First published in 1894, Anthony Hope’s romantic adventure novel The Prisoner of Zenda offers an entertaining story. Although set in the backdrop of 1890s England, the events of the story unfolds in the fictional kingdom of Ruritania. Prince Rudolf, the rightful king of Ruritania has been imprisoned and drugged by his evil brother Prince Michael right before the scheduled coronation. Protagonist Rudolf Rassendyll, a British gentleman who was on holiday in Ruritania at that time - incidentally closely resembles the kidnapped king. Rassendyll was approached by Prince Rudolf’s close attendants to impersonate the king at the coronation. A chain of events including plots, counter-plots and swordplay along the way lead the story. The Prisoner of Zenda is a fast-paced, easy and entertaining read.
Hope, Anthony. The Prisoner of Zenda, London : Oxford, 2009.
Hope, Anthony. The Prisoner of Zenda, London : Oxford, 2009.
