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The Mouse That Roared #1
The Mouse That Roared
The basis of the 1959 film starring Peter Sellers, this classic cold war satire-cum-parable-cum-political farce was first serialized in the Saturday Evening Post almost 50 years ago, appearing under the title The Day New York Was Invaded. At the time, the U.S. was afraid of a nuclear attack by Russia the idea of an attack by a small country was so absurd as to seem comical. Wibberley's tiny European nation is furious about unfair U.S. trading practices, so they send an army to invade New York City, march up Broadway, and accidentally capture the world's newest and most destructive bomb. Then they have to figure out what to do with it. A whimsical cross between Kubrick and Kafka, The Mouse That Roared is a quirky classic of world literature, a poignant tale of political morality, and a hilarious, ultimately triumphant portrait of international relations from the perspective of the little guy.
182 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1955
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2508 people want to read
About the author
Leonard Wibberley
155 books41 followersAlso wrote under his full name Leonard Patrick O'Connor Wibberley and under
Patrick O'Connor as well as pseudonyms Christopher Webb and Leonard Holton
Patrick O'Connor as well as pseudonyms Christopher Webb and Leonard Holton
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 275 reviews
November 17, 2025
The tiny English speaking Duchy of Grand Fenwick located in the Alps, may not seem very important. Just three miles wide and five long yet to the proud inhabitants all 6,000 of them, it's still paradise on Earth. Founded in 1370 by an English knight Roger Fenwick (Sir Roger if you valued your life in his presence). Trouble begins when their only export Pinot wine is threatened by a copycat from California ( I understand a very inferior product though I'm a loyal Californian). Grand Duchess Gloriana XII, direct descendant of the renowned, exalted, incomparable, I think that will suffice , for the to be honest sneaky thief Roger...Sir Roger,
please ...calls a meeting of her Privy Council. At stake the very existence of the incomparable Grand Duchy, the 22 year old ruler and very pretty say her loyal subjects (and the few visitors to her country),needs help desperately. What to do? This being in the the Cold War,Tully Bascomb the chief forest ranger and son of the wisest man in the realm proposes war with the United States, ouch. After the two political leaders Count Mountjoy and Mr.Benter recover their senses and all calm shortly returns. Bascomb, (has some explaining to do) says to send a Declaration of War to the U.S. they will be quickly defeated and showered with millions of dollars in foreign aid, however when a State Department clerk see's the document he has a hearty laugh thinking it's a funny joke and promptly loses the paper. Waiting many weeks Grand Fenwick feels insulted by being totally ignored, they are a sensitive people . Assembling a mighty army of 23 men led by Tully, chartering the brig Endeavor and sailing from Marseilles landing in a deserted New York City... The Expeditionary force feels uneasy an air raid drill keeps everyone in the subways and at home the reason for this. Goofy Dr. Kokintz, inventor of the" Q Bomb" the latest and most powerful nuclear weapon works at Columbia University. So Bascomb decides to march there wearing shining armor what else, they meet some men wearing clothes that cover everything, (a decontamination squad) the Americans think the "Knights" are men from Mars, just off flying saucers . Fleeing when ray guns are fired, arrows actually and run for their very lives a humorous scene indeed. Soon Tully's men capture Dr. Kokintz, if the band can get back to Grand Fenwick with the Dr. and the little bomb that small nation will be the most important in the world, imagine that! A delightful romp in the absurd for the like minded individual...aren't we all...
please ...calls a meeting of her Privy Council. At stake the very existence of the incomparable Grand Duchy, the 22 year old ruler and very pretty say her loyal subjects (and the few visitors to her country),needs help desperately. What to do? This being in the the Cold War,Tully Bascomb the chief forest ranger and son of the wisest man in the realm proposes war with the United States, ouch. After the two political leaders Count Mountjoy and Mr.Benter recover their senses and all calm shortly returns. Bascomb, (has some explaining to do) says to send a Declaration of War to the U.S. they will be quickly defeated and showered with millions of dollars in foreign aid, however when a State Department clerk see's the document he has a hearty laugh thinking it's a funny joke and promptly loses the paper. Waiting many weeks Grand Fenwick feels insulted by being totally ignored, they are a sensitive people . Assembling a mighty army of 23 men led by Tully, chartering the brig Endeavor and sailing from Marseilles landing in a deserted New York City... The Expeditionary force feels uneasy an air raid drill keeps everyone in the subways and at home the reason for this. Goofy Dr. Kokintz, inventor of the" Q Bomb" the latest and most powerful nuclear weapon works at Columbia University. So Bascomb decides to march there wearing shining armor what else, they meet some men wearing clothes that cover everything, (a decontamination squad) the Americans think the "Knights" are men from Mars, just off flying saucers . Fleeing when ray guns are fired, arrows actually and run for their very lives a humorous scene indeed. Soon Tully's men capture Dr. Kokintz, if the band can get back to Grand Fenwick with the Dr. and the little bomb that small nation will be the most important in the world, imagine that! A delightful romp in the absurd for the like minded individual...aren't we all...
