Exciting chase novel. Two prisoners - MacConnachie and Ansell - escape and they are chased by a helicopter and the Goons. Good stuff - and it was Barry England's first book! ( )

Figures in a Landscape - Barry England *****

I have always been a fan of the action and adventure novel, in particular the type of book where prisoners escape and are tracked whilst fleeing across a difficult terrain. So when having a browse in a second hand book store I came across Figures in a Landscape I decided it was worth a shot. Interestingly Barry England has only ever written two novels, this and No Man’s Land which was published 27 years later.

What is it about?

As far as storylines go, you can’t get much simpler than this. Two prisoners of war (Ansell and MacConnachie) escape from a forced march into the surrounding countryside. Made to keep moving through a desolate and unforgiving terrain they meet danger at every turn. Constantly being tracked and assaulted by air and land troops they are unable to rest or obtain refuge. Each passing hour sees them become more and more fatigued and sooner or later they must either stand and fight or surrender. Mistakes begin to happen as small cracks appear in their strength and logic. As much a tale of friendship and trust we follow the duo through each painstaking footstep where either ones mistake could spell the ultimate disaster.

What did I like?

England is a writer that isn’t afraid to pull any punches and when the action arrives it is fast and extremely graphic with no words wasted, and yet these passages are intermixed with brilliant descriptions of the surrounding lands. There is no background information and we are never made aware of the reasons for the conflict or nationalities of those involved, for me this keeps the reader focussed on the here and now and you really do feel as if you are part of the escaped duo. I found myself willing them on to survive against the ever increasing odds of capture, and struggled to put the book to one side. It really makes you stop and think if your own survival instinct could ever be as strong

What didn’t I like?

The only real thing that I found annoying (and this is a small whinge) was that it was quite difficult to judge the distances that were travelled throughout the novel. Occasionally it seemed a little inconceivable that they were overlooked or not apprehended and maybe if a map was included showing the areas described it would have added to the reading experience.

Would I recommend?

For anyone that enjoys these type of stories then yes, my only regret is that England really doesn’t have much of a back catalogue, if he had I am sure I would have ordered the lot and be working my way through it. It was also nominated for the booker prize, shame it wasn’t successful, it may have catapulted the author into the limelight and fuelled his creativity. ( )

"Figures in a Landscape", by Barry England, is a great book you won't want to put down. An appropriate title for England's story about two POWs that escape captivity. This is the story of their escape over a grueling 11-day period as they are relentlessly pursued, their main nemesis being an astute helicoper pilot that anticipates their every thought and movement. England creates a vivid landscape in our minds as he describes the tactics and maneuvers of the POWs and their pursuers over a harsh terrain. Two lone figures' courage and struggle to overcome insurmountable odds. ( )