A review by thefearlessfrock
The Riddle of the Sands by Erskine Childers

adventurous challenging slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.25

 

I think this is a book for the lovers of sailing. The stars of it were the sea, shores and ships and if one's not particularly keen on reading about them, it might not be the wisest choice. I'm not focused on plot but appreciate interesting characters and their dynamics and although this book had some potential, it did not live up to it. The pages spent on characters and plot were massively overshadowed by descriptions of sand, water and doing things on boats. (A non-seaman here, obviously.) 

I kind of feel bad for Germany too, as I do love it, especially Northern Germany. It feels as though the author had decided to dress the Northern German coast in a certain way that was supposed to be flattering but God it was only boring. I know Germans, love Germans, they are NOT boring, they are fun and lively. I feel kind of hurt in the name of Germany.

 

The novel was, however, eloquently written, as a non-native English speaker I found it interesting and learned a lot in terms of old-ish English. (Old-ish as opposed to today's *spoken* English, though the book is set in the early 20th century, so it's not that old.) 

 

Overall, I would say this can be the right book but only for people with the right interests. For war stories and spy stories and so (but without too much sailing) there are much better books to read. I know it's a pioneering one, setting the genre or so, but it has lost most of its value since it first came out.

 

I assume there aren't too many novels discussing spies & sailing in such depths though, and in an eloquent language, so for those hoping for such a mixture, I can recommend it!