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Short and fast-paced. I see how it became the seminal work on the spy genre.
This Boys-Own of derring-do was published in 1915 when anti-German feeling would have made the audience more appreciative of Hannay's increasingly ridiculous and repetitive escapades. Sadly to a 21st century reader used to more sophisticated adventure stories this was just a bit rushed and daft.
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It is no wonder that this short novel has become a classic. Buchan has shaved all the extra verbiage of the usual spy novel into 100 pages of suspense, puzzlement, and delight.
I find the action and need for quick thinking rather Jason Bourne-like. While it is hard to grasp such hospitality of many of the people he encountered, it is equally difficult to believe his disguises were as successful as they were. I found it comical that each time he was ready to reveal a part of his story in exchange for help, he would provide the caveat to his would-be helper that (s)he would need to turn him in. An entertaining and quick read nonetheless.
The prototype for the espionage thriller, and a great example of plot-driven fiction. It's got all the ludicrous elements fans of the genre know and love (explosions! car chases! disguises!), as well as a break-neck pace to keep you turning the pages. A fun, fast read.
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I enjoyed this but its hard to evaluate it in this day and age when complicated plots and extreme excitement are commonplace, but I did enjoy it and would read more of his books.
Dec 19, 2012
Kathy Jo
marked it as to-read
Jan 04, 2013
Mirja
marked it as to-read
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review of another edition
Shelves:
1001-books-you-must-read-before-you
Aug 08, 2013
Sivan
marked it as to-read
Jun 02, 2015
Megan
marked it as to-read
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review of another edition
Shelves:
barnes-and-noble-library-of-essenti
Feb 27, 2018
Terri FL
added it
Feb 26, 2020
Ginger
rated it
really liked it
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Shelves:
classics,
thriller-suspense-mystery
