The Feathers of Death (1959) by Simon Raven

[Valancourt Books]

“An exceptional gift for storytelling . . . told with a narrative verve so rare . . . those with the stomach for a tough and ugly tale will find it enthralling.” – The Times (London)

Simon Raven’s classic first novel The Feathers of Death is a gripping thriller told in the clever, witty, and compulsively readable style for which Raven is known. This edition features a new introduction by Gregory Woods.



Book Description

When Lieutenant Alastair Lynch shoots young Drummer Malcolm Harley in the back for desertion in the face of an enemy attack, his action seems to be clearly justified by military precedent. But after a court martial is convened to examine the facts of the case, a different story emerges. A tale of passionate love, possessiveness, and jealousy between the two men, a brazen and scandalous relationship that ended in Harley’s violent death. The tension builds as the truth about the two men’s liaison and Lynch’s decision to pull the trigger gradually emerges, leading to a shocking finale.

Reviews

“One of the finest novelists of the post-war years . . . the most entertaining of writers . . . a novelist of supreme merit.” – Charles Spencer, The Telegraph

“Extraordinary . . . entertaining, gripping and in fact memorable.” – Sunday Times

“A first novel of outstanding quality. It is written with passion and comprehension and with a rigid moral sense upholding it. I urge you to read a notable novel.” – The Evening News

“You will bow in admiration to the clarity of his characterization, the simplicity of his prose and the design of his plot.” – New Statesman

“There is something irresistible about the vigour of Mr. Raven's attack.” – The Observer

Now available:

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