The Silent Barrier

by Louis Tracy, J.V. McFall (Illustrator), A.W. Parsons (Page decorations)

An adventure in the Alps.

350 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1911

About the author

Louis Tracy (1863 - 1928) was a British journalist, and prolific writer of fiction. He used the pseudonyms Gordon Holmes and Robert Fraser, which were at times shared with M.P. Shiel, a collaborator from the start of the twentieth century.

Around 1884 he became a reporter for a local paper - 'The Northern Echo' at Darlington, circulating in parts of Durham and North Yorkshire; later he worked for papers in Cardiff and Allahabad.

During 1892-1894 he was closely associated with Arthur Harmsworth, in 'The Sun' and 'The Evening News and Post'.

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Not my favorite of Tracy's work, but a good read nonetheless. A rich young American hero is visiting England when he overheard an interesting young lady make a wish that she could afford to summer in the Alps. He finds out that she is a young journalist and goes to the paper to pay for her trip on a "reporting" journey. But the rest of it is not so easy for him to control, as she meets another man, makes acquaintance with a lame guide, and mixes unsuccessfully in hotel society.

[Kathryn]

The tourism and mountaineering in the Swiss Alps was certainly interesting and picturesque and the hero and heroine well enough, but we almost never saw them together, and the rest of the characters are rather unlikable so I abandoned it about half way through (if any of you have read it and feel there's more to it in the second half of the book let me know!)

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love reading old stories like this. Perhaps they are a bit predictable with their lovely heroines and sturdy heroes. But there are some twists in this one that kept me turning pages (well not literally, since I'm reading online at Project Gutenberg).

Start with a "pulled himself up by his bootstraps" young American engineer, who has made a fortune in the mining fields of the Rockies and goes to England for a vacation. By the merest chance, he overhears a couple of girls talking about their lives, and one wistfully wishes for a Swiss vacation, expressing that of course it would be a miracle as she is poor and alone. Our hero is somewhat attracted to the young lady's appearance and decides to be a good fairy and grant her wish. How he does it without her knowledge is part of the fun. He is just about to go on his merry way, when enters the villain. The villain is also interested in Helen, the young lady, but for his own ugly reasons. He follows her as she leaves on her Swiss vacation. Now our hero can do no less that follow as well, to protect his protege' from the villain.

This was a satisfying read, an old-fashioned story. The author apparently had an affinity for the American character, because Americans figure largely in several of his stories that I have read so far. Rough and ready, although elegant of course, the Americans carry the day because of their sterling character qualities, pluck, and intelligence.

[Lanelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the description of the Swiss Alps and the surrounding area. It really made me feel like I was there. The two guys fighting over the girl got a little old.

[Sophie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Intermittently entertaining adventure story. The details of the Swiss/Italian Alps seemed authentic enough, but unlike the heroine, I've never pored over Alpine travel books, so what do I know? What kept me from really enjoying the story was the uneven quality of the characterizations. Bower, the antagonist, bounced from murderous villain to lovable rogue in whiplash-inducing fashion, depending on what the plot needed at any particular moment. Likewise Millicent, the would-be other woman, shifted from malicious to sympathetic in a flash. The hero and heroine remained angelic throughout, however, always ready to forgive any bad behavior. (In fact, I thought the hero was far too ready to dismiss Bower's involvement with Etta as merely "a piece of folly that wrecked a girl's life," and Bower's attempt to kill Stampa as just a "mad impulse." Call me judgmental, but I think attempted murder and a betrayal that ends in a young girl's suicide call for a tiny bit more condemnation.) Anyway, the book had its moments, but it could have been better.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining listening 🔰😀

Another will written romantic thriller adventure by Louis Tracy with lots of interesting will developed fun 👌loving characters. The story line starts in London where the young man 🚹 meets a young lady 🚺and becomes interested. He follows her to Switzerland where the fun begins ending with a wedding and honeymoon. I would recommend this novel and author to 👍 readers of British novels. Enjoy the adventure of reading or listening to books 📚 2021🏰

[Cindy B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charming, clean & interesting romantic mystery. Enjoyable narration and recommended.

[Mark Rabideau · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to drop out at about 67%... the boredom was to much to bear.

[for-much-deliberation ... · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helen is offered the opportunity of her life, but what is Charles Spencer's secret, and who is this mysterious Mr. Bower...

[Carol Spears · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of Tracy's supporting characters make all of the difference between 2 or 3 stars. This tale is one of those.

[Quiver · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun adventure in the Swiss Alps.