Comprehensive Review of Greenmantle by John Buchan

Literature Reviews - 2025

Comprehensive Review of Greenmantle by John Buchan

Introduction

John Buchan’s Greenmantle (1916) is a classic espionage thriller set during World War I, following the adventures of British intelligence officer Richard Hannay as he attempts to thwart a German plot to incite a pan-Islamic uprising. As a sequel to The Thirty-Nine Steps, the novel expands upon Buchan’s signature mix of action, intrigue, and historical insight, offering a fast-paced adventure that intertwines real geopolitical concerns with elements of high fiction.

Plot Overview

The novel opens in November 1915 with Richard Hannay, a decorated soldier recuperating from injuries sustained at the Battle of Loos. He is recruited by Sir Walter Bullivant of the Foreign Office, who informs him that the Germans are orchestrating a religious and political movement to rally Muslim nations against the British Empire. The mission requires Hannay and his team to infiltrate enemy lines, decipher the cryptic clues left by a murdered British agent, and uncover the identity of “Greenmantle,” the enigmatic figure at the heart of the German conspiracy.

Hannay is joined by a diverse group of allies:

  • Sandy Arbuthnot, an expert in Middle Eastern culture and languages,
  • John Blenkiron, a cunning American businessman,
  • Peter Pienaar, a skilled Boer hunter and tracker.

The team embarks on a dangerous journey through wartime Europe, navigating various disguises, narrow escapes, and encounters with German officials, including the ruthless Colonel Stumm and the seductive yet dangerous Hilda von Einem. Their mission takes them through Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire, culminating in the decisive battle at Erzurum, where they uncover and foil the German scheme.

Themes and Analysis

1. Espionage and Adventure

Buchan’s Greenmantle is a quintessential “ripping yarn,” filled with high-stakes espionage, daring escapes, and coded messages. The novel’s fast-paced action and constant movement across continents create a thrilling sense of urgency. The plot unfolds through classic adventure tropes: secret missions, hidden identities, and unlikely alliances, all of which make for an engaging read.

2. Political and Historical Context

One of the most intriguing aspects of Greenmantle is its contemporary relevance at the time of publication. Written in 1916, it reflects Britain’s concerns over the German-Ottoman alliance and the potential for religious uprisings to destabilize British colonial rule. The novel’s depiction of jihad as a geopolitical weapon mirrors real fears within the British intelligence community. While some aspects of the plot are fictionalized, the idea of Germany exploiting religious unrest is grounded in historical attempts by the Kaiser to gain Muslim support against the Allies.

3. Stereotypes and Orientalism

While Greenmantle is a gripping adventure, it is also a product of its time, filled with racial and cultural stereotypes that modern readers may find troubling. Buchan’s portrayal of Islam and the Middle East is heavily influenced by Edwardian-era British imperialist attitudes. While the novel does feature admiration for certain aspects of Eastern culture, it ultimately reinforces the idea of the British and their allies as superior forces of order against a chaotic and exoticized enemy.

The character of Sandy Arbuthnot is particularly notable in this regard—he is depicted as an almost mystical figure who can effortlessly assimilate into Eastern cultures, a trope that reflects Western fantasies of mastery over the Orient rather than an authentic understanding of the region.

4. Gender Dynamics

The novel’s most memorable female character, Hilda von Einem, stands out as one of Buchan’s most compelling antagonists. She is a rare example of a strong female character in early 20th-century adventure fiction, portrayed as intelligent, charismatic, and manipulative. Her influence over the German plot and her mysterious aura make her a fascinating counterpoint to Hannay. However, her ultimate downfall reinforces the era’s narrative that powerful women must be contained or eliminated.

5. Patriotism and Propaganda

As a wartime novel, Greenmantle is infused with patriotic fervor. Buchan, who worked in British intelligence, crafted a story that serves both as entertainment and as a morale booster. The novel’s depiction of British resourcefulness, courage, and camaraderie contrasts with the underhanded tactics of the Germans, making it a clear piece of wartime propaganda. However, it is notable that Buchan does not paint all Germans as villains—characters like the Kaiser are given moments of depth, demonstrating a more nuanced approach than simple jingoism.

Writing Style and Readability

Buchan’s prose is straightforward and accessible, relying on fast pacing rather than elaborate descriptions. His background as a historian and journalist lends the novel an air of authenticity, with vivid descriptions of wartime Europe and the political intrigue of the period. However, the novel occasionally relies on coincidences to advance the plot, and some passages—particularly those describing travel routes—can become tedious.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

✔ Engaging Plot — The novel’s mix of espionage, adventure, and historical intrigue keeps the reader hooked.
✔ Memorable Characters — Hannay and his companions are distinct and well-developed, each contributing unique skills to the mission.
✔ Authentic Historical Backdrop — The novel offers a fascinating glimpse into World War I geopolitics, making it more than just an adventure story.
✔ Compelling Antagonists — Both Colonel Stumm and Hilda von Einem serve as formidable foes, adding tension and depth to the narrative.

Weaknesses

✖ Stereotypical Portrayals — The novel’s depiction of Middle Eastern cultures is dated and reflects colonial-era biases.
✖ Convenient Coincidences — Some plot developments rely on improbable chance encounters.
✖ Lack of Female Representation — Beyond Hilda von Einem, female characters are either absent or underdeveloped.
✖ Pacing Issues — Some sections, particularly Hannay’s travels through Europe, can feel slow and overly detailed.

Legacy and Influence

Despite its flaws, Greenmantle remains a significant work in the spy thriller genre. It set the stage for later espionage novels, influencing authors like Ian Fleming (James Bond) and John le Carré. The novel’s blend of real-world politics and adventure fiction continues to resonate, even as modern readers must grapple with its imperialist undertones.

Buchan’s work has never been out of print, and while The Thirty-Nine Steps remains his most famous novel, Greenmantle is often regarded as a more ambitious and complex sequel. Though it has never been adapted into a major film, its influence can be seen in numerous spy narratives that followed.

Conclusion

Greenmantle is a thrilling, historically rich espionage novel that offers both excitement and insight into World War I-era geopolitics. While some aspects of the book have aged poorly, particularly in terms of cultural representation, it remains a classic of the genre. Readers who enjoy adventure fiction, historical thrillers, or early spy novels will find much to appreciate, provided they approach it with an awareness of its historical context.