September 21, 2018
Very funny broad humor and most of the satire still bites
I first read this novel when I was in high school - The Cold War, the space race, the Cuban missile crisis. The satire was timely. The humor is timeless. The satire now seems almost innocent and even a little naive in light of all that has happened in the world since this book's original publication in 1955. In those days, the idea that the little countries of the world, given the power, could end or at least mitigate the threat of nuclear annihilation was interesting. Wibberley presented the idea in an interesting and humorous way as one of the main themes of his book. Wibberley himself was not so simple. In the sequel, the plan isn't working. However, even in the sequel, he doesn't write of the problems which the world has now had with little countries, madmen and various extremists. It has turned out that far from wishing to end the threat of nuclear annihilation, some of these people want the ability to threaten their neighbors and the entire world with that annihilation or the annihilation of chemical and biological weapons. In the 1950's I suppose that the threat posed by radical, activist Islam seemed a part of history, not a thing of the modern world. Just being citizens of a little country does not give a people any sort of virtue. History is full of accounts of nasty people in small countries or tribes but before the rapid advances in technology few of those people had the ability to seriously threaten many people outside their immediate neighbors and their own citizens. Being "modern" is no virtue at all as the people of Grand Fenwick would happily tell you.
Anyway, much of the satire still has bite and the broad humor of the book is still very funny. There was also a very funny 1959 movie starring the late, great Peter Sellers based upon the novel.
I downloaded this book via Kindle Unlimited.
I first read this novel when I was in high school - The Cold War, the space race, the Cuban missile crisis. The satire was timely. The humor is timeless. The satire now seems almost innocent and even a little naive in light of all that has happened in the world since this book's original publication in 1955. In those days, the idea that the little countries of the world, given the power, could end or at least mitigate the threat of nuclear annihilation was interesting. Wibberley presented the idea in an interesting and humorous way as one of the main themes of his book. Wibberley himself was not so simple. In the sequel, the plan isn't working. However, even in the sequel, he doesn't write of the problems which the world has now had with little countries, madmen and various extremists. It has turned out that far from wishing to end the threat of nuclear annihilation, some of these people want the ability to threaten their neighbors and the entire world with that annihilation or the annihilation of chemical and biological weapons. In the 1950's I suppose that the threat posed by radical, activist Islam seemed a part of history, not a thing of the modern world. Just being citizens of a little country does not give a people any sort of virtue. History is full of accounts of nasty people in small countries or tribes but before the rapid advances in technology few of those people had the ability to seriously threaten many people outside their immediate neighbors and their own citizens. Being "modern" is no virtue at all as the people of Grand Fenwick would happily tell you.
Anyway, much of the satire still has bite and the broad humor of the book is still very funny. There was also a very funny 1959 movie starring the late, great Peter Sellers based upon the novel.
I downloaded this book via Kindle Unlimited.
March 30, 2016
"There's only one method of getting money from another nation that is recognized by tradition as honorable," Tully said, solemnly.
"What is it?" asked the Duchess . . .
"War," he said.
"War!" echoed Gloriana, in astonishment.
"War," repeated Tully. "We could declare war on the United States."
The tiny Duchy of Grand Fenwick is hurting for money. Their plan is to start a war with the U.S., lose, and then receive some subsidy from the American government.
So, here they come to sort-of-conquer us, twenty-three warriors, armed with long bows, spears, and maces.
And, strange as it may seem, their cockamamie declaration of war may accidentally lead to lasting peace.
This was one of the funniest books I've read in a long time. I've never seen the movie, but Peter Sellers playing three roles? I am SO there!
"What is it?" asked the Duchess . . .
"War," he said.
"War!" echoed Gloriana, in astonishment.
"War," repeated Tully. "We could declare war on the United States."
The tiny Duchy of Grand Fenwick is hurting for money. Their plan is to start a war with the U.S., lose, and then receive some subsidy from the American government.
So, here they come to sort-of-conquer us, twenty-three warriors, armed with long bows, spears, and maces.
And, strange as it may seem, their cockamamie declaration of war may accidentally lead to lasting peace.
This was one of the funniest books I've read in a long time. I've never seen the movie, but Peter Sellers playing three roles? I am SO there!
June 26, 2025
نمیدونم چرا تمام مدتی که میخوندمش یاد کتاب کان لم یکن امیرعلی نبویان میفتادم؛ولی با این تفاوت که من با کتاب امیرعلی نبویان بارها خندیدم ولی با این کتاب(با ادعای کتاب طنز)فقط گاهی تبسم کم داشتم در حالیکه حجم کتاب نبویان نصف این هم نبود!!!
خلاصه که کاملا مرتبط با حال و هوای جنگ ۱۲روزه ما بود موضوع کتاب و بیشتر ۳/۵دوست داشتم بدم
ولی خب بین۳و۴ قطعا سه ستاره منطقیتر بود...
وجالبیش اینه که اولین ریویو فارسی برای این کتابو ظاهراً!
خلاصه که کاملا مرتبط با حال و هوای جنگ ۱۲روزه ما بود موضوع کتاب و بیشتر ۳/۵دوست داشتم بدم
ولی خب بین۳و۴ قطعا سه ستاره منطقیتر بود...
وجالبیش اینه که اولین ریویو فارسی برای این کتابو ظاهراً!
December 5, 2017
A silly look at what would happen if the smallest country in the world took on the U.S. They want the U.S. to beat them so we could poor money into their economy and help them beef up their country, along the lines of the Marshall Plan.
October 29, 2015
Hysterically funny
The miniscule Duchery of Grand Fenwick is suffering from a population explosion (4000 to 6000 people), financial woes (Their Pinot is being copied and undersold by a California Winery), and is no longer self sufficient after 600 years of existence. What to do? Declaring war on America is the only honorable decision.
Thus begins one of the funniest book series of the Cold War period. Made into a movie with Peter Sellers which is definitely worth viewing, the book still contains a lot more and gives a strong message. You will be laughing out loud, so reading in a private area is advised.
