The Gamester

by Raphael Sabatini

John Law had a remarkable career ahead of him. Already a successful banker, he was an outstanding figure set to go far. Yet his Scottish homeland was fraught with potential pitfalls and when he killed ‘Beau Wilson' in a dual, it seemed that the gods had finally conspired against him and his career was to be cut short in its prime. However, dissatisfied with his fate, Law contrived to escape from Newgate and avoid his death sentence; instead fleeing to France where he lived a life of adventure and excitement, and turned his banking skills to the gambling tables…

Genres: Adventure, Classics, Historical Fiction

324 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1949

Reviews

[A.J. Granger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though written in the later part of his career, in fact "The Gamester" was the last novel Sabatini saw published, it still has some tradiational Sabatini elements, though there is no sword fighting (that i can recall). However, the fault I found in this book is the lack of interference John Law faces. Yes, there is a bad guy but he comes and goes often doing very little damage.

Now that is not to say this is a bad book. The economical and political background is phenomenal in accuracy and depth yet does not come across as boring. I recommend anyone interested in economics to read this book soley for that reason.

I will say that the ending goes against all traditional sabatini endings and so it was a new element that sabatini pulls off in an eloquent and satisfying manner.

[Pandora · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one takes up the world of banking and stocks. While not as thrilling as Sabtini's typical swashbucklers still, RS manages to create a good story with twists and turns. His purple prose is up to his usual standards. The hero John Law is a bit too dense about love. The ending however is a great payoff. A good chioce for fans of Sabatini and certainly beter than The Shame of Motely or The Marquis of Carbas.

One other note is that although John Law has a family life including children the family life is overshadow by the public life. The children don't even have names.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite Sabatini books. If you like good books you should consider reading this one. This dude gets in trouble and turns to gambling.