And these are the types of books that I fear will fade into obscurity with each passing technological advance.How many people today are going to be clamoring for a digital version of these books? No, instead it will be the Harry Potter's and Twilight's of the world that end up digitized while many better works rot in mouldering collections.
This short novel was published in 1939 and contains all the key historical influences you would expect from that time.
Revolving around a proper English gentleman who, for reasons I'll leave to the story, is hunted down across Europe and throughout England by German agents is a remarkable book. Part of its excellence comes in its fantastic use of the 1st person perspective that plays with what the reader truly knows of the protagonist and his motives. Additionally the claustrophobic atmosphere (whether it be hidden as a stowaway on a ship or hiding in an underground burrow) is very well crafted.
The book is a ripping read and the perfect length with each page crammed with detail and thought. A very modern "thriller" in the truest sense Rogue Male is a bit similar in its nature and tone to a book I reviewed here previously (The Riddle in the Sands) but more precise in both its reading and its skewering of Germany and its people. Though Germany remains unnamed (as does the protagonist) throughout the novel, it is quite clear who the author is referring to and who is the root of the "rogue male"'s ire. I highly recommend reading the novel and enjoying every moment of a novel that is best read turned page by turned page and not clicked icon by clicked icon.
1 comment:
So, you enjoyed "Rogue Male". Good.
A movie was made of this book soon after the novel came out - fairly close to the original.
However, I will give you a later novel by Household that you will also enjoy - at least I think so.
Dad
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