The Prisoner of Zenda and Rupert of Hentzau

The Ruritania Trilogy #2 & 3

by Anthony Hope

Sir Anthony Hope Hawkins was training to become a lawyer and barrister when he wrote his sixth novel, “The Prisoner of Zenda”, in 1894. It took one month to finish the first draft, and it quickly achieved such great success that Hope turned to writing full-time. The story is set in the fictional country of Ruritania, on the eve of the new king’s coronation. When the king is suddenly abducted, an Englishman who bears a striking resemblance to him is brought in as a political decoy. Like most of Hope’s stories, the novel is full of plot twists, complications, villains, forbidden love, and an ultimate sense of duty. Also included in this volume is the sequel to “The Prisoner of Zenda”, “Rupert of Hentzau”, which deals with the same fictional country, and many of the same characters. These two works are classics of English literature, whose themes and attraction transcend time, and have inspired many stage, film and television adaptations. This edition includes a biographical afterword.

Genres: Classics, Fiction, Adventure, 19th Century, Romance, Fantasy, Literature

286 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1894

About the author

Prolific English novelist and playwright Sir Anthony Hope Hawkins especially composed adventure. People remember him best only for the book The Prisoner of Zenda (1894) and its sequel Rupert of Hentzau (1898). These works, "minor classics" of English literature, set in the contemporaneous fictional country of Ruritania, spawned the genre, known as Ruritanian romance. Zenda inspired many adaptations, most notably the Hollywood movie of 1937 of the same name.

Reviews

[hotsake (André Troesch) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 1937 adaptation of the Prisoner of Zenda is one of my favorite films and while the novel is not quite as good it is still solidly entertaining as was the follow-up Rupert of Hentzau, that is until the unsatisfying ending.

[Reham Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

اول رواية اقرؤها لتؤثر فيه وتُدمعني لهذا الحد

قرئت جزئيها وراء بعضهم لانهيها ببكاء وحزن دام لمده اسبوع اروي القصة لكل من صادفته


احببت الملك البديل واحببت الملكه

واعتبرت نفسي من الشعب وشاهدا على بطولات رادفيل

ممتعة

النسخة الاخرى روبرت اوف هنترو الجزء الثاني منها لااعلم لما هوا مختفي من عالم الانترنت

ولاسف كلاهما يكملان الرواية ولايمكن الاستغناء عن جزء منهم حتى تكتمل رؤية الاحداث

[Hanna☾₊‧⁺˖⋆ (Free Palestine) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The way this went from the book I was least looking forward to reading on my tbr to one of my most enjoyed reads this year is crazyyy.


Pace:

It was actually pretty fast paced, the only thing that can slow it down is the writing style if you're not used to it.


Plot:

This was so much fun, it reminded me a little of The Prince and the Pauper actually. It wasn't anything crazy or extravagant but it was engaging, fun and full of action.


Characters:

I respect Rudolph so much and his subtle humour and way of thinking were surprisingly funny.

Sapt and Fritz were very endearing, respect to Flavia and Antoinette, neutrality to Rupert (I'm convinced that Rudolph has a soft spot for him) and calling Black Michael by that name kept reminding me of the 1973 Robin Hood film for some reason (love that filmm).


Also I'm sorry but why would you end it like thatt? My heartttt (I did like it though).


All in all, I really enjoyed this and surprisingly felt so emotional at some points lol.



Quotesss:


“For my part, if a man must needs be a knave I would have him a debonair knave... It makes your sin no worse as I conceive, to do it à la mode and stylishly.”


"Is love the only thing?"


"Heaven doesn't always make the right men kings." (😭)

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Rudolf goes on vacation to Ruritania, he discovers that he is the King's doppelganger. When the King is kidnapped by his evil half-brother, Duke Michael, Rudolf is persuaded to masquerade on the throne until the real King can be rescued. While Rudolf's quick wit and steady nerves will help him to act as King, he is unprepared for the vagaries of the heart when he meets Princess Flavia.

I enjoyed both the books in this duology so much! The adventure, the espionage, the dashing heroes, the battles for honor and love, and of course, the beautiful Princess Flavia who inspires others to daring deeds of courage and loyalty.

I liked that the writing style is full of action, not too wordy or flowery, and with a sense of urgency and mystery. The plot really twists around with impossible circumstances and keeps things moving along in every wild direction.

I completely fell in love with the characters! I love how the heroes are all virtuous and full of chivalry, and the villains are black-hearted and sneering. Despite being black and white personalities, they are still complex and compelling characters.