The miniscule Duchery of Grand Fenwick is suffering from a population explosion (4000 to 6000 people), financial woes (Their Pinot is being copied and undersold by a California Winery), and is no longer self sufficient after 600 years of existence. What to do? Declaring war on America is the only honorable decision.
Thus begins one of the funniest book series of the Cold War period. Made into a movie with Peter Sellers which is definitely worth viewing, the book still contains a lot more and gives a strong message. You will be laughing out loud, so reading in a private area is advised.
December 17, 2024
A book that could have been only written in it's time.
A small country, that makes Monaco look big, is very poor, and decides to declare war on the US, immediately lose, and get on the sugar train, the way the US rebuilt Germany and Japan after WWII.
Things go very wrong for all concerned.
Peter Sellers made a movie based on this in which he played most of the parts. He did better at it than Michael Meyers.
A small country, that makes Monaco look big, is very poor, and decides to declare war on the US, immediately lose, and get on the sugar train, the way the US rebuilt Germany and Japan after WWII.
Things go very wrong for all concerned.
Peter Sellers made a movie based on this in which he played most of the parts. He did better at it than Michael Meyers.
May 8, 2016
I quite liked it.
I'm not an expert on satire, and to be honest, it generally goes over my head. I did get a few chuckles out of it, though--it's not exactly Wodehouse, but it was still delightfully ridiculous at some points, appealing to my sense of humor. I also appreciated the book's morality. It aligned very much with my own, naïve as it may seem. I wish this would have happened in real life, in fact.
Not for everyone, as with anything, but a good, quick, worthy read.
I'm not an expert on satire, and to be honest, it generally goes over my head. I did get a few chuckles out of it, though--it's not exactly Wodehouse, but it was still delightfully ridiculous at some points, appealing to my sense of humor. I also appreciated the book's morality. It aligned very much with my own, naïve as it may seem. I wish this would have happened in real life, in fact.
Not for everyone, as with anything, but a good, quick, worthy read.
May 12, 2009
I should give it 2 and a half stars. I didn't find it all that funny but it was well written. I'm just a very hard sell for humor.
August 11, 2013
This book is hilarious. Unfortunately it's also out of print, and so difficult to track down. Luckily I managed to find a copy in a local used book store, and I read it very quickly.
I first heard of the movie version of this book many years ago when I was still in high school, and a friend told me about this movie where a small nation invades America and wins, even though they only had spears and things, because nobody took them seriously. I thought it sounded funny, but she didn't know the name and neither did I, so this slipped from my memory entirely.
Until six months ago, when I was looking for a book to suggest for book club and I turned to my favorite resource, Nancy Pearl and her book, Book Lust: Recommended Reading for Every Mood, Moment, and Reason (which I have used to find a number of fantastic and enjoyable books to read for myself and for others). One book caught my eye, and reminded me of my friend's story from high school, so I added it to the list. In fact, the only thing that stopped me from recommending it was finding out that it was out of print and people were only willing to sell their copies for quite a bit of money.
That said, this book is hilarious, but it's also an entertaining story about war, international policy, and wine. This was obviously written in the 50's or 60's, and was apparently a satire and commentary on the Cold War, so I wish that I was more informed about those issues. Unfortunately, I'm not, but I was still able to get a lot out of the book, and though some chapters slowed down, as a whole, the book moved pretty fast. Some of the major characters were underdeveloped, but the central tenant, that we need to take care of the human race before we figure out a way to protect our own country, resonated with me, and can still resonate with lots of people. I would definitely recommend this book to anybody who can find it.
I haven't seen the film or read any of the sequels, but I'd be interested in doing so. It was a lot of fun and a relatively quick read, and I think people should try to read this book at some point, because it's both funny and it has something to say.
I first heard of the movie version of this book many years ago when I was still in high school, and a friend told me about this movie where a small nation invades America and wins, even though they only had spears and things, because nobody took them seriously. I thought it sounded funny, but she didn't know the name and neither did I, so this slipped from my memory entirely.
Until six months ago, when I was looking for a book to suggest for book club and I turned to my favorite resource, Nancy Pearl and her book, Book Lust: Recommended Reading for Every Mood, Moment, and Reason (which I have used to find a number of fantastic and enjoyable books to read for myself and for others). One book caught my eye, and reminded me of my friend's story from high school, so I added it to the list. In fact, the only thing that stopped me from recommending it was finding out that it was out of print and people were only willing to sell their copies for quite a bit of money.
That said, this book is hilarious, but it's also an entertaining story about war, international policy, and wine. This was obviously written in the 50's or 60's, and was apparently a satire and commentary on the Cold War, so I wish that I was more informed about those issues. Unfortunately, I'm not, but I was still able to get a lot out of the book, and though some chapters slowed down, as a whole, the book moved pretty fast. Some of the major characters were underdeveloped, but the central tenant, that we need to take care of the human race before we figure out a way to protect our own country, resonated with me, and can still resonate with lots of people. I would definitely recommend this book to anybody who can find it.
I haven't seen the film or read any of the sequels, but I'd be interested in doing so. It was a lot of fun and a relatively quick read, and I think people should try to read this book at some point, because it's both funny and it has something to say.
June 7, 2016
Hurray! There's more of these! I admit to myself I was skeptical, hopeful but skeptical. How funny or topical or still relevant today could 1955 Cold War satire be? And it turns out very to all three and I think only shows its age in a few spots. It's a nice merge of fantasy and reality--the possibility I think of a tiny country comprised of English longbowmen mercenaries who claimed that territory in the 14th century because no one else wanted it, where they still use long bows and wear heraldic outfits perhaps is stretching it a bit, but the author merges them pretty nicely with occupied defense administrators and junior ministers, because no one takes them seriously when they declare war on the US.
