Exiting thriller, with insights into a bygone era.

The language and certain phrases used can now appear a little old fashioned (even to someone in their late 50's!) but this does not detract from a cracking story, that is well read. If you enjoyed the Robert Donat film (1935) you will like this book, it is of a similar style and reflects attitudes and a period long since gone - servants, milk deliveries and many other examples. The recording, although unabridged, is short enough to be listened to in a couple of sittings which also adds to the pleasure. Recommended!

35 people found this helpful

Great to revisit

I first read this about 25 years ago, when I was in my teens. It was the recent TV version with Rupert Penry-Jones as Richard Hannay that inspired me to download and listen to the proper book again and I was very glad that I did. It evokes the era very well and is written in rather a literary style compared to more modern spy novelists and, for me, that added to the enjoyment of the tale. The narrator had the perfect accent for it.

I'm sure that most if not all of you who are reading this review will be familiar with the story. If you haven't read it, you really ought to, and if you have, this audio version is a great way of revisiting the novel. I finished listening to this whilst sitting in my living room with the coal fire burning and the lights dimmed and it was definitely a moment. Its length makes it easily digestible in a couple of sittings so it's a great choice for when your credits are starting to pile up after having had long audible listens for a couple of months.

22 people found this helpful

The Thirty-Nine Steps

I have seen all three films, but never actually read the book, so I was a little unsure of what I was getting for my money. However Robert Powell's narration is second to none. So good in fact I doubt I will ever wish to watch any of the films again.

16 people found this helpful

the thirty nine steps

a ripping yarn taking you across britain from the centre of london to the highlands of scotland, the description of the innkeeper and the politician are a real delight and it leave you in suspense right to the very end

12 people found this helpful

Fabulous

I was transported into a world I didn't want to leave. Beautifully read.

11 people found this helpful

Stick to the film versions the book is antisemtic

I couldn't get past the initial pages. I was horrified by the antisemitism. I hadn't expected it.

4 people found this helpful

Excellent - a masterclass in writing.

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

It is so much better than any of the distorted films made of the book.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Thirty-Nine Steps?

I would look for more by author and certainly look out for the narrator.

Have you listened to any of Robert Powell’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Excellent narrator.Does not intrude actor type over emphasis or irritating over dramatic performance. Id listen to him again anytime, reading the phone book if you like.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Stay true to the book.

Any additional comments?

As thrilling as I remember when I read it at school. Timeless. Accept the few non PC comments as a sign of the time it was written and be thankful that we've moved on.

3 people found this helpful

Brilliant perfirnance

One of my favourite novels of the period. I can't imagine it being done better.

7 people found this helpful

Old-fashioned daring do

This is a splendid recording of John Buchan's classic tale of pre-First World War daring do. Robert Powell narrates with verve and has an amazing range of accents, including some pretty good broad Scots. Some of the attitudes towards Jews and the "lower orders" make one cringe, but are a reminder of how prejudiced people could be. It may be old-fashioned, but it's a great yarn that keeps you listening.

7 people found this helpful

Sublime reading but with sound faults

Some may find this 1915-penned adventure yarn too dated and unbelievable, but I love Buchan's spare, tight writing style which drives the story along. Robert Powell brings just the right world-weary, risk-anything tone to the central character of Richard Hannay, the mining engineer who flees to Scotland after the murder in his flat of an English spy, only to be chased by both the police and murderous German spies. Powell is also completely convincing in his handling of the diverse characters that Hannay meets on his adventures, making for a wonderfully engaging audiobook.

Alas this Audible version has noticeable drops in volume for quite lengthy passages. I'd knock a star off for that, but Powell's reading is so terrific that I'll put up with the sound faults for the sheer pleasure of hearing this recording.

6 people found this helpful