do is filled with unlikely heroes and villains, wild countryside, and unusual situations. The plot always thickens and then will take an unexpected turn. Both Zelikman and Amram are thoroughly likable scoundrels who have even less desirable friends but all comes out as well as could be expected. SO