This would be a good duology for those who are not used to reading classics very much. Each book is fairly short, easy to follow, and keeps your attention.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two old-fashioned adventure novels in one handy volume. THE PRISONER OF ZENDA is a weird blend of classic literature and pulp fiction. The plot, which, much like Mark Twain's THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER, centers on a king's chance encounter with his doppelganger, is hackneyed, unrealistic and highly romanticized, but it makes for a fun ride nonetheless. The second book, RUPERT OF HENTZAU, is more of the same (and not in a bad way). Anthony Hope is a poor man's Alexandre Dumas, and the fact that his novels are often inelegantly written and just plain silly only seems to add to their charm. Literature snobs can be counted on to thumb their collective noses at books like this, but less discerning readers will find their sojourns in Ruritania exceptionally entertaining.

[Sumia Fatima]

The most amazing book I have ever read. It had everything I ask for in a book. A brave hero, mystery, detective, tragedies, page turner and everything. After reading it's first one , I searched all libraries and web and kept on looking until I have found its 2nd book. It's amazing ❤️

[Fernando Yataco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terminada esta historia caballeresca y la primera que leo de este autor; debo decir que para ser el primer acercamiento con este autor no estuvo tan mal.

Primero tengo que hablar de como la primera parte, titulada "El prisionero de Zenda", me gusto más que la segunda. Creo que fue porque la sentí mas dinámica y con toda la acción que hubo la leí en menos de 2 días. Me tuvo atrapado de principio a fin.

La segunda parte, titulada "Ruperto de Hentzau", a parte de ser más extensa no es tan dinámica como la primera. Esto se debe a que explora más en los personajes y no se detiene tanto en la acción. A parte de ello, si bien tiene un avance algo lento no decepciona ya que los nuevos personajes y las nuevas intrigas que se tejen en esta 2a parte permiten un desenlace bastante bueno.

Finalmente, de forma muy subjetiva, el final me pareció muy triste y descorazonador. No obstante, recomiendo el libro.

[John Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Identical cousins. You can almost hear the theme from the Patty Duke show. And in lieu of wicked stepsisters there’s a wicked half-brother. And much buckling of swashes. What’s not to like? Really the only flaw was the “happy ending”. Yes, the half-brother gets his just deserts; yes, Rudolf V gets placed securely on his throne; yes, Rudolf Rassendyll returns home safely. But Duty and Honour rear their ugly heads and kick True Love to the curb. It wasn’t really satisfying, but any other ending would have required all the sympathetic characters to become just as wicked as the wicked ones. Which, I admit, would have been worse. Probably 3½ stars, but as half-stars aren’t possible here, I’ll round up to four.

Oh, btw, even though I marked this as finished, I only read The Prisoner of Zenda, which is all I bought it for.

[Tina Tamman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have often thought it a good idea to read the novel after seeing the film. Not this time. I cannot even remember what in the film made me want to read it. The novel is such an adventure yarn, and predictable at that, that I did not last - read just 105 pages. Reminds me very much of "The Three Musketeers" by Alexandre Dumas.
Nothing wrong with the book but it is not for me.

[Lorena · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Prisoner of Zenda" is regarded as one of the first and greatest of the "adventure novel" genre. It is a compelling and fast-paced story, well-told, and interesting beyond the details of the story itself for the framework it establishes for the genre as a whole. "Rupert of Hentzau" is the sequel, and pales by comparison, but it's nice to know how the story ends.

[Lloyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah, yes. My literary diet must be fed at intervals with tales of dashing gentleman adventurers, and this served its purpose. I may never get to live in this world - but I can visit it as often as I like. Thank goodness works such as these have been preserved as a refuge for all of us who at times desire to retreat into a more honorable world.

[Karla Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was difficult to rate this one, because it's two separate books in one volume. I first read The Prisoner of Zenda when I was 19, and I fell in love with it. To this day it remains one of my favorite light reads. Pure swashbuckling adventure. It took 40 years for me to stumble across the sequel, and now that I've finished reading it, I can say I wish it had been longer. It's...pretty dreadful. Whereas the first book had our heroes battling for the life of a king, the second revolves around a tawdry blackmail plot. The first person narration is very much of the "Had I But Known" school of storytelling, and the foreshadowing is laid on with a trowel. If you can't see the ending coming, then you're not conversant enough in Victorian fiction.

It all goes to prove that just because readers want to know what happened next doesn't mean a book needs a sequel.

