So Disdained (Vintage Classics)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Review
Any book by Nevil Shute is a delight Punch That shattering, unaffected, literary style of his is masterly There is a quality of golden light that hangs over his books. That comes, I think, from his sense of order and from his own vast, undemonstrative solicitude Guardian
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.
Book Description
A classic adventure from the author of A Town Like Alice and On the Beach.
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Little did I realise that Shute's 'So Disdained', his second novel, was first published in 1928 by Cassell. I found it to be a well structured story involving ex-First World War pilots buried in espionage, with Stenning making a return appearance as a secondary character. Although a laid-back but solid spy novel, it is probably the first in which the communists are the villains, albeit tentatively. The second, more exciting half of the book, is marred by the protagonist allying himself with Italian fascists, depicted positively, to oppose the reds. The first part starts in Sussex and then rushes quickly to London and France with wonderful period descriptions. Gripping stuff, and 80 years on, still a fantastic read!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This excellent story of spies and traitors is set in the year 1927 and features references to early aviation, reflecting the author Nevil Shute's expertise as an aeronautical engineer. The title refers to a quote from Walter Raleigh concerning traitors. The story is well constructed with good characterisation and manages never to lose momentum right up to the final, and very convincing final denouement. This gripping tale is of its time and that serves only to enhance its attraction, with 'fine fellows' who always have a London club, reliable supporting characters, and dark and mysterious deeds. There is a particularly interesting section set in the Italy of Mussolini. I have deliberately tried to avoid giving away the plot but thoroughly recommend this book to those who enjoy period thrillers. Shute's style is perhaps more sophisticated and technical than John Buchan and has more pace and is less predictable than some Eric Ambler; a great page turner.
Format:Paperback
I've read most of Nevil Shute's books and enjoyed them very much but not this one.
It was written in 1927 and this is clearly shown in the different attitudes British people have towards foreigners. It would definitely fall foul of the politically correct brigade if written today. But it is hardly the author's fault that the world has changed since his era and this isn't why I didn't enjoy the book.
I disliked the book because of the lack of a real story, the thin characterisation and the general belief that it could have been so much better.The hero helps a British born soviet spy to evade capture, then manages to get him killed by not disclosing to him a vital piece of information, involving photographic plates. Apart from anything else the main protagonist acted in a completely contrary manner to the way he had been brought up. We are expected to believe that this solid ,Sussex loving, hardworking pilot veteran of WW 2concealed the spy from the authorities because he once knew him briefly many years ago. And as for the spy, we are expected to swallow that he would betray his country for money but would also give it all away to the family of a dead German born Soviet spy.Ridiculous! I am all For the willing suspension of belief when reading fiction but this story was just laughable.
My recommendation? go and reread 'On The Beach' or A Town Like Alice ' and avoid this one at all costs.
It was written in 1927 and this is clearly shown in the different attitudes British people have towards foreigners. It would definitely fall foul of the politically correct brigade if written today. But it is hardly the author's fault that the world has changed since his era and this isn't why I didn't enjoy the book.
I disliked the book because of the lack of a real story, the thin characterisation and the general belief that it could have been so much better.The hero helps a British born soviet spy to evade capture, then manages to get him killed by not disclosing to him a vital piece of information, involving photographic plates. Apart from anything else the main protagonist acted in a completely contrary manner to the way he had been brought up. We are expected to believe that this solid ,Sussex loving, hardworking pilot veteran of WW 2concealed the spy from the authorities because he once knew him briefly many years ago. And as for the spy, we are expected to swallow that he would betray his country for money but would also give it all away to the family of a dead German born Soviet spy.Ridiculous! I am all For the willing suspension of belief when reading fiction but this story was just laughable.
My recommendation? go and reread 'On The Beach' or A Town Like Alice ' and avoid this one at all costs.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Plodding and incredibly dull
Thus is an extraordinarily dull, plodding, wordy novel. At this early stage of his writing career, Shute clearly didn't know what he was trying to do, as it's neither a convincing... Read more
Published on 28 Jun 2008 by Humpty Dumpty
Gripping stuff, and 80 years on, still a fantastic read!
Little did I realise that Shute's 'So Disdained', his second novel, was first published in 1928 by Cassell. Read more
Published on 16 Mar 2006
Gripping stuff, and 80 years on, still a fantastic read!
Little did I realise that Shute's 'So Disdained', his second novel, was first published in 1928 by Cassell. Read more
Published on 10 Mar 2006
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