This book has been one of my favorites, if not my favorite book, for a very long time.

Just like any opinion in a subjective realm such as art and literature, my thoughts and opinions have evolved and matured over the years. The remarkable thing about Maia is that it has developed along with me.

Maia, along with its companion novel Shardik, is set in an ancient Mesopotamian kingdom that resembles Babylon. Although not strictly a fantasy, the two are sometimes classified as such due to the raw spirituality that is inherent in all of Adam's writing and pervades his worlds with a dreamlike atmosphere. However, you won't encounter any magic spells or wizards here. It's just a world where people believe that such things exist and possess immense power. Does that sound familiar?

The story revolves around Maia, a peasant girl who is sold into sexual slavery and prostitution as a young teenager. She then ascends an eerily realistic socio-political ladder until she is not only desired by princes and politicians but also worshipped by revolutionaries and patriots. She is alternately made a slave, a noble, a figurehead, a hero, a villain, and a princess. Throughout it all, the character of Maia remains firmly that of a young girl, impressionable and bright but not particularly glorious. She is really just a normal girl doing her best to react to her circumstances. Her guilelessness and naivete could potentially lead to complete disaster, but instead, Adams tells the story of the destruction of her innocence with grace and forgiveness. And in a way, this book will assist you in forgiving yourself for your lost innocence and remind you that there is a part of you, and all of us, that is inherently pure. It's truly a remarkable read.

Haha,

The longest fiction book I ever attempted was said by Amazon to be 1223 pages. However, I don't have the book with me at the moment to verify this.

I really wanted to finish it. After all, it was such a huge book! Finishing it would have been a great accomplishment.

But unfortunately, I got extremely bored. I just couldn't endure it anymore.

I don't know how I would fare if I tried it again today, but I have no intention of doing so.

Maybe it was the writing style, or perhaps the story just didn't engage me enough.

In any case, it remains a book that I started but never completed.

It serves as a reminder that sometimes, even the most ambitious reading goals can be difficult to achieve.

Great storytelling is an aspect that cannot be ignored in this book. However, it is also extremely sexist. In our household, this book has been redubbed "Maia: Nubile Wench". The use of such a term to describe the female character not only objectifies her but also perpetuates harmful gender stereotypes. It is concerning that such sexist language and portrayal exist in a piece of literature. While the storytelling may have its merits, the sexism within it detracts from its overall value. It is important to be critical of such content and to encourage the creation of more inclusive and respectful works.

We should strive to move away from using derogatory and sexist terms to describe women and instead focus on their individuality, strengths, and contributions. By doing so, we can create a more equal and just society.

It is hoped that future works of literature will be more conscious of the impact of their language and portrayal of characters, and will work towards eliminating sexism and other forms of discrimination.

Maia is not your ordinary or 'typical' literary fare.

If you are not prepared for Adams to explore taboo subjects, then this book may not be the right choice for you.

However, if you have delved into his other works such as Watership Down, Shardik, and The Plague Dogs, and you don't shy away from his meticulous attention to detail, then Maia has the potential to truly astonish you.

Adams has a unique way of presenting stories that can both challenge and captivate the reader.

His ability to bring complex characters and themes to life is truly remarkable.

In Maia, he once again takes the reader on a journey that is both thought-provoking and engaging.

So, if you're ready to step out of your comfort zone and experience a different kind of literary adventure, then give Maia a try.

Richard Adams was an outstanding writer. Although his output was relatively small by some standards, his works are filled with remarkable strengths. His vivid imagination allows him to create captivating characters and explore the dark sides of human nature. In 'Maia', he returns to the Beklan Empire setting after the powerful 'Shardik'. The book is a picaresque tale that delves into themes of sex and violence, as well as coming of age and seeking absolution. Maia, a beautiful peasant girl, is sold into slavery and becomes a 'bed girl' in a depraved household. As the political situation deteriorates, she finds herself at the center of events, facing difficult choices and betrayals. Adams's writing is engaging, although he sometimes uses implausible plot devices. The love between Maia and Zen-Kurel develops quickly, and Maia's naivete can be grating. However, the book has a satisfying ending with a surprise reunion. Overall, 'Maia' is a fine book, but not without its flaws. It explores the same imaginary world as 'Shardik', but does not reach the same narrative heights. Adams's gender politics can be a bit dated, but he is still a sympathetic author with a gift for understanding different perspectives. This book is not for the faint of heart or for children, but it is a most enjoyable read for those who appreciate a complex and engaging story.

Excellent Read

I first read this remarkable book when I was a young 16-year-old, and its impact has remained with me ever since. Revisiting it now feels like reuniting with a dear old friend. This book truly encompasses all the elements one could desire in a literary work. There is drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat, a beautiful romance that tugs at your heartstrings, and an air of intrigue that keeps you guessing. The descriptions of beauty, both in terms of sexuality and scenery, are vivid and captivating. The depth of the story and the well-developed characters draw you in and engage you fully. It is indeed a long read, but it is more than worth the time invested. You will find yourself savoring every single page. I have a particular fondness for books that are not rushed, that take the time to tell the entire story in a comprehensive and satisfying manner, and that conclude with a neatly wrapped up ending. Alas, as I finish this book, I can't help but feel a tinge of sadness.

