The Scapegoat

Synopsis

FROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF REBECCA

'What a magnificent thriller this is' NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW

'She wrote exciting plots . . . a writer of fearless originality' GUARDIAN

'A good original novel, well tinged with nightmare' TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT

'He turned and stared at me and I at him, and I realised, with a strange sense of shock and fear and nausea all combined, that his face and voice were known to me too well. I was looking at myself.'

By chance, two men - one English, the other French - meet in a provincial railway station. Their resemblance is uncanny, and they spend the evening talking and drinking. It is not until John wakes the next morning that he realises his French companion has stolen his identity and disappeared. So John steps into the Frenchman's shoes, and faces a variety of perplexing roles - as owner of a chateau, director of a failing business, head of a fractious family, and master of nothing.

Summary

Chapter 1

The story begins in a small English village where Jonathan Fareham, a timid history professor, leads a quiet life. He encounters a mysterious stranger named John Standing at the local inn. Standing is a renowned scientist whose physical resemblance to Fareham is uncanny.

Example: Fareham is described as "a thin, stooping man" with "a lined face and mournful eyes." Standing, on the other hand, is "a tall, robust fellow" with "a square jaw and piercing gaze."

Chapter 2

Fareham agrees to switch identities with Standing for a week, believing it will provide a refreshing change from his monotonous routine. However, Standing mysteriously disappears, leaving Fareham stranded in his new persona.

Example: Standing hands Fareham his briefcase, which contains a letter that reads, "I am giving you a chance to escape your dull life. Take my place for a week, and when you return you will find that you have a new perspective."

Chapter 3

As Fareham investigates Standing's disappearance, he discovers that the scientist was involved in perilous research on nuclear fusion. Fareham realizes that his own life is now in danger.

Example: Fareham receives an anonymous phone call warning him to stay away from Standing's work.

Chapter 4

Fareham is pursued by secret agents who believe he is Standing. He must outsmart his pursuers while trying to uncover the truth about his newfound identity.

Example: Fareham disguises himself as a waiter at a party where he believes a key meeting is taking place.

Chapter 5

Fareham uncovers a sinister conspiracy involving nuclear weapons and international espionage. He must race against time to prevent a global catastrophe.

Example: Fareham discovers a secret document that reveals a plan to detonate a nuclear bomb in a major city.

Chapter 6

Fareham confronts the mastermind behind the conspiracy and reveals his true identity. He exposes the plot and saves the day, but not without personal sacrifice.

Example: Fareham is shot and wounded in a final showdown, but he manages to apprehend the villain and prevent the nuclear attack.

Epilogue

Fareham returns to his village, forever changed by his extraordinary experience. He has gained a new appreciation for life and a profound understanding of the complexities of the world beyond his quiet existence.

Example: The villagers greet Fareham with newfound respect and admiration, seeing him as a hero who has faced danger with courage and intelligence.