The Riddle Of The Sands cover art

The Riddle Of The Sands

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The Riddle Of The Sands

By: Erskine Childers
Narrated by: Anton Lesser
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About this listen

 Riddle of the Sands is set during the long suspicious years leading up to the First World War and is a classic of spy fiction.©2008 BBC Audiobooks Ltd (P)2014 Audible, Inc. Action & Adventure Classics Espionage Mystery Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Spies & Politics Thriller & Suspense Exciting

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Erskine Childers wrote wry, rhythmical prose, full of dry wit. Anton Lesser's reading is beautifully judged, with every phrase pitched just so to capture the sometimes sardonic, sometimes wistful tone of Childers' voice - the scene in which the narrator Carruthers comes to realize that the rough, mean circumstances of his friend Davies' little boat have actually made him happy is a particular highlight. Lessor also captures the tension and excitement of the central espionage thread of the book superbly, drawing the listener into the experience until one thinks one is right there, moving through the fog toward the invasion plotters. This is a great listen, one of my favourite audiobooks, and one that I return to again and again.

Great writing, great narration, great fun

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

With reservations. It was fascinating considering the coastline involved as I had never looked at this on a map. The level of sailing detail was lost to some degree on this non-sailor and the slightly lecturing tone reveals that Childers had a polemic objective beyond just telling a story: he wrote the book so that English politicians and military leaders would take note. As a result of this focus, the narrative lacks a bit of punch.

Intriguing but too technical

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Interesting historic story. Much too long in the telling. Requires abridgment of the first half otherwise reads as too tedious.

An abridged version would be better.

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Really enjoyed this book although a little dated to our ears. I am no lover of boats, getting seasick standing on a pontoon l never the less got involved with the mapping and boat terms, and the whole storyline.

Enjoyable

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Gripping story that evokes the bleak Frisian landscape beautifully but beware the attitudes of the time that in places are offensive. Good production quality albeit with the occasional pronunciation mishap.

Historical thriller with great sense of place

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