The Prisoner of Zenda

The Prisoner of Zenda – the second book in Anthony Hope’s Ruritania Trilogy – is a magnificent swashbuckling romance published in 1894. Fast paced and action packed, the book balances the perfect amount of swashbuckling with the perfect amount of romance. Dialogue keeps the story moving for the most part, and even when description is necessary, it is interesting to read because of the humorous voice of the narrator, also the protagonist, Rudolf Rassendyll.

Rudolf, an chivalrous English gentlemen from London, leaves on vacation only to find himself swept away into numerous adventures and political schemes in the land of Ruritania. As it turns out, Rudolf bears an almost identical identity as that of the soon-to-be-crowned king, Rudolf Elphberg. When Elphberg’s rival, Black Michael, Duke of Strelsau, tries to take the throne himself by drugging and imprisoning Elphberg on the eve of his coronation, Rudolf is convinced by a few newly-found friends to assume the King’s identity for the sake of political stability. As “King,” Rudolf and his friends – wise old Sapt and trusty, gallant young Fritz – embark on a mission to rescue the true king and defeat Black Michael and his traitorous cohorts.

Humor follows, with the sarcastic Rudolf narrating his own story and including much witty repartee along the way. Love follows too however, as does tragedy. Rudolf falls hopelessly in love with Princess Flavia and she with him, all the time thinking he is the king. ‘Til at the end, they find themselves wishing duty did not exist and love was the only thing. 

Although visiting Ruritania in reality is unlikely – it’s quite impossible to find it on a map – The Prisoner of Zenda takes it’s readers deep inside the political intrigue of fairytale-esque Ruritania. Furthermore, it combines romance and tete-a-tete swordplay, love and honor, tragedy and humor, in a way few books can. It is one I would definitely recommend reading, or at the VERY LEAST watching one of its numerous film adaptions.

Notable Quotes:
~ "Hang it!" said he, "we can't always be plotting. Love claims his share."

~ "Before God, you're the finest Elphberg of them all. But I have eaten of the King's bread, and I am the King's servant. Come, we will go to Zenda!"

~ 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 conceive, to do it a la mode and stylishly.

~ "Surely," I exclaimed, "while you're above ground, hell wants its master!"

~ "The king would never forgive it," I stammered.
"Are we women? Who cares for his forgiveness?"