Review: Jeffrey Archer wites today stories like this...
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 03 27, 2013
For a moment I thought the author was Jeffrey Archer writing under pseudonym. Another reviewer provides here basic and extended facts about Mr. Machray, a Canadian writer from the early 20th century - hence no copyright (a public domain book).An old fashioned story, indeed. It is not easy to figure out whether the author put it together more like a satire than something to be taken very seriously.Hundred years after the events described in the book the whole thing is quite refreshing. The only gadgets available in 1910 were telegraph and telephone. The only way to cross the ocean was by ship. And to travel 'fast' across America was by train and it was apparently more dangerous than using a jet.I like the use of the term 'lover'. In the early part of 20th century it mostly implied chastity till marriage although some kisses and embraces were permitted.Today it is not used much at all, even 'girl friend' or 'boyfriend' are not that popular.'Just hanging out', the millenials say, I think.I was not alive in 1910 but being very, very old I have difficulties to understand the rapid changes in hetero and homo sexual mores of the past 50 years.Quite recommended for people who want to glance way, way back. The story is contrived but plausible. Except, perhaps, the part when one of the villains ends his life.