Reviews

The 39 Steps by John Buchan

Only show reviews with written explanations

elephunkle's review

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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

4.5

humatariq's review against another edition

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4.0

Just finished re-reading the classic spy thriller The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan and I give it 4 stars out of 5. If you are looking for a short book to read this weekend, this is only 118 pages.

This book was published in 1915, which means that the First World War had already started. The protagonist, Richard Hannay, is an ordinary Scotsman who is a fugitive from the police who thinks he murdered his building neighbor. Buchan tells the story in a first person narrative by Hannay. Also after him are the people who actually killed his neighbour, an agent named Scudder. Somehow, he thinks he is only one who can stop the assassination attempt on Greek Prime Minister who is visiting London and therefore prevent a war in Europe from breaking out.

Hannay is a cross between Sherlock Holmes and James Bond. I liked this book and want to read the remaining 4 books in the series too. It is supposed to be a 'thriller', but Buchan liked to call his books as 'shockers'.

Also, there is a 1935 Alfred Hitchcock movie based on those book which I intend to watch soon. Have you guys watched the movie?

fcase20's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced

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

3.0

rebelmouse's review against another edition

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5.0

One of my all time classic favourites.

Robert Powell is absolutely fantastic at reading this unabridged audiobook. Of course, he had a lovely deep speaking voice anyway, but his accents and character changes are flawless and I am so glad I bought this edition.

Every time this film is on TV, I end up watching it again and recently saw the 1935 Alfred Hitchcock version. I can't for the life of me understand why the film was so different to the book, when the book is so good.

However, I do love the 1970's version with Robert Powell and hearing him read this book meant that I could reflect on his excellent performance running around the Scottish countryside.

I know I will listen to this again and again.

verydazedragon's review against another edition

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adventurous fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

Historically, this book pioneered the thriller/spy genre. It served as a template for many authors that came after and truly defined the genre, such as John Le Carre. The significance of this book in the literary canon does not increase the content, though.