Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Synopsis
The Flying Inn is a novel by G. K. Chesterton, first published in 1914. It is set in a future England where the Temperance movement has allowed a bizarre form of "Progressive" Islam to dominate the political and social life of the country. Because of this, alcohol sales to the poor are effectively prohibited, while the rich can get alcoholic drinks "under a medical certificate". The plot centres on the adventures of Humphrey Pumph (see also Humphrey Pump) and Captain Patrick Dalroy, who roam the country in their cart with a barrel of rum in an attempt to evade Prohibition, exploiting loopholes in the law to temporarily prevent the police taking action against them. Eventually the heroes and their followers foil an attempted coup by an Islamic military force.
Is The Flying Inn appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 16 and up.
This 1914 satirical fantasy contains dated political commentary with Islamophobic elements and stereotypes that reflect the prejudices of its era. The adventure plot involves mild action violence (foiling a coup) but no graphic content.
What to know going in
This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include islamophobia, racism, and political violence.
Who'll love this
Readers who enjoy quirky adventures with social satire and historical British humor will find this road-trip rebellion story engaging.