Why? Their one commodity, wine--and the Grand Fenwickians take wine very seriously since their two political parties are formed over whether they should water it down some--has been ruined by an American winery selling a cheap knockoff with a deceptive label. When outraged protests and letters are either ignored or used by the unscrupulous winery for its benefit, there's only one choice left--war. So they send an archer & mace warparty to the US, and when they embark in New York, they find the streets deserted to a civil defense drill. The scenes of them wandering around the streets, creeped out by the lack of people, I thought were some of the best in the book.
Through a series of lucky coincidences, they find themselves in the possession of a new insanely powerful weapon (basically will wipe out continents and poison the earth for all time), they kidnap a few soldiers and policemen and sail back for home. The smallest country in the world is now the most powerful, and all the world's leaders come toadying up to Duchess Gloriana XII, the 22 year old ruler, who with her advisors, has a plan.
Will definitely read the next four.
Why? Their one commodity, wine--and the Grand Fenwickians take wine very seriously since their two political parties are formed over whether they should water it down some--has been ruined by an American winery selling a cheap knockoff with a deceptive label. When outraged protests and letters are either ignored or used by the unscrupulous winery for its benefit, there's only one choice left--war. So they send an archer & mace warparty to the US, and when they embark in New York, they find the streets deserted to a civil defense drill. The scenes of them wandering around the streets, creeped out by the lack of people, I thought were some of the best in the book.
Through a series of lucky coincidences, they find themselves in the possession of a new insanely powerful weapon (basically will wipe out continents and poison the earth for all time), they kidnap a few soldiers and policemen and sail back for home. The smallest country in the world is now the most powerful, and all the world's leaders come toadying up to Duchess Gloriana XII, the 22 year old ruler, who with her advisors, has a plan.
Will definitely read the next four.
July 22, 2014
Having only dimly remembered seeing the movie long long ago, and having never read anything by Wibberley other than Encounter near Venus, a strange H.G. Wells ripoff-I-mean-tribute, for children (now an out-of-print rarity), which haunted me after I read it in grade school, I was surprised at how genuinely witty it is. I may pick up some of the other "Mouse" novels if I come across them.
March 24, 2025
I picked up this book because the cover and back were filled with high praises about this book being so funny. And I'm pleased to say that it was hilarious! How could it not be when the tiny country of Grand Fenwick (5 miles long and 3 wide), declares war on the United States of America in order to lose (so America will give them free money), but ends up winning?! With America and Russia and all the other big countries in an arms race, it's easy to forget about the little countries. After traveling by bus and barge, their army shows up with 20 long bows (because they're stuck in the 14th century in a 20th century world), and the Americans are convinced they are men from Mars. The plot is highly engaging with characters that are easy to understand and events timing up in such a way that is just plain funny. A short quick read that will leave you smiling :)
July 10, 2022
Hilarious
May 30, 2013
The Mouse that Roared by Leonard Wibberley is a satirical book that is set during the Cold War or during the time of massive nuclear arms build up. The story begins in the small nation of the Grand Duchy of Fenwick which has detached itself from the world for nearly six centuries. The country is in need of money and they come up with a plan to get the money by going to war with the United States. Even though they plan to lose the Grand Duchy of Fenwick becomes the most powerful country in the world by the end of the book. I find it scary that the USA will take a declaration of war from another country as a joke even if the country is very small. I also find it scary how guys dressed as medieval knights are able to invade the USA and get away with only one casualty I mean they brought bow and arrows to a gunfight (i would have thought that trained people with guns would be able to handle a very very small army) I find it strange that a bomb that has the power to destroy mankind was just being left alone on a table in an unguarded office building. I think its funny how a small country was able to beat the US and destroy their reputation as the most powerful nation in the world in just a matter of hours. This story raises many themes and messages. Like Freedom and how freedom is never free and when you win freedom you get more responsibilities than you would if you had lost freedom, Victory and how when you win something you gain more responsibilities- like caring for the loser or “with great power comes great responsibility” and stuff like that-than you would if you had lost. Also with Patriotism vs. Humanitarianism and how people like nuclear scientist or even soldiers have to choose between fighting/helping their country by killing people in order to save people. Also how Dr. Kokintz has to decide whether or not he should betray the United States for the greater good of the world. I think that Wibberley sees mankind as being naturally good because of what he has the character Pierce say, “But the deepest force in any man is toward good” (205) Whereas Golding sees mankind as naturally bad as he shows his views in the book Lord of the Flies. And since these books were published 1 year apart I think that this would've been a big debate back in the day. One last message that I think this book shows is that sometimes the biggest problems comes from the smallest of places. But besides messages and themes I felt like the plot was very well thought out except for the end. I felt like Wibberley just got tired of the book in the last 60 pages and just decided to have Gloriana marry Tully to give the reader that happy ending. In conclusion I think that The Mouse that Roared is a funny and deep book and that anyone would be able to enjoy it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2014
Film trailer
The story reminds me of the independence of a suburb of London, also a film (black and white) - any clues to the title anyone?
