Book Review Of Post Haste

Post Haste

Post Haste is a tale of the British postal system in the nineteenth century. The reader follows the main character, a post boy by the name of Phillip Mayland, through the intricacies of London and the English postal system. Ballantyne weaves an intriguing tale of deception, friendship, adventure, and good triumphing over evil through the narrow lanes of London, giving a wonderful overview of what life was like in that great bustling city.

A birds-eye view is given of the various complexities of the postal system in an interesting and humorous way, not at all like a textbook. In addition, the reader learns of the dangers of strong drink and the saving power of the gospel. Ballantyne thoroughly researched every facet of the postal system so that many of the "fictional" occurrences throughout the book are actually based upon real-life events.

All of Ballantyne's stories have a strong Christian emphasis, and Post Haste is no different. He gives a good look at what the job of a "city" missionary was, and the benefit such a one could be to the besotted inhabitants of London's dreary lanes. I recommend this book to any reader who enjoys a great story.