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tombennett72's review against another edition
5.0
Brilliant. This has been on my list of books to read for a very long time, and I’m very glad to have finally got to it.
The impact and influence of this novel are legendary. And it is rightly revered by many fans and writers of intrigue and espionage. Published in 1909, this is a lively, gripping, and dense tale. I loved it.
The impact and influence of this novel are legendary. And it is rightly revered by many fans and writers of intrigue and espionage. Published in 1909, this is a lively, gripping, and dense tale. I loved it.
sledge_hm's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-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
grfirestorm's review against another edition
3.5
It’s a slog to get through but considering the publishing date, it’s interesting to see how the future conflict in Europe is starting to be foreseen which is remarkable of the author.
thebobsphere's review against another edition
2.0
As frequent followers of this blog know, I am undertaking the Backlisted challenge, where i plan to read every book the podcast features. The first ten went pretty well but this current batch are proving to test what my tastes in literature are. Unfortunately I did not get along with The Riddle of the Sands either.
I do understand it’s importance in the literary canon: it is the first spy novel and for a book published in the early 20th century, it is ahead of it’s time as the structure takes the form of a diary that is edited by the author.
My problem with the book is that I found it to be overwritten. Each chapter just drained me to a point where I stopped caring about whether the two protagonists of the book were going to save the world from a dastardly plot. Plus there were way too many terms relating to yachts (as the book can be described as a nautical espionage novel) which was a distraction.
Maybe when timing is better I’ll appreciate Riddle of the Sands but not now.
I do understand it’s importance in the literary canon: it is the first spy novel and for a book published in the early 20th century, it is ahead of it’s time as the structure takes the form of a diary that is edited by the author.
My problem with the book is that I found it to be overwritten. Each chapter just drained me to a point where I stopped caring about whether the two protagonists of the book were going to save the world from a dastardly plot. Plus there were way too many terms relating to yachts (as the book can be described as a nautical espionage novel) which was a distraction.
Maybe when timing is better I’ll appreciate Riddle of the Sands but not now.
skirmishgirl's review against another edition
3.0
This book is proclaimed to be one of the first modern spy novels, which it is, I suppose.
I also know it's mostly about the geography of channels around the northern part of Germany and boating. Cut out the boating details, and this book is about 50 pages long.
Yeesh.
I also know it's mostly about the geography of channels around the northern part of Germany and boating. Cut out the boating details, and this book is about 50 pages long.
Yeesh.
thebookboy's review
1.0
Unfortunately I had to abandon this after 200 pages. I was initially pulled in by the beginning, but once the duo started sailing around endless mudflats and describing every tide I have to admit my care levels dropped too low. I VERY rarely DNF a book, but I couldn't suffer through this one any longer, especially when I didn't care about any of the plot or the characters.
I will caveat by saying that I do understand why people enjoy this type of book - the accurate, real-life detail and sailing etc. will obviously interest people who find those things fascinating. Unfortunately, sea charts and sailing tips are not my cup of tea.
A real shame as I had high hopes.
I will caveat by saying that I do understand why people enjoy this type of book - the accurate, real-life detail and sailing etc. will obviously interest people who find those things fascinating. Unfortunately, sea charts and sailing tips are not my cup of tea.
A real shame as I had high hopes.
rheashami's review
3.75
Slow to start but then became interesting, especially considering it was written pre-world war.
Could never imagine having a patriotic duty strong enough to nearly die yachting, but go off davies
Could never imagine having a patriotic duty strong enough to nearly die yachting, but go off davies
creechance's review against another edition
4.0
I think this book works better as a piece of history than as a novel. It was written specifically to highlight issues with Edwardian Britain's military readiness and to wake up the nation to the inevitability of war with Germany. It succeeded brilliantly at that. But, read simply as a spy thriller it leaves something to be desired. The Riddle of the Sands has had a large influence to be sure, but you may not enjoy it if you are not interested in the history of the time.