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3.45 AVERAGE
3.45 AVERAGE
An amusing and readable adventure story from the 1930s. Warning - reflects the values of the time, as seen by a Tory lawyer / politician intent on telling history from the point of view of the sturdy values of the rising British middle classes.
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Again, like with other Buchan books, I'm just so entertained. The stories are so outrageous, but purposely so, very self aware. And sometimes you just need a quick, fast paced, action packed adventure story.
I really liked McCunn as the main character, this older fella, a retired grocer (of all things, lol) who finds life a little boring. He tries, poor soul, but he's not a fighter, so stuff keeps going wrong, but that makes him so endearing. I loved his inner thoughts throughout this book. The other characters were also quite distinct and entertaining. Saskia was also a standout, I appreciate a willful lady who knows her mind and doesn't let anyone convince her otherwise (I appreciate Buchan writing her this way).
I really liked McCunn as the main character, this older fella, a retired grocer (of all things, lol) who finds life a little boring. He tries, poor soul, but he's not a fighter, so stuff keeps going wrong, but that makes him so endearing. I loved his inner thoughts throughout this book. The other characters were also quite distinct and entertaining. Saskia was also a standout, I appreciate a willful lady who knows her mind and doesn't let anyone convince her otherwise (I appreciate Buchan writing her this way).
A very enjoyable short read packed full of adventure and altruistic actions. The protagonist (a retired grocer taking a holiday in the Highlands) battles with his conscience, going against all he has abided by his whole life, in the name of justice, romance and euphoria. Buchan finds warmth in the darkest corners of an often barren and harsh land, through loyalty, valour and a good cup of tea!
I really loved this book. It was first published in 1922, and it could be described as a really jolly adventure. It's the story of a retired grocer, a poet, an old lady and a valiant band of street urchins, who rescue a Russian princess from the clutches of dastardly Russian villains. The book made me smile, with people dashing about on pushbikes, and doing things like using a trunk of home made scones as a decoy for a batch of priceless jewels. It is humorous and heartwarming, and the plot carries you along.
So if you like an improbable adventure, a lot of humour and heavy nostalgia, then read this book. I highly recommend it.
So if you like an improbable adventure, a lot of humour and heavy nostalgia, then read this book. I highly recommend it.
This is classic early 20th century action and adventure, with some of the cultural flaws inherent to the time (off-hand antisemitism & misogyny, etc.) I was impressed by the cast of characters, though- headed by a middle-aged grocer who finds himself thrust into intrigue and danger, it includes a competent and self-aware princess, a gang of street kids who save the day more than once, and an old Scots granny who plays a key role in many of the heroics. It's old-fashioned and a bit quaint, but still a fun, G-rated, red-blooded adventure.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Entertaining adventure story of a retired grocer who gets involved in trying to twart a kidnapping plot. It’s fun to read an early 20th century English novel that celebrates the middle class.
likable characters, classic plot-elements (the princess, the villain, the poet, the unlikely hero) but hasn't imho aged very well, I found the language and writing style quite dated which distracted from the wonderful story.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The adventure is seriously marred by the author's prejudices and politics. I could have done without the conspiracy fueled racism, and less of the nationalist chest thumping, since it was totally irrelevant to the narrative - there was nothing about the villains that required them to be Russian. They could well have been French or Australian.
Fully agree with the reviewer who said this was a Tucker Carlson style book. I've enjoyed Buchan in the past, but I cannot recommend this one.
Fully agree with the reviewer who said this was a Tucker Carlson style book. I've enjoyed Buchan in the past, but I cannot recommend this one.
Content Warnings
Minor: Ableism, Racism