A Lucid Interval by John Buchan
The novel revolves around a young man who suffers from amnesia after being injured in a car accident. He finds himself at a remote Scottish estate where he meets the owner's daughter and becomes embroiled in a mystery involving a murder, a hidden treasure, and a sinister plot. As he tries to piece together his past and uncover the truth, he must navigate complex relationships and confront his own dark secrets.
By John Buchan · First published 1927 · Genre: Political Fiction, Mystery, Social Commentary · 12,241 words
First lines
To adopt the opening words of a more famous tale, "The truth of this strange matter is what the world has long been looking for. " The events which I propose to chronicle were known to perhaps a hundred people in London whose fate brings them into contact with politics. The consequences were apparent to all the world, and for one hectic fortnight tinged the soberest newspapers with saffron, drove more than one worthy election agent to an asylum, and sent whole batches of legislators to Continental cures. "But no reasonable explanation of the mystery has been forthcoming until now, when a series of chances gave the key into my hands."
What this Textopian page supports
A Lucid Interval is listed on Textopian as a novel by John Buchan, dated 1927 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: John Buchan
- Date: 1927 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Political Fiction, Mystery, Social Commentary, Drama, Satire
- Length: 12,241 words
- Structure: 1 section, 146 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Lucid Interval by John Buchan
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Lucid Interval?
- How does this novel by John Buchan fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Political Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Company Of The Marjolaine by John Buchan
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- Two Old Men by Leo Tolstoy
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Genres
- Political Fiction — The narrative revolves around political themes, exploring the intricacies of government, power dynamics, and the impact of personal beliefs on political actions.
- Mystery — The plot involves a mysterious drug that alters personalities, creating suspense and intrigue as characters navigate the consequences of its use.
- Social Commentary — The work critiques societal norms and political ideologies, reflecting on class struggles and the responsibilities of leadership.
- Drama — The interpersonal conflicts and emotional struggles of the characters drive the narrative, highlighting personal relationships against a backdrop of political tension.
Tags
Adventure · Mystery · Thriller · Psychological Thriller · Literary Fiction · Classic Novel · British Literature · 20th Century Literature · Novel of Ideas · Philosophical Themes · Existentialism · Identity Crisis