The Prisoner of Zenda

Notes:

Almost the archetype of such stories, this is very much a dashing yarn for boys with a built-in bearded villain and lovely heroine. There's also a small collection of European mercenaries, a daring young henchman whom you can't help but admire, a slightly mysterious but attractive French woman, and of course the daring, witty, flesh-and-blood Englishman who becomes embroiled in things unwittingly and stays to see them through. There's a sense of humour throughout the book, starting with the very premise (and the historical background to it) and continuing with the suave if violent exchanges between Rudolf and Rupert.

If I were to pick holes in things, I would worry very slightly about the obvious continuing attachment between Rudolf and Flavia in spite of the latter's marriage to the King; I would point out the casual acceptance with which Sapt and Fritz allow Rudolf, a Protestant, acts the part of the Catholic King; I would wonder whether there was not a certain glorification of killing even in self-defence. But really, while all these are points to be considered, they're also rather beside the point when it comes to a story like this. There's no real cause for concern in any of these things and the first two are treated with some delicacy.

I asked around some younger readers who had come across the book. This is Piers, aged 14. “This story is very intriguing and has some very exciting moments. The basic premise is a very original idea and we can identify with the main character and become very interested in his adventures which are full of romance, swordplay and even the occasional dash of humour.”