Name: The Prisoner of Zenda
ISBN: 9780141031286

Anthony Hope

Rudolph Rassendyll's life is interrupted by his unexpected and personal involvement in the affairs of Ruritania whilst travelling through the town of Zenda. He is shortly on the way to Streslau, the capital, where he finds himself engaged in plans to rescue the imprisoned king.

The Prisoner of Zenda

Pepper

Rudolf Rassendyll, an English gentleman, seems to have descended from the Ruritanian royal family - his red hair and sharp nose especially seem to proclaim so though the story of his birth is clouded in scandal. Having promised his cute, little sister in law that he will try and make himself useful when in 6 months time he is in a position to acquire a post with the ambassador he decides that in the mean time he would very much like to visit the country of his father Ruritania and especially see the coronation of the King Rudolf V. 

Upon reaching this place however he finds himself entangled in a plot to overthrow the king by his brother Black Michael who wishes for the king's throne and his fiance, their cousin Flavia, for himself. To counter this plot the king's loyal men Fritz and Sapt decide it would be best for everyone if Rudolf who bears a striking resemblance to the king were to impersonate his Highness and keep the appointment of the coronation thereby foiling Black Michael's plans. From here on begins a plot full of adventure, loyalty, romance, and swashbuckling fun where Black Michael and Rudolf play against each other's moves - one trying to secure the throne while the other trying to restore the rightful king to his place. This game isn't without its consequences though for in impersonating the king Rudolf ends up falling in love with Flavia and he has to decide if might not want to just let the king die and continue in this way forever...

This was a fine introduction to Anthony Hope's works and I am interested in reading a lot more from him. Though first person narratives have a tendency to pull me out of the story I stuck through with the book and it didn't disappoint. The action, the politics, the romance and the characters even the villains are all a wonderful read. I was especially intrigued by Rupert Hentzau and thus look forward to reading the sequel! For in Rudolf's own words: 


For my part, if a man must needs be a knave I would have him a debonair knave, and I liked Rupert Hentzau better than his long-faced, close-eyed companions. It makes your sin no worse, as I concieve, to do it à la mode and stylishly.