[Dearbhla She-Her · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rupert of Hentzau: Bit of a bonkers plot as the author struggles to keep straight on which characters can be the source of which pieces of action when the narrator isn't around (which the narrator of this one isn't, quite often). Lots of things happen simultaneously but are related separately so time feels quite disjointed. I lost track of who knew what when. It's also amazing how many plot points turn on the characters being gentlemen of honour. It felt like the author did too. So much of this wouldn't be written this way these days.

[Clara Booklover · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a school assignment but there was a lot of points I didn't like. for example I had to read the old English version, the second thing is that the story was sometimes very slow and other times very fast paced. however I liked the adventure, the humor of Rudolf, the romance between him and Flavia and at the end the moral value it gave which is honour comes before everything.

[Edith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Five stars for "The Prisoner of Zenda" a nearly perfect adventure/romance/historical fiction. One star for "Rupert" which is just awful. If you have fond memories of "Zenda" DO NOT READ RUPERT. You'll never be able to unread it. Anthony Hope had one perfect novel in him, and that was that.

[Naliza Fahro-Rozi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rudolph Rassendyl's quiet life is interrupted by his unexpected and personal involvement in the affairs of Ruritania, whilst travelling through the town of Zenda, finding himself engaged in plans to rescue the imprisoned king.

[Sherry Hession · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you look identical to the King of Zenda, it makes for interesting confrontations, but when you fall in love with the Queen (and she with you), what a challenge. Throw in Rupert of Hentzau as an antagonist and the challenges get complicated.

[Mark George · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first english novel .... and i'm happy for this step in reading

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still five stars for The Prisoner of Zenda.

Four stars for Rupert of Hentzau. Really interesting sequel.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

An exciting story, with swordplay and romance and duty and friendship and gallantry. I found it shallow, though, and ultimately unsatisfying.

[Daniel Blazquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Castles, chivalry vs deception, and adventure. Good quick read for a vacation weekend

[Hesham Abdullah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slightly amazing!

[Hossam Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and best book I read till date. It encouraged me to start reading.

[Shane Headlam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A high adventure of swashbuckling men in the noble kingdom of Ruritania.

[Scot Eaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am new to this classic novel and its sequel, but I'm glad I read them both! What a great surprise.

[John Hardwick · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are not great works of literature but they are really great reads. I was completely engrossed and thoroughly entertained. Warmly recommended.

[M C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libby book. Adventure fiction at its best. First book was made into a great movie

[Anna Jeffries · Rating 5 out of 5]

My brother read these to me when I was in middle school, and I thought that they were lovely. I have a difficult time, picturing an adventure of romance and suspense in a swashbuckling style that isn't a movie, but this is what I think of when I do. Think of the Princess Bride, and you're headed in the right direction. The first book follows the adventures of a gentleman who must impersonate the king, while rescuing the rightful king and defeating the villains, but in the process he falls in love with the queen. However, as an honour and duty bound gentleman, Rudolf Rassendyll faithfully accomplishes his mission and leaves the king with his queen. Rupert of Hentzau, the sequel, brings Rudolf back to Ruritania when the honour of the queen is jeopardised because Rupert has intercepted a love letter between Rudolf and the married queen. Anthony Hope writes a fine and charming tale that leads to a love for sword fighting and the noble gentleman.

[Agustina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Prisoner of Zenda was a superbly entertaining book.

It's an engrossing mix of court intrigue, suspense, action, romance, and adventure.

The characters were nicely constructed and the writing style was captivating. I thoroughly enjoyed it

5/5 stars.



Rupert of Hentzau paled in comparison to The Prisoner of Zenda. The characters were interesting but the plot was dull.

I found the fact that it was narrated by a secondary character who doesn't experience most events firsthand confusing (I usually enjoy more unconventional narrating styles but in this book it just didn't work out.)

However, I did like the main antagonist ( Rupert of Hentzau) very much. He was a better villain than Duke Michael(The Prisoner of Zenda's main antagonist.) He's charming but ruthless, a combination I personally love in villains.

3/5 stars.

[Gill · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found we had the Heron hard cover edition of these two titles and I believe I read the Prisoner of Zenda when I was in my teens. I picked it up to read both parts, partly because I remember my mother telling me that my paternal grandmother was reading this book whilst she was expecting my father and that was how he got his name. I was surprised to find that she had chosen the villain of the piece's name as her favourite. Perhaps the wicked streak goes deep in our family!
I did find the whole book very predictable but quite enjoyable nevertheless, despite it being rather over the top in its romanticism. Not the sort of books I will read again however. The nicest thing about it is the tooled cover.