Vayenne: Curious and Fantastic Riddles of Human Life That Have Never Been Solved

by Percy James Brebner

1907. The English author begins Vayenne: A long, straight road, no hedge or ditch separating it from the fields on either side, but at intervals of fifty yards or so trees in pairs; tall, thin trees, but heavy-headed and with foliage spread out fussily near the ground, all bent forward in one direction, and looking for all the world like ancient dames with their petticoats held out of the mud as they struggled wearily homeward against a strong wind. In its season this road could be muddy, as many a traveler knew, the fierce storms which raged across the low country making it almost impassable for days together in wintertime.

350 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1908

Reviews

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never heard of Percy Brebner so I just read this book on a whim. I do this sort of thing often and seldom make it past ten pages or so. This is a rollicking story that moves forward briskly. Stylistically, written by an assured experienced hand. In some ways it feels like a throwback to simple Victorian romance fiction, featuring stereotypical characters, but there are some ambiguities, surprising plot developments, and engaging scenes. It seems to be promising a great twist ending that isn't really big enough to support the time it takes to get there. Still, a good read. Brebner shoukd be better known. There are lesser authors with far bigger reputations.

[Celebrilomiel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readalikes:
- Beverly of Graustark
- The Princess Elopes by Harold MacGrath, Fiction, Classics, Action & Adventure
- The Prisoner of Zenda

Read here: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/39652

3.5 stars

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a thoroughly enjoyable story! If anyone has read stories by Anthony Hope such as "The Prisoner of Zenda", this is written in the same vein of adventure and intrigue. Nothing is predictable from one chapter to the next.
I probably ought to rate it at about three stars because the author had no solid idea of how to use the humble comma, which could grow distracting at times; but I loved the plot so well that I have to rate it higher, because I could not put this book down. Brebner is definitely a master storyteller!