LATER - when walking my long-nosed, hairy thing in the woods, it came to me Passport to Pimlico
Blurb - Mark McDonnell and Steven McNicoll's dramatisation of Leonard Wibberley's famous comic novel. It is 1956, and the Cold War is at its chilliest. But one European country is blissfully detached from the struggles of the Super Powers. The Duchy of Grand Fenwick and is just five miles long and three miles wide. Under the benign rule of Grand Duchess Gloriana it is a rural idyll almost untouched by the twentieth century, and happy to remain so. But its economy is entirely dependent on the export of a famously exquisite wine. So when this vital trade is threatened by an unscrupulous foreign rival, it's time for action. Gloriana - a wise head on young shoulders - proposes a solution long recognised as acceptable to all nations - that is, to declare war on their much richer enemy, lose, then sit back and wait for the inevitable billions in post-war aid to roll in. So, led by the valiant Tully Bascomb, the twenty men-at-arms that make up the army of Grand Fenwick strap on their chain mail, dust off their longbows, and set sail to wage a deliberately hopeless war on... the United States of America. The only problem is that no one has told Tully that he's meant to lose - and as a result of his remarkable escapades, Gloriana bizarrely finds herself the most powerful political leader in Europe...
Gloriana ..... Julie Austin
Tully ..... Mark McDonnell
Mountjoy ..... Crawford Logan
Sec. of State ..... Lou Hirsch
Kokintz ..... Simon Tait
Will ..... Jamie Newall
Benter ..... Steven McNicoll
ProducerPatrick Rayner
Leonard Wibberley (1915-1983) was a prolific author and journalist. He wrote over fifty books for children, and several historical novels. But he is best remembered for The Mouse That Roared, first serialised in the Saturday Evening Post in 1954
Broadcast on:
BBC Radio 4, 9:00pm Saturday 22nd May
The story reminds me of the independence of a suburb of London, also a film (black and white) - any clues to the title anyone?
LATER - when walking my long-nosed, hairy thing in the woods, it came to me Passport to Pimlico
Blurb - Mark McDonnell and Steven McNicoll's dramatisation of Leonard Wibberley's famous comic novel. It is 1956, and the Cold War is at its chilliest. But one European country is blissfully detached from the struggles of the Super Powers. The Duchy of Grand Fenwick and is just five miles long and three miles wide. Under the benign rule of Grand Duchess Gloriana it is a rural idyll almost untouched by the twentieth century, and happy to remain so. But its economy is entirely dependent on the export of a famously exquisite wine. So when this vital trade is threatened by an unscrupulous foreign rival, it's time for action. Gloriana - a wise head on young shoulders - proposes a solution long recognised as acceptable to all nations - that is, to declare war on their much richer enemy, lose, then sit back and wait for the inevitable billions in post-war aid to roll in. So, led by the valiant Tully Bascomb, the twenty men-at-arms that make up the army of Grand Fenwick strap on their chain mail, dust off their longbows, and set sail to wage a deliberately hopeless war on... the United States of America. The only problem is that no one has told Tully that he's meant to lose - and as a result of his remarkable escapades, Gloriana bizarrely finds herself the most powerful political leader in Europe...
Gloriana ..... Julie Austin
Tully ..... Mark McDonnell
Mountjoy ..... Crawford Logan
Sec. of State ..... Lou Hirsch
Kokintz ..... Simon Tait
Will ..... Jamie Newall
Benter ..... Steven McNicoll
ProducerPatrick Rayner
Leonard Wibberley (1915-1983) was a prolific author and journalist. He wrote over fifty books for children, and several historical novels. But he is best remembered for The Mouse That Roared, first serialised in the Saturday Evening Post in 1954
Broadcast on:
BBC Radio 4, 9:00pm Saturday 22nd May
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2013
The Mouse that Roared by Leonard Wibberley is a satirical novel about the Cold War. The plot centers on the fictional country of Grand Fenwick and the exploits of its inhabitants. In the story, Grand Fenwick is the world’s smallest country. Yet, through the actions of a few devoted citizens it wins a war against the United States, captures the world’s most powerful weapon, and eventually brings an end to the Cold War.
This book has several important attributes that make it enjoyable. First, is the surprising believability of the story. Though the places, characters, and even their actions are not realistic, the logic behind them is always solid and understandable within the context. In other words, despite the fact that the events themselves are generally preposterous it makes sense that one event would follow the next. There are not random left turns in this story like one might expect form a satire. Another great part of this book is that it is surprisingly thought provoking. It makes one think about where the power in the world is and where it should be. It also points out that there are many different, albeit less realistic, ways to solve conflicts. Arguably the best part of this book is that it is funny and does not feel like work to read.
Though overall a great story, the book does have several drawbacks. First, at some points it does get a little ridiculous and unbelievable. For instance, the idea that the U.S. government would make an air-raid drill for the entire east coast is simply preposterous, not to mention the coincidence that it occurred at the exact same time that the U.S. was “invaded” by Grand Fenwick. Furthermore, there is no chance that the worlds most powerful bomb would be built and stored in an unguarded college laboratory. Second, I felt that the author did not do the greatest job of creating a climax in the story. It felt more like a slight ebb and flow than the dramatic build up of tension that tends to make a story more enjoyable. This might also have been caused by the fact that there was not really a main character, so it was a little harder to get absorbed into the story. Despite having a few drawbacks, The Mouse that Roared is irrefutably a great book.
This book has several important attributes that make it enjoyable. First, is the surprising believability of the story. Though the places, characters, and even their actions are not realistic, the logic behind them is always solid and understandable within the context. In other words, despite the fact that the events themselves are generally preposterous it makes sense that one event would follow the next. There are not random left turns in this story like one might expect form a satire. Another great part of this book is that it is surprisingly thought provoking. It makes one think about where the power in the world is and where it should be. It also points out that there are many different, albeit less realistic, ways to solve conflicts. Arguably the best part of this book is that it is funny and does not feel like work to read.
