Mr. Denning Drives North (novel)

Mr. Denning Drives North is a 1939 novel by British author Alec Waugh. The story centers around Henry Denning, a successful London publisher haunted by the supposed accidental death of a former business partner and friend, Charles Farrant. Denning believes he may have subconsciously murdered Farrant during a drunken seaside holiday. He undertakes a drive north to Scotland, mirroring the route taken by Farrant prior to his death, in an attempt to confront his guilt, unravel the circumstances surrounding Farrant's demise, and determine if he is a murderer.

The novel explores themes of guilt, paranoia, memory, the psychological impact of trauma, and the nature of truth. As Denning progresses on his journey, he encounters various individuals who offer different perspectives on Farrant and the events leading up to his death, further complicating Denning's already fragile mental state. The narrative structure weaves between Denning's present-day journey and flashbacks to his relationship with Farrant and the fateful weekend.

Mr. Denning Drives North is notable for its suspenseful atmosphere and exploration of the inner turmoil of its protagonist. It was adapted into a film of the same name in 1951, directed by Anthony Kimmins.