This book is truly a treasure trove of literary delight. Its richness is such that no matter how many times one delves into its pages, there is always something fresh and exciting to discover, or perhaps one realizes that they have forgotten certain aspects. The world within the book is as much a character as any of the extensive and diverse cast. For those who have a penchant for the captivating world of Song of Ice and Fire, they are highly likely to find great enjoyment in this book as well. It shares the same complex and intricate political landscapes and contains minimal fantasy elements that add just the right touch of magic.

However, my one regret regarding this book is that it was penned during a time when the portrayal of black people in fiction was often rife with exoticism. As a result, there are a few instances that cause a slight wince or an eye roll. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the one black character in the book is developed with such depth and authenticity that she truly comes alive as a real person. She is someone whom we would all love to get to know better, despite the less than ideal context in which the book was written.

Overall, this book is a remarkable piece of literature that offers a wealth of entertainment and thought-provoking moments, despite its few flaws.

I read this book during my high school years, and its influence on me was so profound that I still vividly recall a significant portion of it to this very day. In fact, this book played a crucial role in shaping my decision to firmly avoid falling in love with my first "romantic tryst" (yes, I'm aware, too much information).

That being said, I would not necessarily recommend it. The reason I remember this book so clearly is that it irritated me to no end. It was penned by the same author who wrote the charming little rabbit story, Watership Down. He should perhaps stick to writing about bunnies. In Maia, he chose to write a social commentary expressing his opinions on young women. In this book, Maia is a young woman who loses her virginity to her stepfather. Subsequently, her mother kicks her out of the house, and Maia decides to make a living by becoming a whore (technically, a courtesan) for a wealthy, blubbery man. After that, she has a series of mainly sexual adventures. Throughout the book, Richard Adams feels compelled to interject his (rather flawed in my opinion) condescending views on what makes women tick. Statements like "women always think they're in love with the first man they have sex with" are peppered throughout.

My personal take on this book is that the author seemed to be annoyed with women for some unknown reason and decided to pen his own little sexual fantasy while using it as a platform to air his grievances with the female gender. It is not a book that I would recommend giving to an impressionable teenage girl. :-p

I first had the opportunity to read this remarkable book approximately 30 years ago. It was a captivating experience that left a lasting impression on me. Recently, I decided to embark on a second reading, eager to reimmerse myself in the world of the Beklan Empire. As I delved into the story once again, I found myself just as enthralled as before. The intricate web of intrigue within the empire is truly fascinating, and I couldn't help but be drawn into the lives of the characters.

After finally finishing this book (along with Shardik), I was left with a sense of longing. I wish that Richard Adams, the brilliant author, would have written more about this captivating world. There is so much potential for further exploration and development. I can only imagine the wonderful stories that could have been told, the new characters that could have been introduced, and the deeper insights we could have gained into the history and culture of the Beklan Empire.

Despite my wish for more, I am still grateful for the two books that Richard Adams did write. They have provided me with countless hours of entertainment and have sparked my imagination. I will continue to cherish these books and recommend them to others who are looking for a unique and engaging read.

I first read this book in my teens.

It holds a special place among my favorite Richard Adams books.

Although it may not typically be lauded as one of his absolute best works, its charm and appeal have endured for me.

The story within its pages captured my imagination from the very beginning.

The characters were vividly drawn, and the world that Adams created was both enchanting and immersive.

I found myself completely engrossed in the narrative, following the adventures and misadventures of the characters with bated breath.

Even after all these years, the memory of reading this book still brings a smile to my face.

It is a testament to the power of good writing and the ability of a book to leave a lasting impression.

Despite not receiving the same level of acclaim as some of his other works, this book will always be a cherished favorite of mine.

I absolutely adored this book. The descriptions within it are incredibly rich and interesting, captivating the reader from the very beginning. There is a plethora of sex and intrigue, which adds an element of excitement and mystery. The characters, for the most part, are great. However, there is one exception, and that is Maia.

Maia, the main character, is a 15-year-old girl who, fortunately for her, is gorgeous and desirable. But here's the catch - she's really not very bright. In fact, there is a part in the book where Maia is compared to a not very clever soldier who will do anything he's ordered. It is quite clear that Adams intended her to be somewhat dim-witted. Honestly, I'm glad she is so stunningly beautiful because that, along with her ability to swim, seems to be the sum total of her worth.

Despite my reservations about Maia, the world building in this book is truly astonishing. Adams is a master storyteller, and I can only hope to be as good as she is someday. The way she weaves the story and creates this intricate world is truly remarkable. It makes me eager to explore more of her work and see what other amazing tales she has to offer.

Wait... The guy who wrote Watership Down also wrote this? Man, I vividly remember reading this at some point in my younger days.

Maybe it was during college? Or perhaps it was in late high school? Now I'm really not sure!

All I can recall is that there were a whole bunch of freaky deaky things that took up approximately half of the book.

And the other half was filled with some really weird political stuff that I simply couldn't understand or wrap my head around back then.

I'm almost tempted to add this book to my to-read list once again. However, considering that I'm currently in the middle of reading Watership Down, I think I'll hold off for now.

I don't need Richard Adams to mess with my head more than once per decade.

But I did feel the need to jot down that I had read it, which is why I'm writing this review. Although, I'm not going to rate it at this time.