1968 The Volcanoes Of San Domingo - Adam Hall(The New English Library)

Book in good clean condition for age. 

*The Volcanoes of San Domingo* is a thriller novel by Adam Hall (a pseudonym of British author Elleston Trevor), first published in 1963. Known for his *Quiller* spy series, Hall’s *The Volcanoes of San Domingo* is an early example of his skill in crafting tense, atmospheric stories, blending elements of adventure, espionage, and suspense.

### Plot Overview:
The story is set in the fictional Central American country of San Domingo, a place marked by political instability, revolution, and natural dangers, symbolized by the volcanoes that dominate its landscape. The protagonist, Harry Martineau, is an ex-mercenary who has been drawn into a dangerous mission. He is tasked with rescuing a kidnapped British diplomat who is being held by a band of revolutionaries in the remote and treacherous volcanic region of San Domingo.

Martineau, world-weary and deeply cynical, is not a conventional hero. His motivations are complex, shaped by his past experiences as a soldier-for-hire, and he reluctantly takes on this mission for personal reasons rather than patriotic duty. As Martineau delves deeper into the world of revolutionaries, corrupt officials, and the unforgiving landscape of the volcanoes, he finds himself in a deadly game of deception and betrayal.

### Key Themes:
1. **Survival and Moral Ambiguity**: One of the key themes in the novel is survival in extreme circumstances, both physically and morally. Martineau, who has lived through the horrors of mercenary life, operates in a morally ambiguous world where clear lines between right and wrong are blurred. His character reflects the complexities of post-colonial Central American politics and the personal toll such conflict takes on individuals.

2. **Political Intrigue and Espionage**: The political instability in San Domingo serves as a backdrop for the larger narrative of intrigue and espionage. Hall’s portrayal of revolutionaries, power struggles, and corrupt governments adds a layer of political depth to the novel, showing the complex relationships between local factions and foreign powers.

3. **Isolation and the Power of Nature**: The setting of San Domingo, with its imposing volcanoes and untamed wilderness, creates a sense of isolation and danger. The natural world is a character in itself, representing the unpredictability and brutality of both the environment and the political situation Martineau finds himself in. The volcanoes symbolize latent violence and destruction, reflecting the tensions simmering beneath the surface of the country’s politics.

4. **Cynicism and Redemption**: Martineau’s cynicism is a key aspect of his character. He has seen too much violence and betrayal to believe in ideals like justice or heroism. However, as the novel progresses, his motivations are challenged, and he is forced to confront his own moral code and capacity for redemption.

### Characters:
- **Harry Martineau**: The protagonist, a former mercenary who is drawn back into action for a personal mission. He is tough, experienced, and pragmatic, but also deeply cynical and haunted by his past.
- **The British Diplomat**: The kidnapped diplomat represents a potential victim of the political chaos in San Domingo, and rescuing him becomes the focal point of the plot.
- **Revolutionaries and Local Characters**: Various revolutionaries, soldiers, and local figures populate the story, each with their own agendas. They represent the political factions at play in the volatile environment of San Domingo.

### Style and Tone:
Adam Hall’s writing is taut and atmospheric, with an emphasis on tension and suspense. His prose captures both the physical dangers of the landscape and the psychological complexity of his characters. The novel is fast-paced, with action sequences balanced by introspective moments that delve into Martineau’s character and motivations. Hall’s ability to create a sense of claustrophobia and danger in the volcanic setting enhances the novel’s tension.

### Reception and Legacy:
*The Volcanoes of San Domingo* was well-received as a solid thriller, showcasing Hall’s talent for creating gripping, atmospheric narratives. While not as well-known as his *Quiller* series, the novel is appreciated for its tight plotting and complex protagonist. It’s a fine example of mid-20th-century adventure fiction, blending political intrigue with action in an exotic and dangerous setting.

In sum, *The Volcanoes of San Domingo* is a thrilling adventure that combines political intrigue, moral complexity, and the dangers of both man and nature. Hall's atmospheric writing and the morally ambiguous character of Martineau make this a compelling and tense read for fans of adventure and espionage fiction.