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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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Summary

 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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Why should we be interested in a yarn which is set on a yacht, travelling off the north German coast between the Frisian islands and the shoals and sandbanks around them? The answer is that the story is so well narrated and moves so slowly.
I have no interest in sailing, yet I was captivated by the technical details of navigation among the treacherous, shifting channels of this desolate place. Not only this: the story builds and builds; from the civil servant kicking his heels in London during the last days of summer; to his unsuspecting acceptance of a invitation from a slight acquaintance; and the gradual unfolding of the real purpose of the voyage. We are kept in the dark and, with Carruthers, things gradually unfold for us as his friend gradually unbends and reveals his private mission. A clue: we are in the years of unease before 1914, and this short stretch of coast is Germany’s only direct access to the North Sea.
The two men are very “English” ex- public school types, emotionally uncomfortable, generally tight- lipped — which qualities suit this superb story admirably — . Because we get “hooked” by the unknowns, just in the same way that we find ourselves having an unexpected interest in the taking of soundings in these dangerous, shallow seas.
Of course there is romantic interest when the daughter of he suspected villain appears on the scene (our Englishman navigates this with excruciating incompetence, which is his un-Bond-like charm, and essential to the subtle tone of the story).
No doubt about it, this is a masterpiece, and compulsory reading for all those who enjoy a whodunnit- detective-spy-mystery.

Slow Burner

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