Though overall a great story, the book does have several drawbacks. First, at some points it does get a little ridiculous and unbelievable. For instance, the idea that the U.S. government would make an air-raid drill for the entire east coast is simply preposterous, not to mention the coincidence that it occurred at the exact same time that the U.S. was “invaded” by Grand Fenwick. Furthermore, there is no chance that the worlds most powerful bomb would be built and stored in an unguarded college laboratory. Second, I felt that the author did not do the greatest job of creating a climax in the story. It felt more like a slight ebb and flow than the dramatic build up of tension that tends to make a story more enjoyable. This might also have been caused by the fact that there was not really a main character, so it was a little harder to get absorbed into the story. Despite having a few drawbacks, The Mouse that Roared is irrefutably a great book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2009
I saw the 1959 movie with Dad and liked it so much that I picked up the paperback and read it during a typically boring day of my parents visiting Lajla and Christian, his mother and her husband. This was a normal circumstance. Until fifth grade the family had lived in unincorporated Kane County, wellover an hour's drive to the city in those days before expressways. Then the grandparents decided to move from one to another house in Park Ridge, immediately NW of Chicago. They made their old house available to Dad in some private deal. Thenceforth we lived within walking distance of them and visits were at least weekly affairs.
Grandmother Lajla was quite the social being, there often being many guests in addition to ourselves. Most were older than my parents with grown children. In those days pretty much all grownups seemed to drink and smoke. They gave all indications of having fun, but I'd be ignored and bored, usually retreating to a bedroom to read. Fortunately, Lajla had a substantial library and they subscribed to both Life and Time magazines.
Grandmother Lajla was quite the social being, there often being many guests in addition to ourselves. Most were older than my parents with grown children. In those days pretty much all grownups seemed to drink and smoke. They gave all indications of having fun, but I'd be ignored and bored, usually retreating to a bedroom to read. Fortunately, Lajla had a substantial library and they subscribed to both Life and Time magazines.
March 27, 2016
An endearing little story about how an obscure European duchy upsets the Cold-War-Era balance of power, holds the world hostage and generally sets things to rights by taking possession of a shoebox. Not as hysterically funny as I was led to expect, but a good read.
Read
February 9, 2016Just as I suspected. Peter Sellers was not in this book.
Stick to the movie.
Stick to the movie.
March 11, 2022
This old satire still works, maybe now more than ever, or maybe things were always like this. It's a bit childish, but still quite sharp in its depiction of international relations and how wars get started and end.
May 20, 2011
http://yearningtoread.blogspot.com/
Grand Fenwick is a little known country near France, a small duchy that has flourished for centuries because of their popular wine company. Recently, however, the wine business has failed to bring in enough money to live on. There are those who wish to dilute the wine, and others who are against this notion. Both parties continue to argue over the outcome until a grand scheme is devised: small, itty bitty Grand Fenwick will declare war on the U.S. - attack, lose, and then receive all sorts of benefits for their trouble, as they had seen happen to every nation who lost a war to the U.S.
But of course, this isn't at all what happens. In fact, Grand Fenwick, the smallest nation in the world, wins this war. And becomes the most powerful nation in the world.
________________________________________
My thoughts -
I looked forward to reading this book for nearly 9 months before I finally got to read it for school. It most definitely did not disappoint and I want to say right off the bat that everyone should give this a try! :)
For one, this book is hilarious. Everything about it - the characters, story line, and dialogue - has some sort of humorous tinge to it. I laughed and giggled through the whole thing.
Yet, at the same time, there is a strong sense of seriousness and peril, as well as great honor, throughout the entire story. I couldn't help but follow along to discover what would happen, knowing I wouldn't be disappointed.
Character notes -
I loved all the characters in this book. From the Duchess of Grand Fenwick to Tully Bascomb; from the President of the U.S. to the Russian Commissar. Even if they weren't the most in-depth characters in literature (because this story wasn't exactly meant to focus on character), they were fascinating and realistic all the same. I actually think the U.S. President is my favorite, with Gloriana (the Duchess) coming in at a close second. I respected them both and loved the way they handled the sticky situations they were put in.
Story notes -
This story really focuses a lot on politics - with a mixture of action, silliness, romance, and character history on the side. I was quite taken with the story line from the start of the book. I cared about Grand Fenwick and their financial struggles and wanted them to find the solution. Then, when they proposed war, the action started. Then more politics...then suspense...and so on. I loved the perfect trap the U.S. walked into, and the perfect set-up to win the war that the warriors of Grand Fenwick had. And neither side knew it. Quite a way to set up an unexpected ending to an already hilarious (and intriguing) story!
One word/phrase to sum it up (final thoughts) -
Uproarious! I loved it all, even if it wasn't super deep or life-altering. A bit of silliness, romance, and war mixed in with political disagreements of all different kinds makes for a lovely story and enjoyable read!
Grand Fenwick is a little known country near France, a small duchy that has flourished for centuries because of their popular wine company. Recently, however, the wine business has failed to bring in enough money to live on. There are those who wish to dilute the wine, and others who are against this notion. Both parties continue to argue over the outcome until a grand scheme is devised: small, itty bitty Grand Fenwick will declare war on the U.S. - attack, lose, and then receive all sorts of benefits for their trouble, as they had seen happen to every nation who lost a war to the U.S.
