Horizon

by Helen MacInnes

British soldier Peter Lennox, a POW in an Italian prison camp, is still fighting his own war. An artist in civilian life, his hands bear the scars of wounds received during his capture at the fall of Tobruk, and he suspects he will never paint again. The only thing that sustains him is plotting his escapes, no matter how many times he is recaptured. But in September 1943 the Italians surrender to the Allies, and Lennox is free. Wanting nothing more than to return to the fighting, he is instead assigned to the mountains of the South Tyrol as a liaison to a desperate band of resistance fighters. With little more than courage and knowledge of the local terrain, Lennox and his comrades must help pave the way for an Allied push that may change the course of the war.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Espionage, Thriller, War, Suspense, Historical Fiction

213 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1945

About the author

Helen MacInnes was a Scottish-American author of espionage novels. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in Scotland in 1928 with a degree in French and German. A librarian, she married Professor Gilbert Highet in 1932 and moved with her husband to New York in 1937 so he could teach classics at Columbia University. She wrote her first novel, Above Suspicion, in 1939. She wrote many bestselling suspense novels and became an American citizen in 1951.

Reviews

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Re-read because it was mentioned in someone's review of Above Suspicion which I just re-read and I couldn't remember what this one was about.

A British soldier who has been a POW is assigned as a liaison to resistance fighters in the South Tyrol at the end of WWII. He gets bored because not much happens during the winter months (too much snow for action) and because he isn't supposed to leave the house where he is staying. Eventually things start to happen, but I found this to be very slow. I also found the end to be unsatisfying. He decides to go to the North Tyrol to build ties to the South Tyrol resistance. It didn't seem like an end. Did it work? Were they killed by the Germans before reaching their contacts? It showed the character's personal development because at the beginning of the book he wanted to get back to the fighting as a regular soldier and not to have an individual assignment, but it didn't work as a plot point to end on.

It also felt ponderous when she kept describing the politics of the South Tyrol: It used to be Austrian, then was taken over by Italy, then administered by Germany. Some of the people who didn't like Italy were pro-German but most didn't like either Germany or Italy.
This may have been necessary for an understanding of the story, but it seemed repetitive and more of an info dump.

I like Helen MacInnes but this book didn't grab me as much as most of hers.

[MEK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story of a WWII POW escapee holed up in the Tyrol with the resistance fighters who were waiting to be out from under Italian rule and, certainly, out from under Nazi rule. Long, boring days and nights in the Alps turned an "undisciplined" private into an outstanding soldier. The Greatest Generation meets Heidi. A glimpse into the sacrifices made by the few for the many. WWII fiction/non-fiction fans must read! Helen MacInnes's 4th book and the last set in WWII. Several characters (Frau Schictl and Johann) appear in her first book, Above Suspicion. A long and, sometimes, dry read, but well worth it if only for the satisfying climax in the last chapter.

[Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

An American prisoner escapes from an Italian WWII prison camp and the adventure begins...

[KK · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reasonable read to pass the time; however, compared to MacInnes’ other novels - this one does not make the cut. The story is shorter than others and the characters lack the depth needed to make them compelling and interesting. The central character is not very likable, and the supporting characters are predictable and lifeless. I don’t regret reading this novel; nevertheless, I wouldn’t select it is a a re-read.

[Patricia J. Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good picture of war

Horizon brings back into view WW II and reminds us of the people at home who carried on even when occupied by the enemy. Great read

[Susan Quillan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not her best, but darned good

[Michelle Connell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good one from the WWII era. Peter Lennox is making plans to escape a prison camp when suddenly he and his fellow inmates are released. What will he do now? Where will he go?

[Paul Cornelius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Striking similarities and differences from MacInnes' prior two World War II espionage novels (I exclude her pre-war husband and wife spy story) emerge in this tale set mainly in the Southern Tyrol. It covers a period in time from September 1943, when the Italians have just signed an armistice with the Allies, to May 1944. British Infantryman Peter Lennox and other POWs break out of a prisoner of war camp that had been run by the Italians. The Italian guards melt away, but the POWs must fight their way through a newly arrived German convoy carrying as prisoners Allied officers. Already, the reader can sense the action to come. MacInnes has shaped a fast moving novel that, while it doesn't eradicate it entirely, does pare down the lengthy passages of introspection and, yes, gloom that seemed to inhabit the earlier works. As a result, Horizon is a much shorter work, too. Peter Lennox's story of escape to the Tyrol barely has time to let you get your breath. And I, for one, all the way through kept seeing parallels with the Frank Sinatra film, Von Ryan's Express.

