'The Prisoner of Zenda' by Anthony Hope is a classic adventure novel set in the fictional land of Ruritania. The story follows Rudolf Rassendyll, an English gentleman who bears a striking resemblance to the King of Ruritania. When the King is kidnapped by his nefarious brother, Black Michael, Rudolf is recruited to impersonate the King in order to save the monarchy. The plot is full of action, suspense, swordfighting, and a touch of romance as Rudolf navigates the dangerous political intrigue and schemes to rescue the true King and win the heart of the Princess Flavia. The narrative is engagingly told in the first person, with a fast-paced story that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end.

Characters:

The characters are often seen as one-dimensional, with the lead being charming yet aimless, and secondary characters lacking depth.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is ornate and formal, reflecting its 19th-century roots, and includes elements of traditional adventure storytelling.

Plot/Storyline:

The storyline features mistaken identity and political intrigue, focusing on Rudolf Rassendyll, who must impersonate the king of Ruritania to defeat an evil plot.

Setting:

The setting of Ruritania is a fictional Eastern European kingdom, providing a backdrop rich in adventure and royal intrigue.

Pacing:

The pacing becomes fast after a slow opening, maintaining a quick and engaging rhythm throughout the short novel.

“My dear Rose,” I answered, laying down my egg-spoon, “why in the world should I do anything? My position is a comfortable one. I have an income nearly sufficient for my wants (no one’s income is ever...

Notes:

The Prisoner of Zenda was published in 1894 and is a classic swashbuckler adventure.

The story is set in the fictional kingdom of Ruritania, which is likely located near modern-day Czech Republic.

Rudolf Rassendyll, the main character, discovers he looks exactly like the king of Ruritania.

The plot involves themes of mistaken identity, political intrigue, and romance.

Rassendyll is initially depicted as an idle English gentleman who is drawn into royal politics.

The story includes classic tropes of adventure with dashing heroes, beautiful princesses, and dastardly villains.

The book critiques social hierarchies and class attitudes of the late Victorian era, particularly regarding monarchy and gender roles.

Many readers found the characters weak and lacking depth, especially the female characters.

Rupert of Hentzau, the king's rival, is a more intriguing character and has a sequel named after him.

The novel has inspired countless adaptations in film and other media since its publication.

Despite being dated, the book is considered entertaining and easy to read, appealing to fans of adventure fiction.

The Ruritanian genre has become a recognized trope in literature, inspired by Anthony Hope's work.

Has Romance?

The romance between Rudolf and Princess Flavia is a central element of the narrative, marked by its tragic depth.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

English gentleman, Rupert Rassendyll, arrives in the kingdom of Ruritania on the eve of King Rudolf's coronation. That night the king is abducted and held prisoner in a castle in the small town of Zenda. Rupert, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Rudolf, is persuaded to impersonate the King in order to stop the king's brother, Prince Michael, from seizing the throne. Rupert is determined to rescue the King but can he defeat the dastardly villain, Rupert of Hentzau?

A swashbuckling adventure that never takes itself too seriously, The Prisoner of Zenda is packed with intrigue, backstabbing, bravery and romance.

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About the Author:

Sir Anthony Hope Hawkins was born in 1863 and, after taking a degree at Oxford University, was called to the bar in 1887. He initially combined a successful career as a barrister with writing but the immediate success of his tenth book, The Prisoner of Zenda (1894) allowed him to become a full time writer. The novel spawned a new genre - Ruritanian romance - and has been adapted numerous times for film, television and stage. In all, Hope wrote thirty-two works of fiction and an autobiography. At the close of the First World War he was knighted for his contribution to propaganda work. Hope died in 1933.

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The Prisoner of Zenda

Anthony Hope

Book 2 in the series:The Ruritania Trilogy