Der Intrigant: Zwei Novellen

by Peter Ustinov

These two novellas— The Disinformer , a darkly humorous story of international intrigue, and A Nose by Any Other Name , an ironic tale the equal of the best of O. Henry—mark Peter Ustinov’s return to fiction.In The Disinformer , a British spy, just retired and far from content with his new status, decides to play a little game with his former colleagues, just for fun and to keep them on their toes. His “game” involves stirring up some Arab terrorists, both real and concocted, but before long the game has escalated out of his control, and he is caught up in his own too-clever machinations. A Nose by Any Other Name is the story of a girl who loves her parents but resents them for their most striking bequest—her enormous nose. An operation “normalizes” her nose, but ultimately she finds that running away from her heritage is not so easily done. In each of these novellas we see the hand of a master beyond the humor and brilliant language there is always a layer of darkness that shows a remarkable insight into the human psyche.Peter Ustinov’s graceful style and urbane wit often conceal a sharp stiletto ready to strike. He has been called “entertaining,” “sparkling,” “energetic,” “powerful,” “sophisticated,” “witty,” and “worldly-wise”—and he is doubtless all that and more, as these two immensely readable works of fiction amply demonstrate.

Genres: Fiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Sir Peter Alexander Ustinov, CBE, was a English actor, writer and dramatist.

He was also renowned as a filmmaker, theatre and opera director, director, stage designer, screenwriter, comedian, humorist, newspaper and magazine columnist, radio broadcaster and television presenter.

A noted wit and raconteur, he was, for much of his career, a fixture on television talk shows and lecture circuits, as well as a respected intellectual and diplomat who, in addition to his various academic posts, served as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF and President of the World Federalist Movement.

Ustinov was the winner of numerous awards over his life, including Academy Awards, Emmy Awards, Golden Globes and BAFTA Awards, as well the recipient of governmental honours from, amongst others, the United Kingdom, France and Germany. He displayed a unique cultural versatility that has frequently earned him the accolade of a Renaissance Man.

Reviews

[L C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two entirely different short stories - each a good read.

[Tara Pridy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different. Very good.

[Sean Harding · Rating 2 out of 5]

Actor Peter Ustinov turns author and well this one never really grabbed me at all, two shorter reads together and it was just not my cup of tea!

[Tad · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title novella has an excellent setup -- a bored retired spy, annoyed by a TV news report about a terrorist act, picks up the phone and claims responsibility for it. The plot moves along well and is entertaining.

The other novella, thoughtful, comic and a bit melancholy, deals with a young woman who's ashamed of her large nose, and resentful of her caring but overbearing (and similarly big-nosed) parents.

Both stories are enjoyable in very different ways.

[Mandy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ich gebe auf; das ist echt zu langweilig. Ich dachte ja, dass die zweite Geschichte vielleicht besser wird, aber es liegt wahrscheinlich am verschwurbelten Erzählstil, dass ich mit dem Buch nix anfangen kann.

[Jonathan]

None

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two very different stories. I wish there were more writers who embraced the novella - it is a truly satisfying way to spend an afternoon.

[Bouilloire · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5/5

[Jarmil Dufek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Krátká, vtipná knížečka