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A review by dua_liepard
The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-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
3.25
A snappy, classic spy thriller with a propulsive plot. Prose was surprisingly good. Most of the finer details of the plot/intrigue went over my head.
It’s a product of its time for sure. The bold and casual anti-Semitism of the 1910s is so disturbing.
Had to suspend my disbelief more than I’d care to - most of the book is a series of unlikely coincidences and good fortune. The protagonist is also uncommonly smart and fast for an ordinary guy, succeeding where trained spies failed.
Good to tick it off though, as I’ve had it on my shelf for about six years in four places 😅
It’s a product of its time for sure. The bold and casual anti-Semitism of the 1910s is so disturbing.
Had to suspend my disbelief more than I’d care to - most of the book is a series of unlikely coincidences and good fortune. The protagonist is also uncommonly smart and fast for an ordinary guy, succeeding where trained spies failed.
Good to tick it off though, as I’ve had it on my shelf for about six years in four places 😅