But of course, this isn't at all what happens. In fact, Grand Fenwick, the smallest nation in the world, wins this war. And becomes the most powerful nation in the world.
________________________________________
My thoughts -
I looked forward to reading this book for nearly 9 months before I finally got to read it for school. It most definitely did not disappoint and I want to say right off the bat that everyone should give this a try! :)
For one, this book is hilarious. Everything about it - the characters, story line, and dialogue - has some sort of humorous tinge to it. I laughed and giggled through the whole thing.
Yet, at the same time, there is a strong sense of seriousness and peril, as well as great honor, throughout the entire story. I couldn't help but follow along to discover what would happen, knowing I wouldn't be disappointed.
Character notes -
I loved all the characters in this book. From the Duchess of Grand Fenwick to Tully Bascomb; from the President of the U.S. to the Russian Commissar. Even if they weren't the most in-depth characters in literature (because this story wasn't exactly meant to focus on character), they were fascinating and realistic all the same. I actually think the U.S. President is my favorite, with Gloriana (the Duchess) coming in at a close second. I respected them both and loved the way they handled the sticky situations they were put in.
Story notes -
This story really focuses a lot on politics - with a mixture of action, silliness, romance, and character history on the side. I was quite taken with the story line from the start of the book. I cared about Grand Fenwick and their financial struggles and wanted them to find the solution. Then, when they proposed war, the action started. Then more politics...then suspense...and so on. I loved the perfect trap the U.S. walked into, and the perfect set-up to win the war that the warriors of Grand Fenwick had. And neither side knew it. Quite a way to set up an unexpected ending to an already hilarious (and intriguing) story!
One word/phrase to sum it up (final thoughts) -
Uproarious! I loved it all, even if it wasn't super deep or life-altering. A bit of silliness, romance, and war mixed in with political disagreements of all different kinds makes for a lovely story and enjoyable read!
November 13, 2017
Maybe it's a mistake to reread books I loved as a kid. Recently, I've done that with several—and found myself disappointed. Just now I've had a similar (if less extreme) experience with a 1955 bestseller about nuclear madness, The Mouse That Roared, by the Irish-American writer Leonard Wibberley. The book was the first in a series of five comic novels, but it made a bigger splash four years later when Peter Sellers starred in a popular film adaptation of the same name. And that may be the problem I had in reading the book: I kept seeing Sellers' face on several of the key characters in the story. (He played multiple characters in the film. More famously, Sellers was Chief Inspector Clouseau in the Pink Panther films.) I remember having laughed hysterically when I read the book at the age of 14 or so. But Sellers overacted as usual, and the film was less satisfying.
Here's the story . . . Nestled in the Alps is a diminutive principality known as the Duchy of Grand Fenwick. Its 6,000 people live in portions of three valleys that together are five miles long and three miles wide. Founded in 1370 by a small group of English knights who broke away from the army they were serving, the Duchy has been independent ever since. Its sole source of income is the sale of Pinot Grand Fenwick, a wine that is prized by connoisseurs throughout the world. Unfortunately, a winery in California is now marketing an inferior wine called Pinot Grand Enwick, using a label that is otherwise identical to that of the real thing. So, the livelihood of the people of the Duchy is now threatened—and the only way the 22-year-old Duchess and her advisers can see to put a stop to the ripoff and raise more revenue is . . . get this . . . to declare war on the United States and lose. Since the US is always generous with the nations it vanquishes, the Duchess figures they'll come out ahead.
Unfortunately, the United States doesn't take the Duchy's declaration of war seriously—until the little country's two-dozen-man expeditionary force invades New York City. In fact, it's only several days later, once the Fenwickians have kidnapped the nation's top nuclear scientist, the four-star general who heads US civil defense, and four New York cops, that the US government even figures out it's at war. And to the chagrin of the Duchess and her advisers, the Duchy of Grand Fenwick didn't lose. It won.
So it goes.
If you're interested in a more recent comic novel that's funnier as well as more timely, look to Carl Hiaasen or Christopher Buckley. Hiaasen's Razor Girl is reviewed at "Reality TV, African rodents, the roach patrol." My review of The Relic Master by Christopher Buckley is "An irreligious take on Catholic history." I found both books hilarious, as I did others that both authors have written.
Here's the story . . . Nestled in the Alps is a diminutive principality known as the Duchy of Grand Fenwick. Its 6,000 people live in portions of three valleys that together are five miles long and three miles wide. Founded in 1370 by a small group of English knights who broke away from the army they were serving, the Duchy has been independent ever since. Its sole source of income is the sale of Pinot Grand Fenwick, a wine that is prized by connoisseurs throughout the world. Unfortunately, a winery in California is now marketing an inferior wine called Pinot Grand Enwick, using a label that is otherwise identical to that of the real thing. So, the livelihood of the people of the Duchy is now threatened—and the only way the 22-year-old Duchess and her advisers can see to put a stop to the ripoff and raise more revenue is . . . get this . . . to declare war on the United States and lose. Since the US is always generous with the nations it vanquishes, the Duchess figures they'll come out ahead.
Unfortunately, the United States doesn't take the Duchy's declaration of war seriously—until the little country's two-dozen-man expeditionary force invades New York City. In fact, it's only several days later, once the Fenwickians have kidnapped the nation's top nuclear scientist, the four-star general who heads US civil defense, and four New York cops, that the US government even figures out it's at war. And to the chagrin of the Duchess and her advisers, the Duchy of Grand Fenwick didn't lose. It won.
So it goes.
