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3.27 AVERAGE
3.27 AVERAGE
Complete twaddle as a story but fast-paced. If you’re looking for a plausible, tautly written thriller it’s one to avoid but as a lighthearted caper and a pioneering product of its time, it’s enjoyable enough. No point trying to compare with Le Carre though - more like Sherlock Holmes. Silly but fun.
The Thirty-Nine Steps (Richard Hannay #1) by John Buchan is a solid classic adventure mystery series opener. It doesn't really waste any time and jumps right into things. As much as I liked this early take on early take on James Bond or George Smiley though, I definitely preferred the adaptations from 1935 by Alfred Hitchcock and the 1959 by Ralph Thomas. If I'd read this before I'd seen either of those, I might have been a little more hooked on this 110 year old story than I ended up being. I haven't decided if I'll continue the series, but I'm glad I've checked this off my tbr.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
The is a must-read classic of espionage fiction. Although Richard Hannay has multiple fortuitous coincidence that stretch the reader's willingness to suspend belief, it is still an enjoyable early romp through the world of spydom.
Oldie but a goodie. Gonna rewatch the Hitchcock now!
The first time I read this book three years ago, I was totally astonished. But this time I noticed some parts of the story that didn't fit in my mind like how easy Hannay could find help from total strangers. Maybe it would be better if I had read the original edition and not the greek translation. However I liked the idea of the story and the way the author's presenting the events that lead us to World War 1. I recommend this book as it is a really fast and enjoyable read.
I always enjoy expanding my reading horizons, and John Buchan’s Thirty Nine Steps was on my radar. Written in 1914, this novel is what I would label as the typical spy adventure story, leading the reader from one thrilling scene to the next at breakneck speed. Richard Hannay faces all powerful enemies and must rely on his wits and physical endurance. Luck plays a big part too, especially in the shape of continuous help from perfect strangers. Buchan must have thought the same since he mentions this later on in the novel. I guess this made me realise that the author was having fun too and made me more compliant to just enjoy the crazy events, which is probably why this adventure story was so perfect for the screen.