The Profiteers By: Edward Phillips Oppenheim (1866-1946)
In Edward Phillips Oppenheim's novel, The Profiteers, readers are taken on a thrilling journey filled with suspense, greed, and betrayal. This captivating story emerges in a post-World War I era, where the lines between loyalty and deception blur, highlighting the darker side of human nature. Oppenheim's writing is exceptional, characterized by its clarity and effortless flow. From the very first page, readers are drawn into a complex web of intrigue and chicanery. The author's attention to detail, both in terms of setting and character development, adds an exquisite layer of authenticity to the narrative, immersing readers in a bygone era. The central character of the story, Antony Ratcliffe, is brilliantly crafted. As a successful businessman and war veteran, Ratcliffe embodies a duality that fuels the tension throughout the novel. His ambition clashes with the moral dilemmas he faces, creating a fascinating internal struggle. Oppenheim expertly navigates the complexities of Ratcliffe's character, capturing his internal conflicts with nuance and depth. The plot unfolds at a rapid pace, leaving readers on the edge of their seats as unexpected twists and turns keep them guessing. Oppenheim deftly intertwines personal vendettas, international politics, and high-stakes business dealings, creating a potent concoction of suspense. The clandestine world of profiteering that the author unveils feels all too real, exposing the corrupt underbelly of a society still reeling from the aftermath of war. One of the standout aspects of The Profiteers is its exploration of the moral ambiguities that arise in times of upheaval. Oppenheim delves into the moral compromises made by individuals driven by desperation, shedding light on the often-questionable actions taken to secure one's own survival or success. This deeper exploration of human nature enhances the narrative's impact, making it more than just a thrilling tale. The only minor criticism would be the occasional predictability of certain plot twists. While many surprising turns keep readers engaged, there are moments when the outcome feels somewhat anticipated. Nonetheless, this does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the story. In conclusion, The Profiteers is a gripping novel that delves into the moral complexities of post-war society. Oppenheim's skilled storytelling and well-rounded characters make for an enthralling read that will captivate both fans of historical fiction and lovers of suspense. With its vivid depiction of a tumultuous era and its exploration of the human psyche, this book is likely to linger in readers' minds long after turning the final page. First Page: THE PROFITEERS BY E. PHILLIPS OPPENHEIM 1921 CHAPTER I The Marchioness of Amesbury was giving a garden party in the spacious but somewhat urban grounds of her mansion in Kensington. Perhaps because it was the first affair of its sort of the season, and perhaps, also, because Cecilia Amesbury had the knack of making friends in every walk of life, it was remarkably well attended. Two stockbrokers, Roger Kendrick and his friend Maurice White, who had escaped from the City a little earlier than usual, and had shared a taxicab up west, congratulated themselves upon having found a quiet and shady seat where iced drinks were procurable and the crush was not so great. "Anything doing in your market to day?" Kendrick asked his younger associate. White made a little grimace. "B. & I., B. & I., all the time," he grumbled. "I'm sick of the name of the damned things. And to tell you the truth, Ken, when a client asks for my advice about them, I don't know what to say." Kendrick contemplated the tips of his patent boots. He was a well looking, well turned out and well to do representative of the occupation which he, his father and grandfather had followed, ten years older, perhaps, than his companion, but remarkably well preserved. He had made money and kept it. "They say that Rockefeller's at the back of them," he remarked... Continue reading book >>

The Profiteers By: Edward Phillips Oppenheim (1866-1946)

In Edward Phillips Oppenheim's novel, The Profiteers, readers are taken on a thrilling journey filled with suspense, greed, and betrayal. This captivating story emerges in a post-World War I era, where the lines between loyalty and deception blur, highlighting the darker side of human nature.

Oppenheim's writing is exceptional, characterized by its clarity and effortless flow. From the very first page, readers are drawn into a complex web of intrigue and chicanery. The author's attention to detail, both in terms of setting and character development, adds an exquisite layer of authenticity to the narrative, immersing readers in a bygone era.

The central character of the story, Antony Ratcliffe, is brilliantly crafted. As a successful businessman and war veteran, Ratcliffe embodies a duality that fuels the tension throughout the novel. His ambition clashes with the moral dilemmas he faces, creating a fascinating internal struggle. Oppenheim expertly navigates the complexities of Ratcliffe's character, capturing his internal conflicts with nuance and depth.

The plot unfolds at a rapid pace, leaving readers on the edge of their seats as unexpected twists and turns keep them guessing. Oppenheim deftly intertwines personal vendettas, international politics, and high-stakes business dealings, creating a potent concoction of suspense. The clandestine world of profiteering that the author unveils feels all too real, exposing the corrupt underbelly of a society still reeling from the aftermath of war.

One of the standout aspects of The Profiteers is its exploration of the moral ambiguities that arise in times of upheaval. Oppenheim delves into the moral compromises made by individuals driven by desperation, shedding light on the often-questionable actions taken to secure one's own survival or success. This deeper exploration of human nature enhances the narrative's impact, making it more than just a thrilling tale.

The only minor criticism would be the occasional predictability of certain plot twists. While many surprising turns keep readers engaged, there are moments when the outcome feels somewhat anticipated. Nonetheless, this does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the story.

In conclusion, The Profiteers is a gripping novel that delves into the moral complexities of post-war society. Oppenheim's skilled storytelling and well-rounded characters make for an enthralling read that will captivate both fans of historical fiction and lovers of suspense. With its vivid depiction of a tumultuous era and its exploration of the human psyche, this book is likely to linger in readers' minds long after turning the final page.

First Page:

THE PROFITEERS

BY E. PHILLIPS OPPENHEIM

1921

CHAPTER I

The Marchioness of Amesbury was giving a garden party in the spacious but somewhat urban grounds of her mansion in Kensington. Perhaps because it was the first affair of its sort of the season, and perhaps, also, because Cecilia Amesbury had the knack of making friends in every walk of life, it was remarkably well attended. Two stockbrokers, Roger Kendrick and his friend Maurice White, who had escaped from the City a little earlier than usual, and had shared a taxicab up west, congratulated themselves upon having found a quiet and shady seat where iced drinks were procurable and the crush was not so great.

"Anything doing in your market to day?" Kendrick asked his younger associate.

White made a little grimace.

"B. & I., B. & I., all the time," he grumbled. "I'm sick of the name of the damned things. And to tell you the truth, Ken, when a client asks for my advice about them, I don't know what to say."

Kendrick contemplated the tips of his patent boots. He was a well looking, well turned out and well to do representative of the occupation which he, his father and grandfather had followed, ten years older, perhaps, than his companion, but remarkably well preserved. He had made money and kept it.

"They say that Rockefeller's at the back of them," he remarked... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Literature
Mystery

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Wikipedia – Edward Phillips Oppenheim
Wikipedia – The Profiteers

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