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3.28 AVERAGE
3.28 AVERAGE
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.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Is this book outdated and seems cliche by modern standards? Definitely, but there’s still plenty to enjoy here.
The protagonist Richard Hannay brings an English wit and charm to the narrative. While they are tame to modern audiences there are exciting chases and daring escapes. This and The Most Dangerous Game are the epitome of hunted man fiction.
Its easy to see why at the time it was written it would have been a big hit. WWI was raging and this story presents a pre-war yarn that would’ve sparked imagination. It’s exciting, features a cast of interesting bystanders, and has an underlying wit.
If you read this expecting a white knuckle thrill ride that’s still as fresh today as it was when it was written you’ll be disappointed. However, if you read it in the mindset that it’s one of the first stories of this kind, you’ll enjoy it. It should be noted as well that while it doesn’t have the raciness or humorous dialogue of the Hitchcock classic, it’s worth reading to see where some of the plot came from, and personally I could see things in this book that inspired other films of his.
It’s short, it’s fun, it’s classic. I imagine this is the kind of book that would be dope to sit in front of a fireplace reading in the evening.
The protagonist Richard Hannay brings an English wit and charm to the narrative. While they are tame to modern audiences there are exciting chases and daring escapes. This and The Most Dangerous Game are the epitome of hunted man fiction.
Its easy to see why at the time it was written it would have been a big hit. WWI was raging and this story presents a pre-war yarn that would’ve sparked imagination. It’s exciting, features a cast of interesting bystanders, and has an underlying wit.
If you read this expecting a white knuckle thrill ride that’s still as fresh today as it was when it was written you’ll be disappointed. However, if you read it in the mindset that it’s one of the first stories of this kind, you’ll enjoy it. It should be noted as well that while it doesn’t have the raciness or humorous dialogue of the Hitchcock classic, it’s worth reading to see where some of the plot came from, and personally I could see things in this book that inspired other films of his.
It’s short, it’s fun, it’s classic. I imagine this is the kind of book that would be dope to sit in front of a fireplace reading in the evening.
This was an enjoyable, randomly humorous, quick-read adventure about a man who finds himself in possession of an encoded notebook whose contents he must make known to the government. Some of the accents were hard to read, but sounded really cool if you read them out loud. There was a little bit of mild language.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
I just realized that adventure/spy thrillers are definitely not my genre. The 39 Steps centers around a male protagonist who manages to escape on the run, evading traps and adversaries through pure luck. I find no real meaning or point in such a book.
Perhaps, when it was first published in 1915, it served to satisfy audiences seeking excitement before the film industry could deliver similar thrills. However, today, I can’t really see any reason to read a book like this instead of watching a movie. The novel offers zero messages, and zero content beyond pure suspense and agony.
If you're looking for an afternoon distraction that doesn’t require much thinking, I suppose this book could work for you. But for me, it falls short of offering anything substantial or memorable.
Perhaps, when it was first published in 1915, it served to satisfy audiences seeking excitement before the film industry could deliver similar thrills. However, today, I can’t really see any reason to read a book like this instead of watching a movie. The novel offers zero messages, and zero content beyond pure suspense and agony.
If you're looking for an afternoon distraction that doesn’t require much thinking, I suppose this book could work for you. But for me, it falls short of offering anything substantial or memorable.
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
short but full of adventure - apparently the original spy novel.