A little gem from the dawn of the 20th Century

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I first met this book as a prescribed text on my GCE English course maybe 60 years ago. I found it totally enthralling then and perhaps even more so now when I can fully appreciate the careful detail of the narrative. The plot is simple and neat but the story is woven into a complex tapestry of authentic nautical descriptions and set in a mysterious, shifting and foggy seascape. A startlingly prophetic warning of dire troubles ahead for the seemingly invincible British Empire, the book was a deliberate attempt to sound the alarm against Germany's growing industrial power and military potential.

Nicely told by Simon Vance who perfectly captures the youthful derring do of the story in the infectious enthusiasm of his narration.

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1 person found this helpful

Classic brilliantly told

I have read riddle of the sands twice before, but listening to it on audiobook added another dimension. An enchanting story brilliantly told and narrated,

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A Rare Gem.

I've read the entry for Erskine Childers on Wikipedia and I don't really understand why he was executed at the age of 52. What a tragedy! He seems to have been a man of inspiring energy, intelligence and principles.

I only wish this extraordinary book were twice as long. It makes me want to go back in time a hundred years and take up sailing.

Simon Vance gives a perfect rendition. He is also a great talent. What a combination!

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2 people found this helpful

Captivating

I thoroughly enjoyed this audio book. The plot unfolded at a good pace.
The narration by Simon Vance was excellent and was well suited to the story.

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4 people found this helpful

favourite story

such a great story!
well read in this version.
not a word wasted.
unforgettable.

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Almost perfect..

I listened to this at a slower speed.. so the narrator almost sounded like a computer voice. I found this slower speed worked very well. Obviously great story. I bought '39 Steps' afterwards!

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Gripping story.

I enjoyed this book. I had read it before but the narrator brought it to life. Having no charts to refer to made it a little difficult to follow. Childer's execution by firing squad in the lrish Civil War hung over it for me. Such a fine life wasted.

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brilliant

the author's intelligence shines through. full of picturesque details that will carry you away on the adventure. a slice of authentic nautical life with the trappings of the British upper class.

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A beautiful book.

A beautiful book, bygone era, shame life has lost its innocence…. This is the decade I wish I were born in.

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The story never got going!

I chose to hear this story as the author was majorly involved in Irish politics however the book didn’t deal with this subject at all. Instead I found it dealt with the aimless wanderings of a junior British foreign office official spending his holidays yachting and exploring the coast and inlets of Northern Germany and Denmark.

Hugely disappointing.

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