ellenorange 's review for:

The 39 Steps by John Buchan

4.0

---

The 39 steps is a short, fast paced thriller, which is gripping and intriguing conventional in its genre of spy fiction and espionage stories. The novel is not particularly detailed or hung on a complicated plot as opposed to outlining the simple if not slightly far fetched story about a man who is dragged into an international plot to perpetuate war, and has to unfoil it to clear his name. But this kind of story despite its fantastical nature is exciting and entertaining. Buchan also explores notions of doubt, appearance and duality as well as modern notions of transport, communication and public perception. His context based plot also brings into play the importance of politics in literature, and within the genre of espionage especially. Overall the novel was enjoyable and entertaining!