Comparisons with film cease, however, upon arrival in Hinterwald, the Tyrolean village where Lennox has been sent to prepare the way for Allied organizers who will help set up resistance to the Germans. Two things. First, MacInnes' focusing on this obscure and mostly forgotten arena of World War II is founded in fact. There was indeed a South and North Tyrolean resistance to the Nazis who hoped to see an independent Tyrol after the war. In this the Allies betrayed them, of course, giving this German speaking region back to the Italians, where it became a source of some international friction and even terrorism until the early 1970s. Second, Hinterwald is the perfect setting for the now tried and true MacInnes forumula for spy fiction: an Allied soldier (lost behind the lines); an agent, or Lennox the escaped POW finds himself caught up in rustic isolation. A middle aged woman in charge of her isolated wartime house provides scarce food and clothing, while the soldier whiles away his time reading books, writing/painting, philosophizing, and going stir crazy and fearing exposure to the Germans, until interaction with a young local woman leads to an explosion of action and fighting at the end.

All in all, a good workable plot. MacInnes seems to have learned a great deal between novel number three and this one. She still has her fine eye for detail and atmosphere, but each and every step of the way in Horizon she has learned to advance the story. No wasted pages or passages. Superb.

[Eden Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Visit JetBlackDragonfly (The Man Who Read Too Much) at www.edenthompson.ca/blog

Helen MacInnes has been named the Queen of Spy Writers, and her WWII novels feel credible and immediate, being written at the time.

Peter Lennox fought in North Africa and Greece before ending up in an Italian P.O.W camp in the Dolomites. His seven-month plan to escape the domination of his captors was about to succeed (unlike his previous three attempts), when suddenly they find the Italian sentries and commanding officers have abandoned the camp, slipping away unnoticed. Italy has unconditionally surrendered the Tyrol to the invading Germans. In the next hours of confusion, underground American and British allies arrive and propose a job for Peter at a plateau village on the Schlern, the highest peak of the Tyrol mountains, to monitor German activity ahead of the planned Allied forces' arrival. Germany expects no trouble from the placid Schlernland people, as the Tyrolese are Austrian, now a part of Germany. The Tyrolese hated the Italian invasion and fear the Germans will be worse. Some see the Germans as an improvement, but many hate them both. Peter endures months of secretly hiding in the cottage of Frau Schichtl outside the small village, with no sign or action, until German officers arrive to post a notice that all men must register. None do.
Lorries are seen in the nearby woods, and Peter discovers they plan to capture the men as 'volunteers' for the German army at the celebratory Feast Day dance everyone attends. That night the town is absent of men. The Tyrolese, hard as their mountains and familiar with all the unmarked paths, enact anti-German subterfuge.

Helen MacInnes never disappoints. This is a war novel without violence or romance, just the tightening tension of intrigue, and not knowing whom to trust. Your friend or neighbour could be a collaborationist of the worst kind, the kind that tries to trap his own countryman. Johann's girlfriend seems eager to help - or is she gathering information for the enemy? Innocent conversations can prove deadly when secrets are extracted.
For some reason, I have read several novels about this event and area. This was a captivating page-turner of politics and loyalties on a human level. When there is no time to judge a man's allegiance or motives, you must look into their eyes and decide in the moment, with your life on the line. Tense and exciting.

[Joemodz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the WWII story of a British soldier named Peter Lennox, a POW in an Italian prison camp. The novel begins with a Colditz feel to it, soldiers trapped but also working the system, trying to escape when they can. While a prisoner, escape is his only dream and purpose in life. Lennox was an artist before the war and was wounded in his right hand while fighting in Tobruk before capture. He is fighting two wars: his own and the world’s. September 1943 has the Italians surrendering to the Allies, and Lennox is free; however, he obeys orders and is sent to the mountains of the South Tyrol as a liaison to a desperate band of resistance fighters. Lennox feels useless and abandoned, stuck in a small village not doing anything to help the cause, but opportunities arise.

