The 39 Steps

Rating:
Summary: A Ripping Good Yarn
Review: A 'ripping good yarn' are the best words I can think of to describe this story. It is simply a tremendously thrilling and entertaining adventure. It is fun, involving, and easily read in just a few sittings. Buchan's classic tale takes the reader on an escapade beginning in London and continuing as the hero, Richard Hannay, dashes across the Scottish Highlands in his frantic attempt to elude the police. The little insights into Hannay's random thoughts during the early scenes of the book are fantastically witty, and those familiar with Hitchcock's film version will not be able to avoid hearing the voice of Robert Donat coming through. Similarly, some of the oddball characters and amusing situations Hannay finds himself in throughout the course of the novel provide light relief to a story of espionage, murder and political intrigue (to coin an old cliche). Read it. It'll tickle you.

Rating:
Summary: An entertaing adventure.
Review: Richard Hannay's boring stay in London quickly turns in to an adventurous run for his life and a quest for the ultimate survival of England. A story that is compact and to the point, a credit to the writing of John Buchan.