If you're interested in a more recent comic novel that's funnier as well as more timely, look to Carl Hiaasen or Christopher Buckley. Hiaasen's Razor Girl is reviewed at "Reality TV, African rodents, the roach patrol." My review of The Relic Master by Christopher Buckley is "An irreligious take on Catholic history." I found both books hilarious, as I did others that both authors have written.
March 19, 2016
A tiny European principality, no bigger than some moderate farms, feels slighted by the marketing strategy of an American vinter, invades New York and defeats the Unites States at the height of the Cold War.
The story is so absurd that it can't be anything but a brilliant political satire. Written in 1955 it uses the general madness of nuclear deterrent, global fiscal policies and the political uncertainties and moral certainties which haunted the world at that time to deliver a scathing as well as hilarious commentary on contemporary international relations.
Grand Fenwick declares war on an enemy they have no intention to defeat in order to receive financial assistance from a magnanimous victor.
The United States create a weapon which will wipe out global civilization as a deterrent to someone else creating the weapon.
Their loss of said weapon enables serious peace talks.
Some of it seems naive and old-fashioned today, even so the text retains a certain charm.
The first of the Grand Fenwick novels was refreshingly direct and disarmingly absurd. Unfortunately, Wibberley's sequels were never able to achieve the same effect.
The story is so absurd that it can't be anything but a brilliant political satire. Written in 1955 it uses the general madness of nuclear deterrent, global fiscal policies and the political uncertainties and moral certainties which haunted the world at that time to deliver a scathing as well as hilarious commentary on contemporary international relations.
Grand Fenwick declares war on an enemy they have no intention to defeat in order to receive financial assistance from a magnanimous victor.
The United States create a weapon which will wipe out global civilization as a deterrent to someone else creating the weapon.
Their loss of said weapon enables serious peace talks.
Some of it seems naive and old-fashioned today, even so the text retains a certain charm.
The first of the Grand Fenwick novels was refreshingly direct and disarmingly absurd. Unfortunately, Wibberley's sequels were never able to achieve the same effect.
September 2, 2018
I had read this classic Cold War satire when I was a teenager while the Cold War was still ongoing. At the time it provided light relief to what were real fears of nuclear war. So it was fun to revisit when it was chosen as the February selection for our reading group.
We all enjoyed it and discussed the issues the story highlighted and the historical background. While written sixty years ago it still worked well and provided plenty of comedy though in the time since the United States had certainly abandoned its policy of not invading small countries/ It is good to hear that many of the author's works are now being made available in ebook format to be discovered by new readers.
We all enjoyed it and discussed the issues the story highlighted and the historical background. While written sixty years ago it still worked well and provided plenty of comedy though in the time since the United States had certainly abandoned its policy of not invading small countries/ It is good to hear that many of the author's works are now being made available in ebook format to be discovered by new readers.
March 28, 2010
One of my favorite books and one of the greatest bits of political satire, as the tiny Duchy of Grand Fenwick tries to fix their money woes by declaring war on a much larger nation, losing and then fixing their budget and country with the money the larger nation will spend to 'rebuild' the conquered nation.
unfortunately, Fenwick wins and is suddenly a world power...
Witty and entertaining as it points out the absurdity of world politics. Written in the 60's, it hasn't lost it's punch or relevance.
unfortunately, Fenwick wins and is suddenly a world power...
Witty and entertaining as it points out the absurdity of world politics. Written in the 60's, it hasn't lost it's punch or relevance.
Read
May 25, 2010None of these editions seem to be the one I read. My uncle had a bunch of books which were later made into movies, tv shows, etc. I don't think they were 1st editions, but they may have been the 1st paperback editions.
I'm pretty sure I read this before I saw the movie, but the movie had been out for some time before I saw it. I don't think there's much comparison. Peter Sellers made anything he did different by the simple fact of his performance. The book is another sort of experience, and I liked it for itself.
I'm pretty sure I read this before I saw the movie, but the movie had been out for some time before I saw it. I don't think there's much comparison. Peter Sellers made anything he did different by the simple fact of his performance. The book is another sort of experience, and I liked it for itself.
January 9, 2011
this is a really fun book, really good I recommend it. It was written as a serial and you can tell when you read it because it feels like dispatches in a newspaper. But it is also really well thought out, there aren't the type of plot holes you would expect in a book of this kind.
On the other hand it does read as dated which is weird since in theory it is not at all dated. But it is as good as the play.
On the other hand it does read as dated which is weird since in theory it is not at all dated. But it is as good as the play.
March 1, 2016
Did Not Age Well
I first read this book about fifty years ago and was delighted to see it available as an e-book. I remembered that the novel appealed to me because of its whimsical nature. Upon the recent reading, the whimsy was again clever, but because my remembrance was surprisingly accurate, the experience was spoiled, much like hearing a funny joke for the second time.
The book might best be enjoyed by readers in the age range of 13 to 15 years.
I first read this book about fifty years ago and was delighted to see it available as an e-book. I remembered that the novel appealed to me because of its whimsical nature. Upon the recent reading, the whimsy was again clever, but because my remembrance was surprisingly accurate, the experience was spoiled, much like hearing a funny joke for the second time.
The book might best be enjoyed by readers in the age range of 13 to 15 years.
September 20, 2012
I was really looking forward to this book but my interest quickly started to drop off after reading the fist few chapters. I probably would have enjoyed it more in High School or even Middle School. Predictable humor, plot and storyline. The most positive thing I can say about it is that I wondered if it inspired the film Dr. StrangeLove.
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