Sarawak (Book) - 12/6/2002 9:42:45 AM
Very well done. Reminds me of my favorite author, James Michener. Descriptive without being tiresome. This should be read by anyone who likes historical fiction.
Sarawak (Book) - 8/31/2002 7:46:39 PM
Sounds like a masterful story, well told, and well written..
Sarawak (Book) - 8/7/2002 7:43:36 AM
I found myself wrapped from the first line. I am an avid reader and at times skip over lines or paragraphs that are too "flowery" or give too much, leaving little for my mind to imagine. Sarawak allows the reader to imagine just enough while giving the edge to what leads next.
This story was captavating and I found myself waiting for an opportunity to read every word, detail, and paragraph.
This book was one of the rare finds that I reflect about and wonder how the history continues on from there, the effects of the characters' actions and the telling of tales long past. I was engrossed with the cultural aspect of the surroundings and enthralled with the the plot.
I have to admit that I have not read too many historical fictions in my time, but I have found Mr. Mohrlang's book a rare expception and I would pleased to read more of this brilliant mind. Mr. Mohrlang has a wonderful grasp of giving the reader just enough to tantalize but withholding enough to keep the reader coming back for more. I actually found myself disappointed when the book had ended.
I feel priveledged to be one of the first to read this inspiring and up and coming author. I am in anticipation of his next publication and feel sured that it will be as elequant as the first.
Congratulations and good luck!
Sarawak (Book) - 7/3/2002 6:19:00 PM
The year is 1824, in those glorious days when the sun never set on the British Empire. They were days of exploration into exotic lands and grand adventures on the high seas, days when young men dreamed of making their mark on the world in impossible ways. It was an epoch that would change the world we know in ways beyond imagination.
Lt. James Brooke of the East India Company has been commissioned by the King, as were his father and grandfather before him. From a life of ease and privilege in England, he travels across the world to India and Burma. Never one to knuckle under to authority and constraints, Lt. Brooke dreams of gaining riches and fame in the Far East. Not even devotion to his father or love for the far-from-innocent Elizabeth Wethington can deter that dream for long.
Despite his young age, James Brooke is blessed with a force of character and courage that inspires the men he leads in battle. Those who opt to stay beside him when he resigns his commission are an odd mix. Si Tundok is an imposing half-breed Malay, devoted to no man or cause until he meets Lt. Brooke. Henry Steele is a rough-around-the-edges Welshman and former soldier of the King's Army. Captain Timothy Irons is a seaman who finds more adventure than he wanted in the company of Brooke. Dr. Arthur Claygate and his wife Margaret find in James a humorous compatriot and friend.
Random happenings and chance circumstance throw James into the adventure he seeks. He finds his way to Borneo, to Sarawak. And what an unexpected life he finds there, one of breathless wonder at the land itself and an unanticipated sympathy for the native peoples living there. Through the eyes and experiences of James and his friends, the reader meets headhunters, fierce warriors, gentle jungle dwellers, and the cruel despots who have plundered Sarawak for years. The author leads us into the lives and longhouses of each tribe James encounters - the Punan, Kayan, Iban, Bidayuh, and Maylay - and documents their differences in entertaining style. We meet the villains of this story and learn to hate them for their callous greed. Worst of all is the Maylay prince, Api, who taxes his own people to the point of starvation, and whose taste for cruelty is worsened by the impotence he tries to hide. Not far behind Api is Geoff, the foulest Englishman who ever graced a literary page. Loi Pek, the Chinaman, cares little for anyone or anything but opium and Gold.
James Brooke becomes Rajah of Sarawak, and soon develops an almost fatherly concern for the native people. He gains cooperation from all tribes because of their superstitions and beliefs. James is tall, an imposing figure to the short and stocky tribesmen. Brave in battle, as ferocious as the most successful headhunter, James "casts a long shadow", and one the natives would find difficult to bury.
Sarawak is what might have been labeled an epic tale or sweeping saga in earlier times. Through what must have been diligent research, Mr. Mohrlang makes this story come alive. A decidely masculine writing style and focus adds to the feeling that this is James Brooke's story, told from his perspective in another time and age. For readers who are history lovers, Sarawak is a must read. For those who think that history is boring, there should be enough adventure, romance, violence, warring and intrigue between these covers to satisfy. I recommend this book, and wonder what Jerry Mohrlang could possibly do to top it. I'm hoping for a continuation of the James Brooke story.
by Laurel Johnson for Midwest Book Review
Sarawak (Book) - 5/14/2002 5:23:40 PM
I can just about picture this. I grew up in Ethiopia -- different, but still tropical. I like the cultural aspects. I can see your people real well. Good for you!
Sarawak (Book) - 5/5/2002 4:05:34 PM
If this is the first chapter, it would hook me. The reading reveals an author's capable of effectively communicating a most unique insight into ancient tribal cultures living at one with nature.
Sarawak (Book) - 5/5/2002 4:52:54 AM
Looks like a winner, Jerry! Good for you!
Gravel, Tommie Rothie and the Twelfth Street Tarantulas (Short Story) - 9/24/2006 4:11:11 PM
You are very good with imagery and the plot and everything tied with it works extremely well. I enjoyed it.
Charles D. O'Connor III "Check out my new story 'Mabels Grave'"
Gravel, Tommie Rothie and the Twelfth Street Tarantulas (Short Story) - 6/4/2002 11:29:27 AM
Great plot line and wonderful insight into boys and their pressures. I enjoyed the jeering and the fact that such an "initiation" would be cast upon one so young and impressionable. The ending goes well with the "sounds and sights" that you would imagine in a gravel pit, dare I be graphic, and the images that play with the body of a young boy grounded.
The Visit (Short Story) - 6/4/2002 11:14:46 AM
Very endearing. Seems to be a gradual progression in his relationship with his wife. I begin to wonder, was it always a one-sided relationship where he always "knew" or just "assumed" what she wanted or enjoyed? Also the walking away from his own gravestone, wondering again, and possibly this is my over active mind, was he passed as well and just simply couldn't release himself to the end? Wonderful possibilites.
Promoting Your Book...Visually (Article) - 4/23/2012 5:14:01 AM
Jerry; I have had alot of fun in this regard, creating video trailers. Is your link to your homestead site broken? I can't seem to get there.
Promoting Your Book...Visually (Article) - 6/2/2004 7:29:09 AM
This is wonderful. I would like to copy it and take it to my writers' group, if you have no objections, of course. If you don't, leave a message on my message board.
Promoting Your Book...Visually (Article) - 2/16/2004 7:24:11 AM
Very informative. What can work about Borneo can work about Central Louisiana too. Thanks.