What Helen McInnes is able to do with this short novel (225 pages) is create a realistic sense of place, including both the prison camp and the village. Her other strength is getting the reader closely involved with the character. While Peter Lennox is clearly the lead character in this story, there are many others with whom we understand and support. She makes us believe in her characters. We feel for the South Tyrol villagers who used to be Austrian, then were taken over by Italy, then administered by Germany. The tensions in the village help Lennox grow from his physicaly wounded despondency to action.

[Paul Ataua · Rating 3 out of 5]

A British artist and POW is freed when Italy surrenders in 1943. He joins resistance fighters in South Tyrol where his terrain knowledge aids Allied advancement. This felt different than her earlier prewar and World War II novels, but still has all the qualities that MacInnes brings to a story. Sadly. It seemed to promise a climatic ending but that never materialized. Otherwise, it was an interesting espionage thriller.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Helen MacInnes tells a story you get the impression she knows her history. She is writing during the Second World War at a time when no one knew how it would end. Horizon is the thrilling story of a British soldier who has escaped a prison camp only to become a member of the resistance in South Tyrol, fighting Nazis. The history of the area, the Dolomites, is detailed and interesting. And the plot is just a very good story. One of her shorter novels.

[Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Quietly powerful. What a unique story. North and South Tyrol, feels like they are their own country and in a sense, they are. Austria, but not. And caught in between the Germans and the Italians. Peter Lennox was a neat character to read about, and I loved the description of the location. And WWII intrigue? Definitely a solid story.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a slow starter but will stick with me, I think. Our British war prisoner Lennox gets recruited to serve as a liaison, which requires spending many months sitting around someone's house pretending to be their cousin. But things do heat up, and Lennox must make a tough decision near the end of the book to keep the locals safe.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Peter Lennox is POW in an Italian prison, planning to escape when the prisoners are suddenly released. The Italian guards have walked off the job, and Lennox has to figure out where to go before the Germans take over.

[John Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

MacInnes will always be the gold standard when it comes to espionage and adventure writing. Her prose is not as lazy and formulaic as Jack Higgins, while still having enough pulpy hooks to keep you reading well into the night.

[Sarah Rickman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helen MacInnes Scores 100 Again!

I’ve been a MacInnes fan for many years! This book did NOT disappoint. Ready for more. Plan to re-read some old favorites!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a very realistic feel, with its frustrations and mundanity and ambiguity.

[Jan Dunlap · Rating 1 out of 5]

I struggled through this book. Forced myself to finish it. The book was suggested to me by a friend because I will be taking a trip to northern Italy.

[Raime · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short straight-forward melancholic and tragic adventure in the austrian mountains.

[Gu Kun · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Keith Astbury · Rating 3 out of 5]

A British soldier secretly living in Austria. The war is moving quickly. He's ready and willing to help. It all seemed geared up for a big finale that never came!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating narration of an unusual setting in WWII, and a peoples' quiet rebellion against an enemy.
I enjoyed it as I do most of MacInnes's novels.

[Terence Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic MacInnes

World War II backdrop for story set in the Tyrol. MacInnes has a great gift for describing local culture, historical detail, and compelling characters. I just wish I had this in hand when visiting the Dolomites.

[John Milliner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a great read very slow and not much happens

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

2024- Not bad, but not as good as "Above Suspicion". Perhaps less compelling as I was not at all familiar w/ the wartime situation in the Tyrol region of the Alps. The narrator was fine.
2025 - Listened again, as one of the last MacInnes books available on our Hoopla. Beginning is a bit confusing, but it flows pretty well after that. Less intricate mystery and shorter than "Decision in Delphi" and "While Still We Live".

[Ginny Goldberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been re-reading Helen MacInnes and this is one of the few books that I had not read. I decided to give it a try. It's a good read; however, I did find that it dragged a bit in a couple of places. This was one of her earlier works so I chalk it up to she was trying different writing styles.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A British prisoner of war breaks free and joins anti-Nazi guerrillas after the Italian capitulation to the Nazis in 1943.

[Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

WWII spy thriller set in the Italian ALPS. Enjoyable, but not one of her best.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good old Cold War!