Out of Order Book Club: The Loo Sanction (1974)

This week, I'll be looking at 'The Loo Sanction' by Trevanian. In this episode, I probably say the word 'smut' a little too much, I wonder why a 'spoof of a spoof' can have a contemplative ending and I think the language on the first page is full of pretentious sexual imagery even though it is a death scene. (Let's not consider what that says about me!)

I'd never heard of Trevanian (real name: Rodney William Whitaker) until I picked this book up on a charity bookshelf either this year, which is a huge surprise since he was a very successful author in the 1970s. The first book in this 'series', 'The Eiger Sanction', was even turned into a film by Clint Eastwood, though it's fair to say the author didn't rate it very much.

Content Warning: Keep in mind this is a spoof spy novel from the 70s with a lot the sexual and racial language and attitudes that come from that period. This is discussed in the podcast, but it is worth bearing that in mind before you begin listening.

You can follow Mal on Blue Sky: @outoforderbookclub.bsky.social

Useful links and helpful sources:

Trevanian Website

Trevanian Website: The Loo Sanction

Trevanian Website: The Eiger Sanction

Trevanian Website: Bio

Wikipedia: Trevanian

Far Out Magazine: The Clint Eastwood movie that tragically killed a stuntman