Captain Sky Posted July 19, 2011 Posted July 19, 2011 Hello my fellow readers... I have a riddle for You. A book that has been considered: Probably the first "Secret agent" novel of modern times. I remember reading that quotation somewhere... From what I remember, It's been a while now, It took place (Wild guess) somewhere down the coastline from Wilhelmshaven in Deutschland to Almere in The Nederlands. A single sailor in a small boat becomes intrigued by some mysterious behaviours among some rather obscure characters, lurking in the shadows in the waterlandcsape. In the end, It's all about top-level international political affairs. And that's just about everything I can recall. Well There's a portion of sailing aswell. The time for theese events would be: World War One(1914-18) The bad seed in this enchanting cup cake is that I don't remember the name of the novel or the name of the author. Can You help? C S Quote
Janet Posted July 19, 2011 Posted July 19, 2011 (edited) Drink to Yesterday by Manning Coles? I can't find a decent synopsis of it though, but it seems to be set in WW1 in Holland and be about spying! ETA: Actually, I don't think this is it - sorry! ETA (Again!) Slightly before WW1, but The Riddle of the Sands by Erskine Childers? Childers's lone masterpiece, The Riddle of the Sands, considered the first modern spy thriller, is recognisable as the brilliant forerunner of the realism of Graham Greene and John le Carre. Its unique flavour comes from its fine characterization, richly authentic background of inshore sailing and vivid evocation of the late 1890s - an atmosphere of mutual suspicion and intrigue that was soon to lead to war. 'Blurb' from Amazon! And a customer review... Set in the period before the First World War, this gripping story tells of the adventures of a yachtsman and his non-sailing friend as they uncover disturbing events in the eastern North Sea in a small boat. For sailors and non-sailors alike, this is a classic spy novel where the protagonists' curiosity and sense of adventure combine with sinister military planning in the misty waters around the Frisian islands. If you enjoy historical novels, this is a great read. Edited July 19, 2011 by Janet Quote
Captain Sky Posted July 19, 2011 Author Posted July 19, 2011 Ah... That was a quick reply. Of course It's "The Riddle of the Sands". I do remember now. Erskine Childers wrote it. Janet! You are my lucky star this summer! Well done and thank You so much for all Your help. C S Quote
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