Tic Polonga

I picked up this book in a second hand shop, paying a little more than I wanted, but not wanting to leave empty handed. It was the closest fit that I could find, at a price I could stomach.
There is a lot that appeals - its era: published 1954; it is about gems and mining; it takes place in interesting locations - Sri Lanka and Colombia; and it has interesting cover art; and, it wasn't listed on Goodreads. Even the introduction, which is half a page long and explains the title (The Tic Polonga is a deadly snake in Sri Lanka - it is also known as the Russell's Viper eg Russell is the authors first name) has enough in it to stir interest.

For the large part, this book is all those things, and keeps its promise. Action and adventure, dangerous men, risky deals, double crossing and the gem trade in itself. There are gun fights, knife fights, explosives, threats and standoffs. There is corruption, lying, crooked policemen. Time on planes and ships, time in hospital, and plenty of time in hotels and bars, time in brothels and embassies. Gem markets and remote mines, crooked politicians, corrupt officials, and tough standover men all feature.

There is more. There is the charisma and tactical wit of our author. There is the kind of loyalty money doesn't buy from your workers. There is an ability to befriend people in bars and restaurants who turn out to be high-powered and in very helpful positions. A quick intelligence, able to read people and situations in an instant and bluff through those situations to a predicted outcome.

And that is perhaps what makes this book lose a star. The author, while telling a great story, has really overblown his hero - yeah, himself. You almost expect him to tear off an overcoat and have a cape on, ready to take to skies Superman style. It is just a bit much. It makes the reader start to challenge the rest of the story. If this bit is embellished, what about the rest... you know where I am headed.

And yet, the outcomes throughout this still very riveting tale, from a financial perspective and poor. In that, poor old Russ never seems to come out of an adventure with any money. Except that time he did, and you almost think he might be able to finance something of his own, when bang he is in a car accident and while he is unconscious on the roadside someone walks off with his bag of cash.

But then, don't let the negative above put you off. Should you have a copy, or find a copy of this relatively obscure book (there are a dozen on Abebooks, 6 of which are in New Zealand - why, I don't know)

4 stars.

** upgraded to 5 stars at end of year review. Memories of this book have stayed with me, so it deserves more.**